At first glance, the material seems quite easy to care for - a smooth surface, what could go wrong? So you start using the usual shoe care products and you will immediately have scratches in the paint or other damage to it. Has this already happened to you? You've been annoyed and vowed to follow the rules next time, and that's what we're here to help you do today. We explain how to get your patent leather shoesmaintain and cleanby using simple (and above all gentle) home remedies.
The right tools are essential for a beautiful shine
The special thing about patent leather shoes is of course their shine, which they get because they are finished with lacquer or foil. But the shoe material has another advantage: it makes the shoes more weatherproof. It is therefore important to maintain this for as long as possible. But this only works with the right care and cleaning, which protects the leather material. And it's not just the cleaning agent that plays an important role, but also the cleaning material. Scratching sponges and cloths logically also cause a lot of scratches to the paint. This must be avoided.
Cloths made of cotton, microfiber and paper – what should it be?
As long as it's a soft material, basically anything is allowed and you don't need any special shoe cloths. Both cotton towelsas well as microfiberhave a polishing effect and are ideal for caring for patent leather shoes, although a cotton cloth is preferred. This means you are always on the safe side. If you wish, you can also use the tea towel that you no longer need to dry the dishes.
But what if the dirt or fingerprint got on the shoe along the way? Then you can calmly use a paper handkerchief, preferably in combination with a wet wipe, to remove the dirt. Both are soft enough not to damage the material.
Useno wayabrasive sponges or the abrasive side of sponges and brushes!
Caring for patent leather shoes – What products are allowed for cleaning and care?
Like any other leather, it is best to care for patent leather regularly so that it remains supple and does not crack over time. Of course, you can use special creams and varnish products from stores for this purpose. However, regular shoe polish is unsuitable as it leaves smudge marks. Home remedies are also a wonderful option, especially when it comes to waterproofing. We summarize what care is optimal for patent leather shoes:
Cleaning patent leather shoes – home remedies and tips:
Due to the special surface of the material, there are usually no stubborn dirt that would have to be cleaned with aggressive agents. For this reason, the following tips are sufficient to care for patent leather shoes:
- For theeveryday cleaningjust use plain, clean water. The surface is easy enough to clean so that any surface dirt can be removed in this way.
- Shoes that have become dullnourish with conventional milk. Put a small amount on a suitable cloth and work it into the material. After you have given the milk a little time to work (it should have dried), you can wipe it off with a cloth and polish the paint.
- Often arise on the shiny leather materialunsightly stripesof rubber. Just like the saying “one wedge drives out another”also use an eraserto remove these. Simply rub the strips carefully. Afterwards it needs to be polished because the rubber smudges when erasing.
Properly care for patent leather shoes:
Impregnation is important so that the leather remains elastic and prevents cracks. What is the best way to care for patent leather shoes?
- Use polish cream or liquid polish care product from the marketor:
- Distribute castor oil oralternatively olive oilin small but sufficient amounts on the painted surfaces. Wait for some time to allow the oil to absorb. As soon as the surface feels dry, polish with a soft cloth.
Remove fine scratches:
No matter how careful you are, you can't avoid getting a few scratches in your shoes in everyday life. How can you remove them?
- Nail polish remover is the miracle cure here! But be sure to use a removerwithout acetone! Dip a cotton swab into the liquid and rub it over the scratches.
A notice:Differentiate scratches from cracks! The nail polish remover variant is only effective for superficial scratches, but not if the material is torn. Such damage is irreparable and can only be remedied by youProper care preventedbecome.
Care for and protect patent leather shoes – this is how you behave in bad weather
As easy to care for and robust as leather paint may be, it also has its weak points. And that doesn't just apply to the risk of drying out due to lack of care. Even in certain weather extremes, you should care for your patent leather shoes with a few simple tricks that prepare the material for the conditions. This is how we recommend:
- In very cold weather, put your shoes on some time before leaving the house. In this way, the shoe can be warmed up by your body heat in time to withstand the low temperatures. Subzero temperatures and frost can then not damage the leather so easily.
- Avoid moisture entirely if possible. Too much of it will damage the material, so it would be better to wait until you get to your destination and choose different shoes to get there instead.
- wet shoes do not heat them upto dry faster. Keep them away from heaters, direct sunlight or hairdryers. Instead, give the shoes enough time to dry on their own at normal room temperature.
