How to Clean a Pair of Leather Shoes
The first step to cleaning a pair of leather shoes is to remove the laces. To do this, use a hair dryer and thick socks. A leather cream polish can also be used. You can also use whitening toothpaste to remove scuff marks. Once the shoes are dry, you can use a polishing cream to restore their luster.
Remove laces before cleaning leather shoes
Leather shoes are more easily cleaned by removing the laces and using a small shoe brush to remove any dirt. Make sure to scrub the entire shaft of the lace rather than just the tips. Use a mild soap and water solution and make sure to rinse well. The laces should not be immersed in a soap solution for too long, as this can affect the tan of the leather. Then, dry them on newspaper or drop cloth. Afterward, apply some natural oil to protect the laces.
When cleaning leather shoes, remove the laces and clean the uppers. Remember to replace frayed or waxed laces if necessary. Also, clean the laces thoroughly, as oil drips from them can stain many surfaces. After cleaning, allow them to dry completely. If the laces aren’t completely dry, they can damage the upper of the shoes.
Using a hairdryer and thick socks
If you have a tight pair of leather shoes, you may need to use a hairdryer to loosen them up. However, you should avoid overheating them by not using it on natural materials, such as leather. Instead, use the hairdryer on the toe box and the bridge of the foot to soften the leather.
When using a hairdryer, remember to put on thick socks to prevent any discomfort. Thick socks will help the leather stretch and make it more comfortable. Depending on the type of leather, you may be able to stretch the shoe a little to get it back to its original shape.
You can also use a hairdryer to warm up the boots, but be sure to wear thick socks. The hot air can damage the leather. Another way to warm up the leather boots is to use a frozen sandwich bag. Make sure the sandwich bag is sealed so the water cannot get into the shoes. The frozen water will expand and stretch the leather.
Using a leather cream polish
You can clean leather shoes by using a leather cream polish, but you have to use it carefully. You need to apply the cream on the shoe’s leather first, and then let it dry. Once it’s dry, you can apply a second coat if you need to. This step will prolong the life of your leather shoes, and prevent cracks.
Use a soft brush to apply the cream to the shoe. Choose one that matches the color of the shoe and is slightly darker than it. Light colors tend to show creases and wear marks, so a darker shade will prevent this from happening. Apply the cream in broad strokes, using circular motions. Make sure to get into the creases and areas between the sole and upper leather.
Using whitening toothpaste to remove scuff marks
If you’re looking for a simple way to remove scuff marks on your leather shoes, you should try using a non-gel toothpaste. The abrasions of the toothpaste will remove the dirt and discoloration. However, you should be careful not to overdo it or damage your shoes. It’s also best not to use toothpaste on patent leather, since it might damage them.
While toothpaste can be a great way to remove stains, you should try using it on a small portion first. It’s important to test the toothpaste on a small part of the shoe before applying it on the entire surface.
