How to take Good Care of your beloved Shoes? 💖

 

Welcome to the world of shoe care, where we embark on a journey to preserve the beauty and extend the lifespan of our beloved footwear. Just like a painter with a canvas or a musician with an instrument, shoe enthusiasts understand the value of maintaining and nourishing their shoes. A well-cared-for pair of shoes not only enhances our personal style but also reflects our attention to detail and commitment to quality.

So, whether you're looking to bring new life to an old pair of leather boots, protect your suede sneakers from the elements, or maintain the elegance of your dress shoes, this blog is your go-to resource. Get ready to unlock the secrets of shoe care and embark on a journey that will not only elevate your style but also prolong the lifespan of your cherished footwear. Let's step into the world of shoe care together!

 

Leather Shoes:

First: STORAGE

Gravity, humidity, and aridity can all take their toll on shoes. Over time, the folds and creases that naturally form in worn shoes become permanent deformations of structural elements.

• Before storing your shoes, wipe them with a damp cloth to get rid of the dirt & dust sitting on the surface.
• Stuff shoes up with acid free tissue paper Or use shoe tree to help them retain their shape.
• Store shoes in their original shoe boxes if space permits. There should be dedicated shoe racks for each season.
• Store the bag in a cool & dark place. Exposure to the sun causes the leather to discolour! Do not hang the bag , as it stretches out the handles.

Second: CLEANING / SHINING 

•  Polishing Cloth: Use an old white cotton T-shirt or dress shirt works just as well.
•  Horsehair Brush: The bigger the brush, the better, as a larger brush is easier to generate more friction with as you’re buffing the shoe.
•  Shoe Cream Polish: Apply a thin, temporary tint, and spread gently on the shoe.
• Sprinkle talcum powder over oil and grease stains to soak them up. If you have a tough oil or grease stain on your leather shoes, cover it with an absorbent powder, like talcum or baby powder. Let it sit for 2-3 hours to absorb the oil. Softly brush the powder away with a soft brush, Or use Clean spray like Bamboo lotion

Cleaning of the Inner lining: Use a slightly damp soft cloth to remove dust/dirt, without scratching the inner leather or spreading the dirt around.

 Tips:

 Don’t use Soap, large amount of Water, Alcohol, Sanitizer, Rubber pencil eraser

 

 

Suede Shoes:

First: STORAGE

• Use Shoe tree to keep the shape intact & avoid Suede wrinkling.
• Always keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
• Keep them away from heat such as radiators.
• Allow them to air dry if they get wet.
• Store them away in quality shoe bags when out of use to keep them protected from Moist, Light & Dust.

Second: CLEANING / SHINING 

Brush your suede shoes with a special suede brush. Buy a suede brush at a shoe store or online. These brushes have special nylon bristles that won’t damage the suede while cleaning it

Suede Brush: Investing in a good quality suede brush is one of the most important tools when it comes to how to cleaning suede shoes effectively, as it is excellent for brushing off dried stains such as mud. Ensuring your shoes are completely dry, use your suede brush to gently brush away the dirt and grime in small motions with a light hand. If necessary, brush against the nap of the suede but always finish brushing in the direction the natural grain to maintain its smooth finish.

Suede Bamboo Lotion Cleaner:  If brushing and spot-cleaning your suede shoes hasn’t worked, the next step is to use a suede cleaner

Suede cleaner works like a shampoo to remove any tough stains. After brushing your shoes down, sponge them with a slightly damp cloth before spraying your suede cleaner from a distance of at least 20cm. Then, use your suede brush to very gently rub the product into your shoes and wipe them down again with a cloth. When your shoes are dry, brush them in the direction of the grain in order to smooth out the nap. 

Remember, whatever your method of cleaning, never heat your suede shoes, as this will damage the material. Always allow them to dry naturally and brush the suede down to keep them looking smooth.

Cleaning of the Inner lining: Use a slightly damp soft cloth to remove dust/dirt, without scratching the inner leather or spreading the dirt around.

Tips:

When using any Suede cleaner, try it on a small part of the material first, allow it to dry and if all ok apply to the rest of the upper.

Avoid Wet Weather, Although suede has a seasonal aesthetic and works brilliantly paired with autumn and winter attire, the easiest way to protect your suede boots and shoes from stains is to avoid wearing them on days when you are likely to come into contact with wet weather conditions such as rain and snow.

 

 

Satin Shoes:

First: STORAGE

• Use Shoe tree to keep the shape intact & avoid wrinkling
• Store them away in quality shoe bags when out of use to keep them protected from Moist, Light & Dust. 

Second: CLEANING / SHINING 

1.  Remove Dirt/Dust by a soft cloth, then next step is to ready your shoes for cleaning. Remember to remove the laces/if any. If you have insoles in satin heels, be sure to remove them as well. 
2. Mix the Detergent and Water, Now we are going to create a mild cleaning solution by combining the detergent with cold water. The measurement is 1 part cleaning solution and 2 parts water for regular stains. If you are trying to treat some mild dirt, then you can consider increasing the water ratio.
3. Start Cleaning, Take another soft-bristled brush/ Soft cloth, clean off the one you used to get rid of surface dirt and dip it into the cleaning solution. Make sure you clean the brush off first if you opt to use the same one.

Make sure to flick the brush a few times to get rid of excess water. If the water is dripping wet, you will create a water stain on the surface after the satin dries

     4. Leave it to Dry.

Cleaning of the Inner lining: Use a slightly damp soft cloth to remove dust/dirt, without scratching the inner leather or spreading the dirt around.

 Tips:

Act quickly before the easy stain becomes resistant & hard to remove.

Don’t rub too hard. Another important aspect of cleaning satin is to make sure to use a gentle hand. Heavy rubbing will worsen the staining and damage the fabric.

 

 

 

 

Patent Leather Shoes:

Patent leather and crinkled patent leather are amongst the most sensitive types of smooth leather.

 First: STORAGE

• Patent shoes should be stored in cloth bags as patent is quite prone to dye transfers. It is also needed so that they remain shine, fresh and non-sticky.
• Use Shoe Trees, to remain intact shape, avoid leather cracking/lines/wrinkles

Second: CLEANING / SHINING 

Routine Cleaning:

• Dampen a microfiber cloth with clean water and then thoroughly wipe the surface of the material. 
• Use the second cloth to dry the piece thoroughly, paying special attention to rivets and creases  

For Scuff Marks: 

One of the most common issues afflicting patent leather is scuff marks, especially when it comes to shoes. Fortunately, this is also one of the easiest issues to resolve. Simply dip one of the microfiber cloths into a bit of olive oil, and then gently massage the surface of the leather, paying special attention to scuffed areas. Leave the oil on for about 20 minutes, and then wipe it off completely using the clean, dry cloth.

 Tips:

Avoid using large amount water.

Keep a decent space between Patent leather pairs to avoid sticking, color transfer or color fading.

 

 

By implementing the tips and techniques we've explored, you'll be able to preserve the beauty, comfort, and longevity of your shoes for years to come. Whether it's a pair of classic leather loafers, trendy sneakers, or elegant heels, your dedication to proper shoe care will ensure that they continue to make a statement with every step.

Don't forget to share your newfound wisdom with others who share your passion for shoes. Encourage them to embark on their own shoe care journey and experience the satisfaction of well-maintained footwear.

Remember, when it comes to shoes, a little care goes a long way. So go forth, strut with confidence, and let your well-cared-for shoes be a testament to your impeccable style and attention to detail.