How to Clean Leather Shoes
When your leather shoes look clean, it shows that you have a polished look and you care about your appearance. Cleaning your leather shoes also extend the life of your shoes. Thus, learning how to clean your leather shoes is beneficial if you care about your appearance.
Materials
- Clean soft cloth
- Saddle soap
- Cotton swab
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cuticle remover
- Vinegar
- Water
- Clean your leather shoes regularly using a clean damp cloth. Take saddle soap and place a small amount on the leather shoes and massage into the material using a clean soft cloth such as an old cotton tee shirt. Make sure you take your time and buff the area, as this will ensure that the area has a nice sheen. Polish any area that looks extremely worn and then wipe using a damp cloth.
- Remove spots on your leather shoes using either cuticle remover or rubbing alcohol. However, before you start trying to remove spots from your shoes and boots, test the products you will use in an inconspicuous area. If the area displays any discoloration after you apply the product, do not use the product anywhere else. Apply a small amount of the rubbing alcohol and massage it onto the affected section until the spots disappear. If you do not have rubbing alcohol, try instead cuticle remover and apply on either a cotton swab or a cotton ball and rub on the spot carefully, wipe with a clean rag. Try equal amounts of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Form a paste with the two ingredients and apply it to the stained area of your leather shoes. If the shoes have a large amount of stains, leave it on for two or three hours and condition the shoes after you wipe clean.
- Examine the leather shoes. If you notice water spots, wipe off with a clean rag or an absorbent paper towel and let the shoes dry. For salt stains, use white vinegar and water in equal parts and rub gently on the stain followed by shoe conditioning.
- Find a ventilated area to polish your shoes and add newspapers or an old rag to the area where you will polish the shoes. Read the shoe polish directions and follow the directions carefully. After you finish polishing the shoes, dry and then buff using a soft cloth to reveal a luster shine.