How to care for leather shoes

In order for the shoes to serve you more than one season, you need to take care of it. Otherwise, leather boots bought in the fall will become unusable by the end of spring, given the capricious humid climate, temperature extremes and the heavy load on shoes in big cities. Shoe leather also ages, experiences stress and is affected by adverse conditions. Like human skin, it needs to be cleansed, moisturized and nourished. For shoes, there are a range of means by which the life of your favorite boots or boots is extended for several seasons.

Genuine leather: what are its features

Genuine leather is a solid and durable material, ideal for making shoes. Mostly skins of cows and pigs are used, but in exclusive things you can see the skin of a crocodile, ostrich and even stingray. Shoes for everyday wear are made of wear-resistant materials. It is resistant to moisture and light, easy to clean, not too demanding on care products.

In the manufacture of shoes, not only leather is used, but the top must be natural. Depending on the type and method of finishing, the same raw material can have different final materials. These include the following types of leathers:

1. Chevro. This is a processed goat skin, which has a small pattern, soft and elastic, but strong enough. It is used for the production of demi-season shoes, sandals and children's shoes. Chevro is not suitable for winter and autumn shoes, because the surface is not resistant to abrasion, moisture and temperature changes.
2. Bearing. This is the skin of dairy calves up to 6 months old, which feed exclusively on breast milk. Their skin combines incredible tenderness, lack of pattern and a durable top coat. Expensive boots, ankle boots and boots are made from opoeka.
3. Yalovka. This is the skin of an adult cattle. It has a rigid structure, rather rough and inelastic. From it make straps and stripes in sandals or boots.
4. Suede leather. This is the tanned skin of a calf, goat or deer. It has a delicate velvety surface. The manufacturing technology of suede is very complex, so natural material is considered one of the most expensive.
5. Velours. This is a fleecy skin, treated in a special way in order to conceal small flaws. Velor quickly gets wet, attracts dust, so they try not to make shoes out of it, only decorative elements.
6. Nubuck. It is similar in texture to velor, but has a shorter pile. Nubuck is not so wet, it has beautiful skin tones, its surface is soft and fleecy. Stylish shoes are made from it.
7. Patent leather. This is a split leather or chevro coated with a layer of polyurethane varnish. The surface becomes glossy and shiny. It is used to make stylish model shoes. It quickly gets wet and becomes covered with white matte spots when moisture gets in. It can not be worn in heat and frost.
8. Yuft. It is the skin of a calf, goat or pig, impregnated with fat and oiled with tar. It becomes waterproof, so shoes and boots are made of it. It is durable and durable.

How to wash leather shoes

Shoes need to be washed to remove the reagents that sprinkle on the street and dried dirt. If the shoe cover is sensitive to moisture (suede, nubuck, velor), then only heels and soles are washed. To do this, warm water is poured into the bucket, and above it, with a brush, remove dirt from the sole. Never use hot water! From it, the skin will crack and fade.The top surface is treated with special cleaners. The market has a large number of gels and foams for cleaning shoes from leather of various types.

1. Twist Casual Care Cleansing Foam incorporates golden amber microparticles that care for your skin. Dirt is removed carefully and efficiently, including ingested dust. The product is sprayed onto the surface of the shoe, left for 1 minute and removed with a brush or a hard surface of the sponge. For suede, nubuck or velor a rubber brush is used. Smooth skin acquires incredible gloss and radiance. The advantage of Twist Casual Care is that it is used for the insoles and the inside of the shoe. It removes dirt, sweat and odors.
2. Aldo shoe polish has a built-in small brush that can reach the most inaccessible places. Suitable for both suede and leather. The components of the product dissolve the reagents and salts without damaging the structure of the material.
3. Kiwi shoe polish has a soft and delicate composition. Designed specifically for suede shoes and nubuck. The color of the shoe becomes brighter, the skin is impregnated with a substance that repels grease and dirt well. During the rain and slush, your shoes are not at risk due to the components of Kiwi.

After cleaning, shoes should be wiped with a soft, natural cloth, such as a flannel. It will remove excess cleaning agent and polish the surface.

How to dry shoes

The most effective and safe drying method is to use a regular newspaper as a filler. Crumple several newspapers, cram them tightly inside wet shoes and periodically change until the newspapers are dry.

ATTENTION! Do not dry your shoes on the battery or on the stove (near the reflector). The fact is that this will not affect the adhesive composition in the best way, and the skin itself will become rough and stiff, cracks will appear on it.

If the drying method using a newspaper seems outdated and ineffective to you, use modern shoe drying machines.

Ultraviolet drying with antifungal effect "Timson". Ultraviolet radiation kills fungi and germs, quickly and safely dries shoes, eliminates unpleasant odors.

The Chunxiao shoe dryer is ideal for daily use. Powered by a 22-volt network. Dries shoes quickly and efficiently.

How to care for leather shoes

The final step in the care of leather shoes is to apply cream and polish the surface. This will give the shoe a radiance, soak the skin and protect it from adverse effects.

1. Colorless Kiwi Shoe Polish Cream. Softens the skin, covers up small cracks and hides defects. It has a water repellent. It has no dispenser and brush.
2. Sponge for Twist shoes. It has the shape of a brush, pressing on which acts on the cream cream. Particles of golden amber effectively clean and nourish the surface of the shoe.
3. Collonil classic Waterstop shoe spray is applied in a thin layer to the surface of the shoe and is rubbed until it dries completely. It softens the skin, repels water and extends the life of the item.
4. Cream for shoes "Premium Blyskavka" has a sponge with an applicator. With its help, the cream is evenly applied, after polishing even well-worn shoes become glossy and radiant. A tube of cream fits in a small handbag.

Leather shoe care is a harmonious combination of cleansing and nutrition. Using high-quality care products, you can significantly extend the life of the shoe and increase its wear resistance.

Video: how to clean leather shoes from salt