Nubuck is a type of leather made from cowhide. Like suede, it is sanded to create a pile. But while suede is made from the inside of the skin, nubuck is made from the outside, which is stronger and more durable. It is highly susceptible to dirt and stains and must be cleaned and protected with tools and products specifically designed for the care of suede and nubuck leather. How to clean nubuck leather is the topic of this article.
Method 1: Clean nubuck leather – brush away dirt and grime
Step 1: Wipe your nubuck leather products with a nubuck cloth. This type of cloth is perfect for cleaning nubuck. The cleaning agent is usually integrated into the fibers. Wipe regularly to remove light dirt and shiny spots. This will prevent dirt from accumulating.
- Wipe in multiple directions and in a circular motion to clean all sides.
- When cleaning nubuck leather shoes, make sure to remove the laces before you begin.
Step 2: Clean the surface with a nubuck brush. Make circular movements and be careful not to stay in one spot for more than a few seconds. This can damage the leather.
Tip for cleaning nubuck leather: You can find nubuck leather brushes at most retail stores that sell nubuck leather products.
Step 3: Clean the particularly dirty area with a nubuck cleaner. These are available in liquid form or as an aerosol. Spray on a nubuck cloth and wipe the entire surface. Then brush the leather to remove any residue.
Tipp: You can get nubuck cleaners in the same stores where you buy your nubuck leather products, such as your shoes and boots. Otherwise, you can find them online at various retailers.
Step 4: Wipe your nubuck regularly and apply a protectant. Regular wiping with a nubuck cloth prevents you from having to resort to leather degreaser and leather cleaner. You should also apply a protective spray at least every 6 months. Spray the item and allow the nubuck to dry thoroughly before using or wearing it.
- It is best to spray this protectant on after cleaning your nubuck leather surface.
- Make sure you lift the pile before applying the protectant.
Method 2: Treat stubborn stains with nubuck cloth
Step 1: Start by wiping the stain with a nubuck cloth. Regardless of the substance that caused the stain, it is important to wipe away as much of the excess as possible. For lighter stains, this may be sufficient.
Tipp: A nubuck cloth is specifically designed for cleaning nubuck surfaces. The nubuck cleaner is usually integrated into the fibers of the cloth.
Step 2: Use leather degreaser and leather cleaner to loosen oily stains. These types of stains are typically found on jacket collars and headrests of upholstered furniture. Leather degreasers are usually available in spray cans. Spray it on the stain and let it sit for about an hour.
- When left to stand, the leather degreaser turns into a powder and absorbs the oil stain.
- Rub away the powdery residue with a sponge and leather cleaner.
- If the stain persists, repeat this process.
Step 3: Use an ink lifter for ink stains. It is important to begin cleaning the stain as soon as possible before it hardens, usually within the first 6 hours. Ink blotter is a greasy substance that usually comes in a tube, similar to lip balm. Rub the substance over the ink stain until it is completely covered. Then wipe away the remains of the stain with a nubuck cloth and leather cleaner.
Step 4: Dry the nubuck leather with a hairdryer and brush it with the pile. Brush while drying the leather. This will prevent any remaining stains from setting in. Brushing removes any residue and leaves the surface clean.
Method 3: Sand off the worst dirt
Step 1: Use a suede sanding block or sandpaper to sand a nubuck surface. Because nubuck is made by sanding cowhide, it can be sanded down for cleaning purposes. For the most stubborn stains, rub vigorously until the stain is removed. If you only want to clean a specific spot, sand only that specific spot.
Tip for cleaning nubuck leather: Make sure the block is clean before you start sanding.
Step 2: Sand particularly dirty nubuck surfaces from all sides. If your nubuck has stains or is dirty all over, you should sand it completely. Run a sanding block or sandpaper over the entire surface until the stains are removed. The nubuck leather then looks practically like new.
Step 3: Use a nubuck brush to remove residue. When sanding, a fine dust is created that is made up of the leather and the dirt it contains. Brush it off to keep your nubuck clean and clear.
How to thoroughly clean your nubuck leather boots using home remedies
Step 1: Stuff your boots with newspaper and wipe them with a dry rag. The newspaper helps the boots keep their shape and prevents water from dripping into the inside of the boots. Try to use the rag to remove as much of the visible dirt and mud as possible.
Rub the boots gently so you don't rub the dirt further into the nubuck.
Tipp: Instead of newspaper, you can also use a shoe tree suitable for boots.
Step 2: Scrub your boots with a soapy toothbrush. Add a little dishwashing liquid to a bowl of water. Dip a clean toothbrush into the bowl and then rub the dirty spot on your boot with the toothbrush.
Tip for nubuck leatherclean with home remedies: Use this method sparingly as too much water can discolor nubuck.
Step 3: Allow your boots to air dry overnight before cleaning them further. Do not use heat to dry your boots as it can damage the nubuck. Simply let them dry overnight in a well-ventilated area.
Important!Never put your boots in the dryer as the heat could damage them.
Step 4: Brush your dry boots with a suede brush. Gently glide the suede brush along the grain of your boots. This will protect the pile of your boots, loosen the suede and remove dirt.
Tipp: An old toothbrush is a cheap replacement for a suede brush.
Step 5: Apply a little white vinegar to stubborn stains. Really stubborn stains can only be dissolved with a stronger solvent. White vinegar is good because it is completely clear and leaves no trace when it dissolves the stain. The downside is that your boots might smell like vinegar. But after a while the smell will disappear.
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