Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Cleaning leather shoes
• Method 2 of 4: Polish your shoes
• Method 3 of 4: Weatherproof snow and ice
• Method 4 of 4: Maintain and store leather shoes
• Tips

You love your leather shoes and of course you want to keep them nice and shiny for years to come. To keep your shoes looking their best, you need to clean them regularly, especially in bad weather such as snow and frost. Treat them about every month to moisturize the leather and then polish to give them a nice shine. You can also make them waterproof, although many modern shoes already have a protective coating. Keep them properly when you put them away so that they always look pristine.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Cleaning leather shoes

1. Remove the dirt with a soft cloth. Wipe off as much dirt and grime as possible with a clean, dry cloth. For example, scrape off any loose mud and wipe off any excess salt.
2. Apply a cleanser with a soft brush. If the cleaner has an applicator, use this to rub the agent into the shoes. If it doesn't come with an applicator, you can use a soft brush or cloth to rub it in. Gently make circles with the brush or cloth. Use a little water when applying saddle soap or something similar.
   • Saddle soap, or any smooth leather cleaner, works well on unfinished or finished leather. Smooth leather refers to any leather that has no texture. For example, suede is a type of leather with texture and is therefore not considered "smooth".
   • With finished leather you can use almost any mild soap, such as a mild detergent.
   • Do not use sponges as they contain chemicals that can damage the leather.
3. Treat salt stains with water and vinegar. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Rub this mixture gently with a soft cloth or brush on the salt stains. Continue adding the mixture to your shoes to remove the stain.
   • Salt stains leave white marks on your shoes.
   • This method also removes the accumulated wax from your shoes.
4. Let your shoes air dry at room temperature. Allow your shoes to dry thoroughly before applying cleaner, maintenance cream, or any weather-resistant coating. However, do not use heat as this can damage the leather.
   • Leave them on for about 15 minutes, although it is better to do this overnight.

Method 2 of 4: Polish your shoes

1. Remove the shoelaces. Leaving the laces in may prevent the wax or maintenance cream from spreading evenly throughout the shoe. If your shoes have laces, carefully remove them from the rings one at a time until you separate them from the shoes.
2. Treat your shoes at least every 25 wearings. Treating them moisturizes the leather. As it dries out, it can crack which in turn leads to damage to the shoes. Use a clean cloth to rub in the treatment cream in circular movements. Remove any excess after treating the entire shoe.
   • If you live in a place where the weather is rather bad, for example during icy winters and salt-strewn sidewalks, or somewhere with a very dry climate, you should treat your shoes after wearing them 5 to 10 times. In a less bad climate you can do this after wearing it 15 to 25 times.
3. Apply shoe polish to your shoes monthly for protection. Using circular motions, apply light pressure to apply small amounts of polish to the shoe. A soft cloth or horsehair brush is fine for this job. Continue to apply the shoe polish until you have covered the entire shoe. Wipe off the excess.
   • A shoe polish made of wax offers more protection for your shoes.
   • Match the color of the shoe polish to the color of your shoes. When you think you've got the right color, apply a little shoe polish to an invisible spot to see if it matches.
4. Use water for shiny shoes. For a shiny shine, you can wrap a cloth tightly around your fingers and add a little water. Rub it over an area of ​​your shoe that will cause the wax to harden. Keep rubbing until it shines and continue with the rest of the shoe.
   • Normally, a brush lasts about a week.

Method 3 of 4: Weatherproof snow and ice

1. Use a beeswax product to thoroughly weatherproof the shoes. Weather-resistant products with beeswax provide a good seal against weather influences. Apply the product to the shoe with a clean cloth or brush and rub it in with small circular movements. Wipe off the excess wax and let the shoes dry.
   • Apply these products once per season.
   • Some products come with an applicator that you can use to apply the beeswax product to the shoe.
2. For an inexpensive option, use regular beeswax. Melt regular wax in an electric melting pan and apply it to the boot with a brush. This will leave a thick and unsightly layer as it dries quickly, but using a heat gun or a hair dryer will melt the layer again. Use a heat gun or a hair dryer to melt the wax on the boot and rub it in with a brush.
   • Beeswax was an everyday waterproof material before modern waterproof pastes were made.
   • Apply the wax about once per season.
3. Use a spray product for a nicer weather-resistant finish. Spray products don't leave as thick a layer as beeswax products - so choose these for a nicer finish. Hold the spray shoe polish about 6 to 8 inches from the shoe. Spray the product in a stable and even layer. Let the product dry before putting on the shoes.
   • These products are not as waterproof or don't last as long as beeswax products, so you have to apply them several times during the season.
4. Put on overshoes to protect your leather shoes in wet weather. If you're worried about your expensive leather shoes, it's best to put on overshoes, especially if you live in a rainy climate where you have to walk a lot. Most of the moisture and salt is thus avoided.
   • Overshoes are available in many shapes and styles.You will certainly be able to find a pair that will complement your sense of fashion and look.

Method 4 of 4: Maintain and store leather shoes

1. Leave your shoes on if you are not wearing them. Leather is a material that absorbs moisture from sources such as rain, sweat and dew. Leaving your shoes in between wear gives them time to dry.
   • Alternate two pairs of leather shoes if you prefer to wear leather every day.
2. Place shoe trees in the shoes when you are not wearing them. Leather can lose its shape when not supported, especially when completely wet. The shoe tree removes some of the moisture and at the same time maintains the shape of the shoe.
   • Shoe trees are inserts in the shape of a foot. Choose unfinished cedar inserts to drain the water, as plastic cannot absorb moisture.
   • Instead of a shoe tree, you can use pent-up newspaper to soak up the moisture, but it won't hold the shape very well.
   EXPERT TIP

   Polish or have a professional polish your shoes before putting them away. If you plan to store your shoes during the summer, clean them first. Otherwise, the stains will set in and be almost impossible to remove when you take the shoes out of the storage place.

   • Have them cleaned by a professional to make sure they are really clean.
3. Keep your shoes in breathable fabric. The leather needs air to get rid of any moisture itself. If you put them in a plastic bag, the moisture will remain sealed inside. Instead, choose something breathable such as a cloth bag.
   • Most shoe boxes do not provide enough fresh air to keep the leather dry, so it is better not to store your shoes in them.

Tips

• Do not wear your leather shoes on very wet days to prevent them from getting soaked.
• Many of these tips also apply to used leather shoes. With a little work, you can have a nice pair of leather shoes and no one will notice that they come from a second-hand store.
• If your leather shoes start to smell, you can safely remove the odor by using black tea bags or a combination of vinegar and baking soda.