Genuine leather shoes: the friend we need to take proper care of

It is said about shoes that they are the calling card of any lady or young lady. Of course, gentlemen should also pay special attention to this type of accessory. Treat them as a reflection of your personality.

Lately, there has been an increase in the number of people who prefer to adopt a modern style of accessorizing. How is this achieved? Certainly by purchasing genuine leather shoes, of different types and for different occasions. Made of 100% genuine leather, they will not deteriorate as easily as textile materials or imitations. However, in order to be able to enjoy our shoes for a longer period of time, we must pay special attention to their care.

How do we maintain natural leather shoes?

An incorrect technique for cleaning leather accelerates its degradation process and, implicitly, the breakage of the material. In the absence of a maintenance process, the accumulated dirt cracks the material, irreparably. You will definitely want to avoid this.

Special care products for leather shoes should not be neglected. The agents that form the basis of their formula act deep into the material. In addition, they provide them with long-lasting work and a longer lifespan.

Soap and water

But household products that you probably have in your home should not be neglected either. Soap and water, white vinegar and baking soda are silent but ever-present friends that help you prevent the wear and tear of leather shoes. At first glance, it may seem like a joke, but it is not. Soap and water are two of the most common cleaning products. These two agents easily remove stains from the surface of the leather material. It is important that before cleaning the shoes, remove the laces (if any) and wash them separately. Use a special shoe brush to remove all residues impregnated in the material. Using the brush or a damp cloth soaked in water and soap, brush the shoes. Carefully apply light pressure so as not to damage the material. After removing all the stains, wipe the shoes with a cotton cloth and use a cream. With its help, you ensure the shine of the shoe. Another solution is to spray the shoe with a leather protective spray, which will ensure the comfort and delicacy of the material.

When using soap and leaving it on your shoe, do not exceed the 20-minute limit. Exposing your shoe to the soap's high pH causes damage to the leather structure.

White vinegar

White vinegar is another cleaning agent for genuine leather shoes, recommended by specialists. It is advisable to use it during the winter, when the shoes turn white due to the snow. Before using the vinegar, remove the dirt with a damp cloth. Then, add a tablespoon of vinegar to a bowl of water and brush the shoes with the resulting solution. This trick favors the maintenance of footwear during the cold season.

Sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda is the right agent to remove stubborn oil or grease stains. In these cases, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the shoe. Leave it to act on it for 12 hours. Remove the baking soda with a soft cloth, and we invite you to tell us about the result in the comments.

Things to avoid for long-lasting durability of genuine leather shoes

Experts also recommend a few things we shouldn't do to extend the life of our favorite shoes. So, be very careful to avoid the following mistakes that frequently occur in our attempt to care for our shoes.

Don't wait too long to clean your shoes. Dried mud stains are much harder to clean than fresh ones. To remove dried dirt, you will need to brush your shoes more vigorously. Over time, this will cause the material to deteriorate, which is what we want to avoid. The same is true for dust and grease. Shoes should be cleaned immediately after they become dirty.

Do not use leather conditioner in place of cleaning products. It is designed to maintain the elasticity of the leather and prevent unsightly cracks. Conditioner contains high levels of oil, which increases the damage to the material the shoes are made of.

Do not wash leather shoes in the washing machine, even if the machine has a special shoe program. This program is intended for textile shoes. Subjecting leather shoes to such a process can cause them to tear or irreparably damage the fabric.

For more suggestions and questions, we invite you to ask us in the comments section.