Sneakers made of genuine leather look presentable, have good protective properties against moisture and cold, provide natural air exchange, and are also wear-resistant and durable.
Leather sneakers can last for many years if you know the basic rules for caring for such shoes. Let's take a closer look at how to care for leather sneakers.
Is it worth taking care of the care of leather sneakers?
Leather is one of the most durable and beautiful materials. Products made from this material are distinguished by increased quality and better performance characteristics. But even leather shoes need to be looked after, because they are an organic material that first of all needs nutrition and care.
In the absence of proper attention, leather sneakers will begin to lose their appearance (crack, thin), which in turn will affect the quality of the product (water and cold transmission).In order to preserve the original appearance of the product for as long as possible and extend its service life, caring for leather sneakers should include the necessary minimum:
- cleaning shoes after each use;
- regular drying and deodorizing of the interior with special means;
- the use of special nourishing and protective agents (creams, sprays, waxes, etc.).
The presence of brushes of different hardness, soft sponges or cloths made of natural fabrics will not only significantly facilitate the process of cleaning and polishing, but will also increase the effectiveness of shoe products. For example, it is better to polish leather sneakers with a soft woolen cloth. After this, the shoes acquire a beautiful light gloss.
What should you not do when cleaning sneakers?
Caring for things is a frequent task and requires a certain amount of time and money. Often people, due to their laziness or ignorance, try to reduce costs and time, thereby damaging their things.
Important! Washing sneakers in the washing machine is, of course, quick, but the manufacturers themselves do not recommend doing this. Do not dry wet leather sneakers on or near heating devices (radiators, fireplaces), as well as in drying machines and using electric shoe dryers.
The drying process should occur naturally. You can speed up this process by using paper, loosely stuffing the inside of the shoe with it.
Advice! You should not completely rely on folk remedies for caring for leather sneakers using vinegar, soda, acids, gasoline or other abrasives. Using such substances, there is a risk of not only not achieving the desired result, but also significantly spoiling the appearance of the products.
Modern shoe care products are quite capable of cleaning and protecting sneakers from dirt and moisture.
Protecting sneakers from deformation
The first rule was described above - avoid machine washing.
The second rule is to use shoe shapers, which stretch the material of the sneaker, hold and maintain its shape, like a frame.
They come in plastic and wood. Although the latter are more expensive, they perform their function better due to their large size, moisture-absorbing and deodorizing properties of natural wood.
How to return the laces to their former whiteness?
The easiest way is to wash it using bleach powder or bleach.
Heavily soiled laces can be soaked in a solution of water and ammonia - 20 ml of alcohol per 3 liters of water. Or in a solution of acetylsalicylic acid - 5 aspirin tablets per 3 liters of water, leave for about an hour. Then rinse the laces in clean water.
How to clean leather sneakers?
Regularity is the main rule in caring for leather sneakers. Every time you return home and take off your shoes, the first thing you should do is clean them. Manual cleaning is the best way to get rid of dirt and keep the product looking good. You need to start by removing dirt with a brush and a damp cloth.
Clean the sole with a soft sponge; if necessary, use shoe shampoo or special foam.
White soles are best cleaned with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water. After wet cleaning, wipe the sneakers with a dry cotton cloth and a soft sponge, apply a special leather impregnation to the surface, spread evenly until completely absorbed.After this, depending on the season, you can treat the products with a water-repellent spray or protective wax.
Don't forget about the inside of your shoes, wash the insoles regularly and use antibacterial and deodorizing products. Try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. Change your shoes to give them a chance to dry thoroughly.
How to clean mesh on sneakers?
Sneakers made from combined materials require more careful and detailed care. Mesh inserts are beautiful and practical, but how to clean such thin material? A special brush or a regular toothbrush with soft bristles will come to the rescue.
Apply shoe shampoo or foam to the desired area and begin cleaning in a circular motion, being careful not to apply force so as not to damage the fabric or tear it.
By following basic rules and paying due attention to your things, you can increase their service life several times. Remember - quality things require regular and high-quality care. This will not only reduce the cost of purchasing an extra pair of sneakers, but will also create an image of a neat person. After all, first of all, a person’s appearance is assessed, especially the shoes he is wearing!