Clean smooth leather shoes properly
The right care for smooth leather consists of 5 steps.
- First, the coarse dirt is removed with a cleaning brush or a damp cloth.
- Then rub your shoes with cream or wax.
- Then the care product is polished into the leather with a soft brush so that it shines again.
- Leather soles require particularly intensive care. This is how it works: Clean and protect leather soles.
- You should also clean the inside of your shoes 3 to 4 times a year.
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1. Pre-treat and clean smooth leather shoes
Before the actual care, there is the proper cleaning. After the shoe has been put on the shoe former, the dirt is removed. If it is only dust, you can use a soft horsehair brush to clean it. For coarse dirt, use a dirt brush to brush off. If that is not enough, soap the shoes thoroughly and completely wet under running water with a soft brush. Leather cleaner is perfect for that purpose.
After about ten polishes, smooth leather shoes should be treated with leather cleaner. This is used to gently rub off old cream residues and dirt.
2. Cream or wax shoes
Shoe polish is best applied with an application brush or a sturdy cotton cloth. Instead of shoe polish, you can also use wax-based shoe care products. They protect the shoe in particular because they are usually not water-soluble.
Tip: If you use wax, warm it up beforehand, either in the sun or on the heater. When warmed up, the wax can be rubbed in better and is better absorbed into the leather.
3. Polish shoes
After a short exposure to the shoe polish, it is best to polish the shoe with a soft polishing brush. Excess cream is removed with it and a beautiful, shiny surface is created. You should remove shoe polish after a few minutes, it dries quickly and then no longer works well. Wax, on the other hand, can soak in for a long time. Wax that has been warmed up beforehand is easier to polish to a shine. You shouldn’t exert pressure, as you will polish off the care with it.
4. protect and clean leather soles
Leather soles are the most stressed. You walk on them, often in wind and weather, water, salt and stones really get to them. This is how you properly protect and clean your leather soles!
5. Clean the inside of your shoes
Often underestimated and neglected: cleaning the inside of the shoes. So that they last a long time and don’t smell, you should clean the inside of your shoes 3-4 times a year. More often with heavy use.
The best products for smooth leather
Smooth leather is very hard-wearing, but still needs intensive care so that it stays beautiful for a long time. Here you will find what I believe to be the best cleaning and care products for smooth leather.
The best care tips