How to Clean Leather Shoes Of Any Materials and Methods

Hey there, shoe lovers! If you’re like me, then you know that a great pair of leather shoes can elevate any outfit and last for years. However, with that long-lasting quality comes the need for proper care and maintenance. That’s why I’m here to share with you my expert knowledge on how to clean leather shoes to keep them looking their best.

Leather shoes can be quite an investment, ranging from a few hundred to even thousands of dollars. It’s no wonder that you’d want to ensure they stay in tip-top shape.

However, the delicate nature of leather means that improper cleaning can do more harm than good. In fact, using the wrong techniques or products can cause irreversible damage, leaving you with a costly mistake.

That’s why it’s crucial to learn the right way to clean leather shoes and take the time to do it properly. So, let’s dive into the details of how to clean leather shoes and keep them looking their best for years to come.

How I Clean My Leather Shoes

• Prepare your leather shoes:

A set of dirty leather shoes, ready to be cleaned once more. 

• Prepare the cleaning kits and tools needed to clean your leather shoes:

Prepare the Shoecleaner, apron, Premium Brush, Medium Brush, Standard Brush, Small Brush, Microfiber Cloth, 2 pieces of Shoe Tree, and a container to store water and ShoePerfume. 

• Remove the laces from your leather shoes:

It’s recommendable to remove the lace from your shoe. After you manage to separate them, you can soak the laces inside a water that has been mixed with Shoe Cleaner. After waiting for some time, clean it and squeeze it a bit to remove the water. Finally, you can dry it off with a microfiber cloth. 

• Insert Shoe Tree Inside Your Shoes:

Inserting a shoe tree will help keep the shape of your shoes, especially when it’s being cleaned. Before inserting the shoe tree, you may remove the insole first. 

• Dry-cleaning Your Leather Shoes:

Before washing the leather shoes with water, we need to brush the upper part and midsole with a premium brush to wipe off debris and dirt that is often found on the shoes. 

• Wash the Outsole and Midsole of Your Leather Shoes:

During this cleaning stage, you can use a Standard Brush. Make sure to use all your strength when cleaning the outsole, as it’s naturally the dirtiest part of a shoe.

As soon as you have finished cleaning the outsole, you can proceed by cleaning the midsole with a Medium Brush. This time, patience and diligence are needed, as there will be a lot of dirty spots that are hard to clean.  

• Clean leather shoes inside:

If you have managed to remove the insole from your shoe, you can proceed to clean it with a Premium Brush. Then, wait for a while and insert it back to your shoes. 

This stage can only be done if you can remove the insole from your leather shoes. If it’s not possible, don’t force it or it may permanently damage your shoes!

• Wash the Outer-Upper Part of Your Shoes:

Use the Premium Brush to wash the upper part of your sneaker in order to prevent any damage to your shoe. When cleaning the upper part of your sneaker, make sure to do it carefully! Shortly afterwards, you may wipe it with microfiber cloth by gently tapping it to the shoes and letting water get absorbed. 

Use a small brush to clean certain parts that will be hard to reach with a normal brush. Then, wipe it with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a Premium Brush when possible, but never ever try to force it! 

• Detailing

Use a wet microfiber cloth to clean details on your leather shoes that are dirty, which are normally found on your midsole or outsole.  

• Drying Process 

Dry off your shoes by using a fan. As an alternative, you can also dry it by waving your hands or placing the shoes in a cold area with minimal moisture. Try not to dry the leather shoes by placing it under direct sunlight, as it can damage the glue or paint of said shoes. 

• Finishing 

Once all necessary parts are dry, then you can place the insole back inside the shoe. The same thing also goes for the laces. Now, your shoe is back in action and looks fresh again!

Household Items To Clean Leather Shoes

There are a lot of products that you can use to clean your leather shoes. But if you feel like getting creative, you might opt for household items instead. Although they aren’t as pricey as shoe cleaning products, household items can still be effective.

Let’s take a look at some household items that you can use to clean leather shoes, as well as the steps needed. 

#1 Baking Soda

Most of the time, dirt and stains that land their way on a leather shoe will create grease. Baking soda might help you get rid of them.

• Prepare a nice amount of baking soda
• Sprinkle the baking soda on the stains and dirt that you want to remove. You don’t need to cover the whole shoe with baking soda.
• Wait for some time; it’s best to do it at night and leave it overnight. 
• In the morning, you can wipe the baking soda and the stains along with it. 

