For winter shoes to last for a long time, they need proper care. It includes regular shoe cleaning, airing and drying. Off-season storage also plays an equally important role in care.
Preparation for storage
A common mistake is to lightly wipe the dirt off the shoes and place them randomly in boxes. From such careless attitude, the leather cracks, gets scratched and by the next season the shoes become unusable.
Main stages of preparation for storage:
1. Cleaning from dirt. Dirt from the sole can be washed off with soapy water and a brush. Genuine leather is cleaned with warm water, suede and textiles with special cleansers. For washing, it is not recommended to use hard brushes or scrub the shoes vigorously so as not to scratch the surface. Laces and removable insoles are washed.
2. Then dry for 2-3 days. Do this away from radiators and heating devices. The shoes should dry naturally at room temperature.
3.Dried and clean shoes are carefully inspected for scuffs, scratches and defects. If the leather is worn, it can be painted with special paints. If the heels are worn out or the zipper is broken, it is better to take it to a workshop.
When the winter shoe season suddenly arrives, you won’t have to worry that they’re not ready.
Some note the beneficial effects of castor oil on the skin. Genuine leather tends to age and dry out. Oil saturates it with moisture and extends its service life. After application, the shoes are left at room temperature to absorb the oil for 1–2 days.
4. Next, boots and boots are lubricated with a special cream, You can apply an antibacterial spray to the inner surface.
5. After all procedures, the shoes are ready for packaging and storage.
It is best to clean after each contamination. Then at the end of the season it will be enough to dry and get rid of dust and fresh stains. Preparation takes several days, but with the onset of cold weather it will solve many problems.
How to store shoes
It is best to store it in special shoe boxes. You can use the boxes it was sold in or purchase special ones. Plastic containers will work as long as they have air holes. If there is enough space for a closed shelving unit, shoes can be stored there too.
The boxes can be stored under the bed, in the sofa or closet.
The main condition is to keep away from heaters and sunlight. But low temperatures (below 14 degrees) will also not be beneficial.
Shoes should not be stored in an open space, in an attic, unheated veranda or basement. Changes in temperature, humidity and sunlight will deform even cleaned and prepared steam.
If the box is made of thick cardboard, has ventilation holes and closes tightly, it should not be thrown away. And to make it easier to find the right pair when the season comes, you can write the name of the pair on the box.
Before putting the pair into a box, it is stuffed with newspaper and paper. This will help avoid deformation and creasing. Newspapers can be replaced with cloth bags containing salt or soda. They will absorb unpleasant odors and protect against dampness. The box must be of the right size so that the pair does not get squeezed inside and become deformed.
Separately, each boot or shoe should be placed in a bag. Sometimes it is included with shoes or you can sew it yourself. If this option is not suitable, then old tights will do instead of the bag. Being in the case, the pair will not scratch against each other.
When folding, you need to make sure that the heel does not come into contact with the rest of the shoe. A slight shake of the box and the heel will scratch the material.
Boots with high tops need additional reinforcement. Often in stores, shoes already have plastic or foam tops inserted into them. Another option is to store boots hanging in closets.
Before packing in a box, varnished products can be treated with a thin layer of Vaseline or glycerin. Castor oil is not suitable for varnish surfaces.
Insects
Moths are a classic problem in many apartments and houses. She may be attracted by the coat, or maybe by the fur trim on her boots. Ventilation in boxes and storage areas will solve the problem with moths. And for reliability, you can put a cotton pad with two drops of lavender oil in each box. In addition, stores sell special sprays, tablets or plates that protect against moths.
The listed rules for the care and storage of shoes may seem complicated. But if you regularly clean, air and dry your shoes, there will be no problems before storing them. And by next season you won’t have to run around the shops looking for a good pair for the winter.
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