Can you wash nubuck shoes in the washing machine?

Nubuck leather is considered very practical and durable, but even it can pick up stains after extended wear. The problem is further complicated by the fact that washing nubuck shoes is a hassle: instructions and special products are required. Many homeowners try to save time and money by simply throwing their shoes in the washing machine. But will the machine damage the material? We recommend avoiding risks and first researching all the potential consequences before cleaning.

Is it acceptable to use a washing machine?

Risking nubuck shoes is extremely unprofitable. Nubuck is a genuine cowhide leather processed using a special technology. It's expensive, has a soft surface, and offers several undeniable advantages:

• wear resistance;
• water resistance;
• ease;
• the ability of the material to "breathe";
• practicality.

Machine washing of nubuck products is prohibited!

The main drawback of nubuck is its difficulty in cleaning. The difficulty is that you can't machine-wash boots—the leather doesn't like moisture, and after the first cycle, it will become damaged, peel, discolor, and warp. To avoid permanently damaging nubuck shoes, you should clean them dry and by hand.

We remove dirt dry

It is strictly not recommended to wash nubuck with water or wash it in an automatic washing machine. The manufacturer specifies the optimal conditions for cleaning leather shoes: only dry cleaning with special shoe cleaning products. The cleansing process takes place in the following sequence:

• Sneakers are dried naturally, away from heating devices and direct ultraviolet radiation;
• the sole is wiped with a damp sponge;
• the surface of the boot is cleaned with a special soft brush;
• Afterwards, a foam shampoo is applied to remove streaks and stains;
• the couple is treated with aerosol dye;
• The sneakers are soaked in a water-repellent agent and sent out to dry.

It's important to remember that nubuck sneakers should only be cleaned when dry, so make sure they're completely dry before cleaning. Humidity is detrimental to the material and will only make stain removal more difficult.

Cleaning shoes with folk remedies

Nubuck shoes are generally worn gently, and regular dry cleaning is sufficient to maintain their appearance. However, even with heavily soiled shoes, machine washing is a bad idea. In this case, even soaping the leather is prohibited; it's much safer to resort to home remedies. Ammonia will help remove stains from nubuck.

1. Add a few drops of alcohol to the water.
2. Wet a soft cloth in the resulting solution and squeeze it out vigorously.
3. Gently wipe the sneaker without pressing on the leather.
4. We comb the pile with a special brush.
5. We leave it to dry and then treat it with a water-repellent impregnation.

You can also remove grease and dirt from leather using steam. To do this, boil water in a kettle or saucepan and then hold the shoes over the steam for 3-5 seconds. Afterwards, brush the sneakers and treat them with a preservative.

A risky experiment

Once again, we remind you that nubuck doesn't like water, so machine washing remains an extremely risky procedure for shoes. If there's too much dirt and you decide to take the risk, be prepared for the worst possible outcome. To reduce the risk of damaging your leather shoes, set your washing machine to the gentlest cycle:

• Before washing, prepare the shoes: clean the soles, remove the insoles and laces;
• Do not load more than two pairs into the drum at a time, making sure to place the boots in a special protective bag;
• select the fastest or most delicate program;
• pour liquid detergent for delicate fabrics into the tray;
• make sure that the set water heating temperature does not exceed 40 degrees;
• turn off the spin or reduce the speed to a minimum.

After washing, it is recommended to hold the sneakers over steam to restore the leather. After steaming, dry naturally, comb through and be sure to treat with a water-repellent impregnation. It's best to play it safe with nubuck: wear it carefully, treat it with preservatives, avoid washing it, and use special products and tools. This will ensure the shoes last a long time without losing their quality, shape, or appearance.

   

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