#2 Vinegar

Vinegar can also be used to clean your dirty leather shoes. However, we’re going to need another help in the form of linseed oil.

• Prepare a mixture of linseed oil and vinegar in a 2:1 ratio. 
• Similar to baking soda, you can wipe the mixture using a cloth onto the shoes. 
• Wait for around 15 to 20 minutes.
• Wipe the shoes with another soft cloth and make them shine like new products once more. 

#3 Saddle Soap

Saddle soap is really effective when it comes to cleaning leather shoes. It can eliminate stubborn stains and dirt that are located on your shoes.

Unfortunately, you need to have a conditioner and condition your shoes after using a saddle soap unless you want your shoes to get damaged.

• Prepare a saddle soap and conditioner. Make sure to prepare a bowl of water as well. 
• Prepare a soft brush, a microfiber cloth, a wet sponge, and a paper towel. 
• Eliminate dust and residue using a soft brush. 
• Use the saddle soap and rub it on the dirty section of your shoes.
• After the dirt has been eliminated, wipe the remnants of the saddle soap. 
• Use a conditioner across your shoes after cleaning them with saddle soap.

How To Clean Any Materials of Leather Shoes

After learning a lot about leather shoes, I feel that now is the right time for you to know my secret to clean leather shoes.

There are going to be a lot of kits and tools that you need to prepare. You should also proceed to clean your shoes carefully in order to avoid damaging them. 

a. Full-Grain Leather

1. Some cleaning materials to clean full-grain leather shoes:

• Soft and clean microfiber cloths or sponges
• Mild leather cleaner or saddle soap
• Cold water
• Leather conditioner
• Soft-bristle brush
• Leather protectant

2. Step-by-step guide:

Step #1: Prepare your workspace

Find a clean, well-ventilated area to work in, and place your leather item on a clean, dry surface. I prefer to clean them in an open area, like a backyard patio, to ensure no spills.

Step #2: Remove surface dirt

With a soft-bristle brush, start brushing any loose dust and dirt from the leather’s surface. If I don’t have the brush, I simply change it to an old toothbrush. Both work well!

Step #3: Test a small area

Before applying any cleaner to the entire item, I will always test it in an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage the leather.

Step #4: Clean with mild leather cleaner or saddle soap

Next, dampen a clean cloth or sponge with water and wring out excess moisture. Then, apply a small amount of mild leather cleaner or saddle soap to the damp cloth or sponge.

At this point, I will use the circular motion method to rub the leather gently. This approach will lift the stain without damaging the material. After that, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off the cleaner.

Step #5: Dry naturally

Allow the leather shoes to air dry at room temperature. Avoid drying with hairdryers at all costs, as it can lead to cracks or warp. Instead, I generally use a fan to accelerate the drying process. It works well and maintains your shoe’s appeal.

Step #6: Condition the leather

Once the leather is dry, I commonly apply a leather conditioner to keep it soft, supple, and moisturized. It is also essential to keep their shine despite frequent cleaning and use.

Step #7: Buff and Polish

After conditioning, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the leather gently. I never skip this step to ensure any excess conditioner is nicely removed, leaving the shoes to shine and stay in shape. Then, use a clean, dry dust bag to store the leather shoes.

b. Suede

1. Cleaning kit items you need:

• A soft suede brush or suede eraser
• Clean, dry cloths or suede cleaning cloth
• White vinegar
• Suede protector spray

2. Step-by-step guide:

Step #1: Shake off dirt and debris

Use a soft suede brush or suede eraser to gently brush or rub away any loose dirt and dust. Remember my tips: brush the suede gently and use only one direction to prevent damage.

Step #2: Treating stains and spills

This step depends on the stains you are dealing with. Based on my experience, wet stains or spills will be easily removed by blotting the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. But please don’t rub it to maintain the nap. Meanwhile, a suede brush or eraser is ideal for treating scuffs or dirt marks.

Step #3: Create a vinegar solution

Whenever I have stubborn stains on my suede shoes, I will include this step in the cleaning process. You can simply mix a small amount of white vinegar with water. Test this solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the suede.

Step #4: Clean the suede

To begin with, dampen a clean cloth with plain water. I will do the same procedure with the previous vinegar solution to treat the stubborn stains. Then, wring out excess moisture and gently blot or wipe the stained area.

