How to Keep Leather Shoes Shining
Leather shoes are among the best kinds of formal shoes on the market today and keeping them in peak, the clean condition will not only make you look better, but it will also help your shoes last as well.
Your personal dress shoes deserve some proper care and it is always unfortunate to see a pair of good leather shoes go to waste because they were never cleaned. So take off those laces and spend a little quality time with your formal shoes for a bit.
In this article, we will go through all the basics of cleaning your leather and suede shoes. Plus, we’ll give you a few extra tips on how to store them so you can keep them shining and durable for years to come.
Cleaning your leather shoes
Most would say that cleaning your shoes, whether they’re leather, suede, formal elevator shoes, or height increasing shoes, is the most important part of caring for your shoes. For the most part, you just have to be wary of where you’re walking but, of course, there’s more to it than just that.
- Brush off any dirt and grime with a thin brush
- If there is a finish, use a slightly wet cloth and mild soap and tidy up the surface
- If there is no finish saddle soap should be used instead
- For any salt or water stains, use a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water to wipe up the stains
- Let dry naturally
You should not use a sponge to clean leather because other chemicals could seep out and cause much worse problems for your leather shoes. Also, it is especially important to let the shoes dry naturally when using saddle soap so it can properly clean the shoes.
Leather shoes are a lot like cars in their own way because the work you put into them will certainly reflect on how long they last and how nice they look. Not to mention, much like a nice car, nice formal elevator shoes will get you some envious looks.
Conditioning your leather shoes
Different types of leather shoes’ styles all need regular treatment with some high-quality wax polish that protects the material and gives a nice shine. Not only that, but it will also help the shoe last longer even through heavy usage.
Make sure the shoes are dry before you start applying any wax and do your best to not use liquid polishes that could possibly damage some leather shoes’ surfaces. Sometimes, these polishes will make a lacquer that is generally difficult to get rid of.
When applying the wax don’t be afraid to get into every tiny nook and cranny in the shoe, it can take time but it is well worth it in the long run.
Once you’ve finished the waxing process, put on some protector or conditioner. This could be a spray or a resin, which you will likely find one or the other when looking for these leather conditioners.
Finally, let the shoes dry off for a while and they will look as good as new if not better. It’s recommended you do this process every month or so and after you walk through any inclement weather in your shoes.
Cleaning your suede shoes
Suede shoes have a similar look to leather shoes but are stylish in their own way and go great with soft flannels and casual winter-wear. However, the colder months can bring in some rough conditions for suede and leather shoes in Australia, so it is important to remember how to clean them after some use.
If you discover some buildup on your suede shoes:
- Use a soft rubber brush with some suede cleaner to rub off dirt buildup without damaging the material
- For grease stains, dab it with some paper towels, put a small amount of talcum or baking powder onto it and lightly brush the next morning.
If you find dirt buildup that is really not coming off, one trick is to steam clean the suede using a tea kettle. Then, gently rub it with a suede brush and wipe it down using a soft cloth.
Of course, if possible, try to keep your suede shoes away from messy conditions and save them for the formal gatherings inside. However, things do happen from time to time, so be sure to follow the tips above if you get a stain on your shoes.
Storing Your Leather Shoes
You may think this is a bit much in how to take care of leather shoes but storing them properly makes a huge difference in how long they can last. For example, if your leather shoes get wet, you should stuff them with newspaper and store them in a dry area so they maintain form.
Using shoe trees to store your shoes is also a great idea to maintain the style and longevity for them. A good-quality cedar shoe tree is the best thing to use because they have antibacterial properties and give your shoes a nice, natural fragrance. Plus, they absorb moisture as well.
It is also strongly advised that leather shoes be stored in the open air but away from sunlight. The sunlight can dry out the shoes quickly and their structural integrity will take a huge downturn the next time you wear them.
The Wrap-Up
Caring for leather shoes can be a task but it is well worth it to maintain the natural style that they exemplify so well. A great choice for almost any formal occasion, these shoes deserve the care that their wearers put into them.
Be sure to follow the steps for cleaning and conditioning your shoes closely and remember that you should devote some time to cleaning leather shoes at least once a month if you wear them frequently.
Plus, if you store them properly, leather elevator shoes can last you many years and keep you looking sleek and professional for a relatively small time investment.
