Can you wash leather shoes in a washing machine?

When buying genuine leather shoes, many people assume they're easy to maintain and don't require special care—just wipe the surface with a special sponge, and their flawless appearance will be restored. However, this isn't entirely true. Under the influence of external factors, the material can become dirty and deteriorate, requiring special cleaning measures. It's best to play it safe and avoid washing leather shoes in the washing machine, as there's a high risk of damaging the item. Leather boots need to be cleaned properly, following certain guidelines.

General advice

Leather shoe care requirements vary depending on the season. In winter, due to the material becoming saturated with water and then drying out, the durability of boots is significantly reduced. The following measures will help prevent this:

• Apply a special cream to the surface of your boots a couple of times a week;
• brush your shoes with a special brush;
• Be sure to clean the most hard-to-reach places and folds on the skin;
• Treat the heel and toe area of ​​the shoes with a thick layer of creamy composition.

Stores offer a variety of products designed for the care of genuine and synthetic leather. Regularly treating shoes with special products—cream, water-repellent treatment, restorative balm, and other products—will help them retain their quality and impeccable appearance for a long time.

How to clean shoes correctly

When cleaning a pair of shoes, start with the sole. Use a stiff-bristled brush and apply pressure to remove any dirt that has accumulated in the sole. It is prohibited to completely immerse leather shoes in a basin of water, as this procedure can damage the material and adversely affect the glued areas.

It is strictly forbidden to use an automatic washing machine to clean genuine leather shoes or a pair of leatherette shoes.

Washing is done by hand. Use a sponge and a small amount of soapy water, preferably with liquid soap. Dry mixtures should be thoroughly mixed with water to avoid an abrasive effect during cleaning. Leather care products must be used with specially designed products.

1. Tamaris Cleaning Gel. The active ingredient penetrates deep into the pores of the material, removing even the most stubborn stains.
2. RenoMat cleaning agent. Can be used on smooth surfaces; no rinsing required. Removes oil and grease stains.
3. AvelDetacheurHussard Aerosol. A universal formula suitable for both leather and textiles. Its convenient form makes it very easy to use.

When using special products, it is necessary to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can clean white leather boots using a folk remedy. Prepare a weak baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per 0.5 liters of hot water). Dip a sponge in it and gently scrub the surface of the shoes, removing any accumulated dirt.

In winter, roads and sidewalks are coated with de-icing chemicals. After walking down the street, you may notice white marks on your shoes. These marks not only spoil your overall appearance but also pose a risk to your leather. A vinegar solution will help remove these stains. Mix the mixture as follows: 1 teaspoon of vinegar per cup of warm water. Remove the chemical marks with a sponge soaked in the solution, using circular motions.

Shoe care products include a special cleaner for removing salt particles. The aerosol spray leaves no unpleasant odor. Apply the product to the stained area and, after a few seconds, rinse with a soft sponge or cloth.

Washing winter boots with natural fur lining is prohibited, as this may cause deformation of the boots and loss of some of their properties and appearance.

Don't forget to clean the zipper, if your shoes have one. Close the zipper and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Laces should be removed and washed separately.

Drying clean shoes

Leather products should not be dried near fire, heaters, or radiators. Contact of the skin with hot surfaces may cause deformation of the material. The glued areas may also begin to peel away. It's recommended to use a special dryer to dry leather shoes. Insert the inserts directly inside, and after a few hours, the dampness will be gone.

If you weren't planning on buying an electric dryer, you can use a tried-and-true method. Crumple up sheets of newspaper and stuff the insides of your shoes with the crumpled paper. Leave the shoes in a well-ventilated area for about 10 hours.

Use a good cream

Cream is a basic product for keeping leather shoes clean. It's crucial to choose a high-quality formula. The main components should be vegetable or animal fat and wax. These substances effectively protect the material from moisture. Salamander and Salton, both brands that produce high-quality shoe care products, have proven themselves to be excellent.

Care products should be selected based on the type and color of the material. Products are available for white, black, brown, and red leather, and entire sets containing a range of care products and application tools are available on display. Which cosmetics should you consider?

1. Salamander cream contains wax. It absorbs quickly and has softening properties. It prevents water penetration and refreshes color. Can be used daily. Easy to use – apply with a soft sponge.
2. Salamander cream with a built-in sponge. The built-in mechanism makes dispensing the formula easy and penetrates the skin without leaving streaks.
3. Salton cream. Contains completely safe ingredients. It softens the material and absorbs quickly. No additional polishing is required.

Remember: machine washing leather shoes is strictly prohibited. Clean them using regular soap and special care products. Treating the surface daily with creams and impregnations will help preserve the beauty of your favorite pair for a long time.

   

Readers' comments