I usually work from the outside of the stain toward the center to lift the dirt without damaging the material.

Step #5: Dry properly

Considering its sensitive material, you better avoid using a hairdryer to dry the shoe and choose air dry instead. However, you can opt for a fan to help evaporate the moisture in your shoes faster.

Step #6: Restore the fiber

After cleaning and drying, I use the suede brush to gently brush the suede in one direction to restore the nap (fiber). This helps maintain its texture and appearance.

Step #7: Protect with suede spray

To prevent future stains and maintain the shape of your suede item, I add this ‘protecting step’ by applying a suede protector spray.

c. Patent Leather

1. Items required to clean your shoes:

• Soft, clean cloths
• Soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush
• Mild soap or leather cleaner
• Lukewarm water
• White vinegar
• Leather conditioner

2. Step-by-step guide:

Step #1: Brush off any surface dirt

Take your soft bristle brush and gently brush off any loosed dust, dirt, or debris from the patent leather shoe’s surface. I also use a clean sponge just in case I don’t have the brush.

Step #2: Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water

First, you need to make a soapy solution. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap. In this step, I generally dip a clean sponge and squeeze it into the solution to make it more soapy.

Next, dampen a clean cloth in the soapy water, wringing out excess moisture to avoid over-wetting. Then, wipe the patent leather gently. My tips: use a circular motion to effectively lift the stain or dirt. I also use a white vinegar solution (1:1 ratio with water) to scrub away stubborn stains.

Step #3: Rinse with clean water

Dampen another clean cloth with clean, warm water and use it to wipe off any soapy residue from the patent leather. Don’t soak the shoes! I once did it, and it ruined my shoes!

Step #4: Dry thoroughly

To assist drying, pat the patent leather item dry with a clean, dry cloth. Make sure it’s completely dry before moving on to the next step. Opting for a fan is my recommendation, especially when you are cleaning the shoes in the winter or fall. It will prevent mold growth.

Step #5: Conditioning

Patent leather can benefit from the occasional application of a patent leather conditioner, which helps maintain its shine and prevent cracking. Hence, I always add this procedure to my cleaning process!

Step #6: Buff to shine

Once the patent leather is clean and dry, use a soft, clean cloth to buff and polish the surface gently. Trust me! This will restore its glossy finish.

d. Nubuck

1. Everything you need to clean nubuck shoes:

• Soft bristle brush or a toothbrush
• White vinegar or nubuck cleaner
• Clean, dry microfiber cloth
• Nubuck eraser
• Nubuck protector spray

2. Step-by-step guide:

Step #1: Tap off loose dirt

I generally tap the shoes gently to remove loose dirt. But, you will need a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush to thoroughly clean the surface.

Step #2: Treat dry stains

If I have dry stains, like scuffs, I will use a nubuck eraser to rub the dirty area. If the stain is still visible after erasing, you can treat it with a vinegar solution.

Step #3: Make a vinegar solution

Take a bowl of water and add a small amount of white vinegar. I use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water, then test it in an inconspicuous area. This step is crucial to avoid discoloration on the nubuck.

Step #4: Clean the nubuck

Use your sponge or cloth to dip into the vinegar solution. I will always wring it out to prevent buildup stains and residues on the nubuck. Then, wipe the stained area gently in one direction.

Step #5: Dry the shoes

Allow your nubuck shoes to air dry at room temperature. Keep them away from direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, which can cause the nubuck to become brittle or discolored. In addition, I would recommend using a fan, as the blowing air is not hot. Thus, it helps speed up the drying while maintaining your shoe’s shape.

Step #6: Restore the texture

When your shoes dry, take your clean toothbrush or soft bristle brush to brush the nubuck and restore the texture. I always use a one-direction brushing to lift the fibers and maintain the velvety look.

Step #7: Protect the nubuck

To protect your nubuck shoes from future stains and damage, consider applying a nubuck protector spray. Believe me! Your nubuck shoes will last longer despite being worn frequently.

e. Top-Grain Leather

1. What you need to clean top-grain leather shoes:

• Soft, clean cloths or paper towels
• Soft bristle brush
• Mild dish soap or liquid castile soap
• Warm water
• White vinegar
• Olive oil or coconut oil

2. Step-by-step guide:

Step #1: Dust and dirt removal

Start by using a soft, clean cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any loose dust and dirt from the leather’s surface. I have proven myself that this step helps prevent scratching when you clean.

