How to clean leather shoes? (2024)

FAQs

How to clean leather shoes? ›

Caring for Shoes

Use a horsehair shoe brush to remove dust, dirt and other airborne matter. Apply a small amount Cleaner/Conditioner onto a cloth, which will remove stubborn dirt and old polish residue, and also conditions the leather at the same time. Apply a small amount of shoe cream via a cloth and massage it into the leather.

Mix a 50/50 vinegar and water solution in a bowl and use a microfiber cloth to apply it to your furniture. Rub the leather in a circular motion to lift the dirt out of the natural fibers. Return your cloth to the bowl often, wringing it out and rewetting it.

Leather shouldn't be cleaned with any bleach products. Instead, you'll need to make a paste of baking soda and water. "For any stubborn spots that don't want to move, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works wonders," says Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home.

Mild soap and water.

If you can, use saddle soap to give your leather a deeper clean. But if you can't get your hands on it, dilute mild unscented hand soap or dish soap in water as a replacement. You can then dampen a washcloth with the soapy solution to gently remove stains.

Mix equal parts of lemon juice and cream of tartar into a paste. Apply to stained area and let sit for 30 minutes. Use a damp cloth to remove the paste. Lemon juice and cream of tartar have a mild bleaching effect, so only use this on light-colored leather.

Natural oils and conditioners: Mink oil, coconut oil, or olive oil can be used in small amounts to moisturize and nourish leather. DIY recipes for leather rehydration: Homemade mixes of natural ingredients such as beeswax, essential oils, and lanolin can be used to make homemade rehydration solutions.

-Do not use household detergents, wax or spray polish or any proprietary brand fluids or abrasive cleaners on the leather as this will damage its surface.

What household item cleans leather? ›

The easiest homemade leather cleaner can be made from two natural ingredients: equal parts white vinegar and warm water. If you have a stubborn stain, blotting a mixture of water and mild dish soap can help. (Don't aggressively scrub a stain though—that could damage the leather.)

Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a small bowl, then using a clean rag with a touch of the solution, rub the stains in small circular motions with light pressure until the salt lifts from the leather. Once they're gone, use a clean damp cloth to remove the excess vinegar.

Magic Erasers work wonders on white leather shoes that have stubborn marks and scuffs. Simply dampen the sponge, squeeze out the excess water, and gently rub it over stains to watch them disappear.

What is the best thing to clean leather with? You can clean leather shoes at home by mixing warm water and dish soap in a cup, dampening a soft cloth with it and wiping the surface of patent leather. Make sure water isn't dripping off the cloth. Use another damp cloth to wipe off the soap and then let the leather dry.

The easiest homemade leather cleaner can be made from two natural ingredients: equal parts white vinegar and warm water. If you have a stubborn stain, blotting a mixture of water and mild dish soap can help. (Don't aggressively scrub a stain though—that could damage the leather.)

Final Verdict. Our top pick is the Bick 4 Leather Conditioner and Leather Cleaner—a versatile, multi-use product that cleans, conditions, polishes, and protects a variety of different leather products. If you're looking for a portable leather cleaner, consider Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Wipes.

Yes, you can sanitize your leather with alcohol wipes, but you need to be careful when doing so. Excessive alcohol use may cause your leather to dry out. After gently scrubbing your leather, make sure it is completely dry. To replenish the original moisture, use a specific leather conditioner at the end of the process.

One of the most common and most effective options is plain old white or apple cider vinegar. We recommend using white vinegar for light-colored leather, and apple cider vinegar for dark leather. You'll want to dilute the vinegar with water, using a 1 to 4 ratio of vinegar to water.