How to Properly Clean Leather Shoes to Keep Them Last Longer?

Use these easy steps to regularly clean leather shoes. Additionally, learn how to remove tough stains, scuff marks, and more.

If given the appropriate attention and care, high-quality leather shoes can last a lifetime. In order to avoid cracks and maintain its waterproof qualities, leather must be regularly cleaned and nourished because it is, after all, skin.

We’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of cleaning your most priceless leather shoes in this post. If you follow this advice, you won’t lose your cool when your leather starts to look shabby. And here is the right way to clean your leather boots.

How to Clean Leather Shoes?

Due to its strength, resistance to the elements, and aesthetic appeal, leather is used in footwear. Leather can be cleaned to maintain its quality and extend its lifespan.

Once you know how to properly clean leather shoes, you’ll be able to take care of the majority of leather shoes and trainers you’re likely to buy in your lifetime. You can extend their usefulness by keeping them sharper.

Let’s get started! And here are ways to Get Scratches Out of Leather.

Remove the Laces

Before you do anything else, unlace the shoe because you want to be working on a leather-only surface. If the laces are soiled, you can wash them in the washing machine or buy a fresh set.

Clean Excess Dirt and Debris

When the leather is covered in mud, you can’t just start rubbing treatments into it. Any dirt on the shoes that will rub off when touched should be removed with a soft cloth or brush. At this point, the cloth doesn’t need to be completely drenched.

Apply Soap

Warm water and dish detergent should be the first cleaning solution you use to clean the leather. Wipe off as much dirt from the leather as you can after soaking your cloth in this solution and wringing it out to prevent leaks. It is simpler to work with and easier to remove stains and scuff marks when the water is warm.

Wipe Away the Soap Water

Wipe away the soap solution with an entirely clean cloth. If it’s more effective, dampen the clean cloth. Dry the leather gently with a clean towel after all of the soap has been removed.

Apply Conditioner to the Leather

Leather conditioner serves two important purposes. It first aids in shielding the surface from fresh stains. Second, the conditioner gives the leather the strength it once had and adds shine to make it appear new. You can either make your own leather conditioner or purchase it commercially from a shoe store or some supermarkets.

1 part vinegar to 2 parts linseed oil is the ratio for a homemade leather conditioner. Before giving the leather a thorough buffing with a soft cloth, apply this treatment to the surface and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Once the leather is extremely shiny, you’ll know it’s finished.

Allow the Leather to Dry Naturally

Then, you should leave your boots or shoes in a room with good ventilation and a cool environment. Avoid the temptation to use any kind of machinery to dry them or to expose them to direct sunlight because doing so could cause serious color damage and even cracking.

How to Remove Stains from Leather Shoes?

Stains do occur, but your favorite pair of shoes don’t have to be destroyed by them. Use the following advice to clean stains.

• Grease or Oil: Cornstarch or baking soda can be applied here. Apply a damp cloth and gently rub it in. Allow sitting for a few hours or the entire night. Oil will be absorbed by the starch or soda. Take a soft cloth and remove the powder.
• Ink: To remove the ink stain, lightly blot it with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Rubbing might cause the ink to spread. Gently blot the stain until it disappears. Clean, dampen a cloth, and wipe. Then, pat it dry with a towel.
• Scuffs: To clean leather, use toothpaste. Give the scuffed area a dab of the non-gel variety. Apply gentle rubbing.
• Other Stains: Create a paste by combining equal parts of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply to the stain and leave on for thirty minutes. To get rid of the paste, use a wet cloth. Use only on light-colored leather because cream of tartar and lemon juice has a slight bleaching effect.

More Maintaining Tips

Both of the YouTube channels Kirby Allison’s Hanger Project and The Elegant Oxford are my top picks for learning about shoe care. The former teaches more advanced methods, while the latter is a great starting point.

Wear different leather shoes on different days, and if you can, alternate them evenly. Due to the moisture they absorb, leather shoes require time to dry out. Your shoes will last much longer if you allow them to breathe for just one day while inserting a pair of shoe trees.

After wearing your shoes, it’s a good idea to quickly and lightly brush them off with the horsehair shoe brush. It really depends on how frequently you wear them and the conditions you subject them to when it comes to how often you should clean them with a conditioner. A good starting point is once per month.

Here are more tups on clean leather products:

• How to Clean a Leather Jacket to Keep It Looking Good?
• How to Clean a Leather Purse?

Bottom Line: Clean Leather Shoes

That’s it! These are our quick step-by-step guides for the best ways to clean dirty leather and remove common stains.

Your footwear will look good and last for years if you know how to properly clean your leather shoes and boots. Leather has the best chance of remaining in excellent condition for a very long time if you take better care of it.

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