Step #2: Create a soapy solution

In this step, you will need to fill a bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap or liquid castile soap to the water and mix until it forms a soapy solution. I generally dip a clean sponge or a microfiber cloth into the solution to make more bubbles.

If I have stubborn stains, I will add a small amount of white vinegar to the cleaning solution. But please, you must test it in an inconspicuous area, as the vinegar can be harsh on the leather.

Step #3: Clean the leather

To clean the shoes, dampen a clean cloth in the soapy water solution, then wring it out. Then, Gently wipe the top-grain leather in a circular motion, focusing on any soiled areas. Be careful not to over scrubbing. I did it once, and the leather material on my shoes broke. So, be gentle!

Step #4: Rinse with clean water

Similar to the previous step, you must dampen another clean cloth with warm water and wipe off any soapy residue. Alternatively, I use paper towels just in case I don’t have any more clothes to use.

Step #5: Dry the shoes properly

Pat the top-grain leather item dry with a clean, dry cloth. I also use paper towels or old newspapers to stuff on the insoles. Make sure it’s completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step #6: Condition the leather

To keep the leather supple and maintain its natural oils, you can apply a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil onto a clean cloth and gently rub it into the leather. After this step, I will always buff off any excess oil with a dry cloth.

Step #7: Buff to shine

The next step is buffing. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently buff the leather. Trust me! The process maintains the shoe’s top-notch quality, and your shoes will look like a new one!

f. Genuine Leather

1. Essentials to clean genuine leather shoes

• Mild dish soap or liquid castile soap
• Soft, clean cloths or paper towels
• Soft-bristle brush
• Warm water
• White vinegar
• Olive oil or leather conditioner
• Shoe tree or rolled-up newspaper
• Leather protectant spray

2. Step-by-step guide:

Step #1: Removing dirt

To prevent scratching, I recommend brushing off loose dirt on the surface of your genuine leather shoes. You can use a soft bristle brush or paper towels.

Step #2: Remove the laces from your leather shoes

I highly recommend that you remove the lace from your shoe. After you manage to separate them, you can soak the laces in water that has been mixed with mild soap. After waiting for some time, clean it and squeeze it a bit to remove the water. Finally, you can dry it off with a microfiber cloth. 

Step #3: Create a mild soapy solution

Prepare a bowl of warm water, then add a few drops of mild dish soap or liquid castile soap and stir it to create a soapy solution. I actually prefer dipping a clean sponge into the solution and squeezing it, as it is easier to form bubbles.

For treating stubborn stains, I usually create a separate soapy solution and mix a small amount of white vinegar.

Step #4: Clean the leather

After making the solution, dip a clean cloth in the soapy water and wring it out to remove excess moisture. If you don’t have a cloth, I recommend a clean sponge or paper towel and scrubbing the stained area gently using a circular motion.

Step #5: Rinse with water

Don’t soak the shoes! To rinse the leather shoe material, you can dampen a clean cloth with warm water and use it to wipe soapy residue. Believe me, it works better than the soaking method!

Step #6: Dry the genuine leather shoes

For drying, I prefer to use a microfiber cloth to pat the genuine leather. Paper towels are fine but, in my experience, they sometimes crumble.

Step #7: Use a shoe tree or newspaper

To help the leather maintain its shape and texture while drying, I recommend inserting a shoe tree into shoes or stuffing the item with a rolled-up newspaper. This will also help absorb any remaining moisture.

Step #8: Conditioning

Protecting leather material is essential, knowing its delicate nature. For that reason, I always condition my leather shoes with leather conditioner. You can also try applying a small amount of olive oil onto a clean microfiber cloth as an alternative.

Step #9: Apply leather protectant (optional)

For added protection, I sometimes apply a leather protectant spray to shield the leather from future stains and moisture.

Step #10: Buffing

After cleaning and conditioning (if desired), use a clean, dry cloth to gently buff the leather. I never skip this procedure because, trust me, it will help restore the shine of leather material!

Addressing Common Issues While Cleaning Leather Shoes

Cleaning leather shoes is indeed tricky. I sometimes encounter problems, especially when I clean the ones I frequently use in the winter. Luckily, I have some tips to address these issues that I would love to share with you. Check them out!

