How to clean leather shoes” is a popular question answered by countless opinions that can be difficult to navigate. Legion believes that while leather is a flexible material that gets better with age, you should still take good care of it. When it comes to cleaning leather shoes, we like to keep it simple and affordable. Luckily, the durable material isn’t as necessary, and the cleaning process is simple.
SIDE WITHOUT SIDE
Before cleaning leather shoes, remove the laces to avoid polishing or cleaning products. If your tapes need a freshen up, send them to the washing machine in a mesh bag.
DIRTY GENERAL
The question “clean leather shoes” is easier to answer when it comes to everyday, dirty stains. Start by using a soft shoe brush to remove excess dirt as you deal with the general dirt buildup. Brush the shoes in a circular motion, applying enough pressure to remove dried-on dirt. Be careful with the pressure of brushing, as too much force against the grain can damage the leather.
Gently scrub your leather shoes with a clean, damp cloth and mild soap (or a special leather cleaner). Again, remember to work in a circular motion that goes with the grain of the skin and not against it. Remove any soap residue and moisture with another clean damp cloth. Let your shoes dry in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
SALT LABELS
For slightly more specific stains you need to put in a little more effort. If you’re treating salt stains on leather shoes, make a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Dab a clean cloth on the mixture (don’t over-saturate it) and gently scrub the affected areas. Wipe off the excess vinegar-water mixture with a clean, damp cloth and allow the shoes to dry.
OIL AND MONEY LABELS
“How to clean leather shoes” is often asked when oil or grease stains occur. These slightly more stubborn stains can be removed easier than you might think. Just sprinkle a little talcum powder on the affected areas and let the grease absorb for about 3 hours. Then you can gently wipe the dust off with a dry cloth and your stain should be gone! Cornstarch can be used as an alternative to talcum powder, but it takes longer to be absorbed by the fat.
BIG NO-NO
The skin is particularly sensitive to some products, despite nature’s durable materials. When cleaning leather shoes, do not use products containing ammonia or bleach. Such chemicals can discolor the leather and cause permanent damage. You should also be careful about how much water you apply to your skin, as too much moisture can cause blemishes. Finally, remember that natural leather can get dry from too much sunlight or heating.
ON THE ROAD
Perhaps your Legion skins are backpacking, business meetings, general adventure buddies and you need a quick fix. How do you clean your leather shoes when you’re out and about, you ask? In these cases, you’ll want to use baby wipes to wet your shoes while you’re on the go. Wet wipes contain chemicals that are safe to use on the skin and provide moisture to the skin!
