How to clean leather shoe uppers

Leather shoe upper cleaning should choose a gentle cleaning method based on the type of stain and leather material, avoiding the use of irritating chemicals or excessive friction. The main methods include wiping with specialized leather cleaner, removing dirt with white vinegar solution, adsorbing oil with baking soda powder, treating minor scratches with toothpaste, and taking care of them after natural air drying.

1. Specialized Cleaning Agent

Using neutral specialized leather cleaning agent is the safest and most effective method. Spray the cleaning agent onto a soft cotton cloth and gently wipe the stained area along the leather texture to avoid direct spraying causing liquid penetration. Immediately remove any residual moisture with a dry cloth after cleaning, and let it air dry naturally in a cool place. Suitable for common shoe upper materials such as glossy leather and patent leather, it can remove dust and ordinary dirt without damaging the leather.

2. White Vinegar Solution

Mixing white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio can treat sweat stains or alkaline stains. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and lightly tap the stain. After it dissolves, quickly wipe it clean with a slightly damp cloth. The weak acidity of white vinegar can neutralize alkaline residues, but it may cause fading on special coated leather such as aniline leather. It should be tested in an inconspicuous place before use. After processing, leather maintenance oil is needed to restore oil balance.

3. Baking soda powder

Oil stains can be sprinkled with a small amount of baking soda powder and left to absorb, then gently brushed along the texture with a soft bristled brush. The micro particles of baking soda can adsorb sebum and food oil stains, especially suitable for materials such as suede and frosted leather that are difficult to wash with water. After processing, use a clean towel to pat and remove any powder residue, avoiding surface wear caused by forceful wiping. Severe oil stains require repeated operation.

4. Toothpaste Repair

White paste toothpaste containing mild abrasives can repair superficial scratches. Take a small amount of peas and massage them in circles at the scratch, then wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Only applicable to light colored leather, dark colored leather may cause localized whitening. After processing, colorless shoe polish should be used for maintenance to restore the luster of the leather. Avoid toothpaste containing whitening particles or gel, which may corrode the coating.

5. Natural maintenance

Basic maintenance is required after cleaning. After the shoe upper is completely dry, apply specialized leather care oil and use a sponge to promote absorption in circular motions. When storing, insert paper balls to maintain the shape of the shoes and place them in a well ventilated area to avoid mold growth. Regular maintenance can extend the life of leather. It is recommended to use waterproof spray pretreatment in rainy season. Suede requires the use of specialized rubber and brushes to maintain its plush texture.

When wearing in daily life, be careful to avoid contact with rainwater and sharp objects, and handle stains immediately. The tolerance of different leather materials to cleaning agents varies greatly, and it is necessary to test in an inconspicuous place before using any method for the first time. Stubborn stains or valuable leather shoes are recommended to be handled by professional nursing institutions. Leather shoes that are not worn for a long time should be cleaned and placed in breathable dust-proof bags, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. They should be taken out quarterly for ventilation and supplemented with care oil to prevent leather from drying, cracking, and aging.