1. Stains and Spills

Water, oil, or sweat stains will generally leave marks on your leather shoes, especially when you don’t clean them immediately. And when that happens, I usually take my leather-specific cleaner and use a damp cloth to remove it. You can also try dipping the cloth in mild, soapy water and wipe the stains gently.

2. Scuff and Scratches

Frequently used leather shoes will generally result in scuff and scratches. My shoes get those, too! For that reason, I use a leather conditioner or cream to buff it out. If you have deeper scratches, I strongly recommend using a leather repair kit.

3. Water Damage

Though they seem waterproof, leather shoes are actually not. They are prone to mold and water damage, especially if you clean them in the winter or fall.

Since they are susceptible to heat sources, like hairdryers, I recommend using a fan to speed up the drying. Thus preventing water damage. I usually let them air dry first before arranging them in front of the fan.

4. Loss of Shine

One of the most distinctive characteristics of leather shoes is their shine. However, when you wash them, the shine will likely fade. In this case, I love to apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and shine to the leather. Use a soft cloth to apply and buff the shoes in a circular motion.

How to Clean Moldy Leather Shoes

When a leather shoe has mold on it, you know that it hasn’t received a nice treatment from its user. That’s the reason why you should always try and clean them regularly. But what’s done is done, and if mold has already grown on your shoes, you might need to follow these steps.

• Prepare a nylon brush and alcohol. You may want to make sure that your cloth is ready as well. 
• Create a mixture of water and alcohol. Then, rub it across the dirty section of your shoes. Make sure to avoid pouring pure alcohol directly, as it may damage your shoes. 
• Wipe the remnants of the alcohol using a cloth.
• Let your leather shoes get dry for a while before storing them in their original box. 

How to Clean Leather Shoes Without Leather Cleaner

Using a leather cleaner to clean your leather shoes will do a lot of wonders. This way, you won’t need to use other items aside from a brush and a microfiber cloth. But you won’t need to worry if you don’t own a leather cleaner (and don’t want to bother buying one!).

As a matter of fact, all of the cleaning ideas that I have brought up before don’t even require the assistance of a leather cleaner. Just use a homemade item like baking soda or saddle soap, and you’re golden!

Do’s and Don’ts

How to maintain the cleanliness of leather shoes

Before I wrap this article up, there are still some more tips that I would like to pass on to you. I hope that this knowledge might make you a wiser shoe collector and can help you to preserve your leather shoes!

• Avoid wearing your shoes every single day. Even though leather shoes are durable and strong, they can wear out quickly when you use them too often. 
• Leather shoes might be prone to a change in shape. Therefore, I suggest putting a shoe tree when you’re storing them. 
• Don’t wear them in an extreme environment, i.e., somewhere too hot or muddy environment. 
• Don’t store your leather shoes recklessly. Make sure to put them inside a box and stack it with other shoe boxes. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best way to clean leather shoes?

The best or easiest way to clean leather shoes is by using a set of wet tissues. Then, you just need to wipe it across the upper part of your leather shoes. If the tissue manages to eliminate dirt and stains, you won’t need to wash them with other tools anymore!

2. What is the easiest way to clean leather shoes?

The easiest way to clean leather shoes will be to polish them before usage. After the process, you’ll notice that they’ll look shiny again. However, it might not be as effective as the other methods that I have mentioned before. 

3. Can I clean leather shoes with water?

Yep, water is a viable option when it comes to cleaning leather shoes. However, you shouldn’t use too much water as it can make the leather shoes get moist. In turn, it might cause a bad odor when you can’t dry them properly. 

4. Will soap and water ruin leather?

Both soap and water won’t ruin a leather shoe. However, you really need to condition the shoes after this kind of cleaning process in order to recover lost oil.

Conclusion

As someone who has owned my fair share of leather shoes, I know firsthand the frustration that comes with trying to maintain their pristine appearance. And now, after reading this article and learning how to clean leather shoes properly, you will feel much more confident in your ability to keep your footwear looking like new.

Whether you’re dealing with scuffs, stains, or just general wear and tear, the tips and tricks outlined in this article provide a comprehensive guide to caring for your leather shoes. So, take the time to give your shoes the tender, loving care they deserve, and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained leather shoe collection for years to come!