Your Guide to Cleaning Leather Shoes and Furniture
Not quite sure about the best way to clean your white leather shoes? What about knowing how to keep your leather furniture clean at home? The two aren’t actually so different!
If you are looking for an easy yet effective solution to clean leather items, you have come to the right place. Our experts at Collonil have put together the ultimate guide to cleaning leather shoes and furniture so that you can keep your possessions looking better for longer.
3 Simple Steps to Clean Leather Shoes and Furniture at Home
Sometimes the most straightforward solutions offer the best way to clean leather furniture and shoes at home. These include:
1. Collect What You Need to Keep Leather Clean
You will need a good stock of supplies to clean your leather shoes or furniture at home. It helps to build a leather cleaner kit that holds an ample supply of items like leather soap and shampoo, a cleaning cream, and tools like polishing cloths, shoe brushes and cleaning blocks
2. When cleaning light stains go gentle.
If you are working with small and mild stains, opt for a dry cleaning method over a wet cleaning product first. By dry cleaning we refer to the use of a rubber cleaning block designed specifically for leather. Sometimes this might be all you’ll need to remove a pesky stain- This will also ensure that the stain won’t spread and it may also prevent discoloration to other parts of the leather which is still in good condition. This is particularly true when dealing with suede- sometimes adding a wet product or soap and water may spread the stain to other areas. There are smooth leather cleaning blocks as well as cleaning blocks for suede and nubuck- so make sure to choose the right one.
3. Apply Leather Cleaner for Shoes & Furniture
For leather that has been used regularly and you can start to see the build- up of dirt and grime, it’s time to give it a good clean with a solvent free cleaner. Leather cleaning foams are a fast and effective way to remove dirt and stains from leather. For smooth leather the foam can be apply with a soft cloth to remove surface dirt or with cleaning brush for deeper stubborn stains. Allow the leather to dry completely before moving on to the next step. After cleaning, it is essential to apply a conditioning product to replenish the leather of the lost oils. For smooth leather in particular- a good conditioning cream will keep the leather soft, supple and flexible.
5. Tips for How to Keep Leather Shoes & Furniture Clean
Finding the best way to clean leather furniture and shoes can be a lifesaver in preserving your favourite items, but knowing how to protect and care for your leather pieces can make cleaning much more manageable in the future.
Here are five tips for how to keep leather shoes and furniture clean with little fuss.
1. Use Protectant to Keep Leather Shoes & Furniture Clean
The best way to defend against dirt is using a leather protectant. Treating your white leather shoes and furniture with a good quality water-proofer at home before you use them considerably lowers the risk of damage and keeps them looking their best. Be sure to reapply this protection approximately every three months for the best results.
2. Always Spot-Test Before Using Leather Cleaner at Home
If you are trying a new leather cleaner for shoes or furniture, always spot-test first! This will allow you to get to grips with the new products you are using and helps to check for colour-fastness.
3. Be Careful with the Water
We know that soap and water are a tried-and-true way to stay on top of cleaning, but remember that water has the potential to drastically change the structure of leather items. For example, if the leather is too wet, it can strip the natural grease and impact the colour and flexibility, so never immerse or saturate the surface; instead, opt for delicate strokes with a slightly damp cloth after using a cleaning foam.
4. Moisturise the Leather Regularly
Knowing how to clean leather shoes and furniture is knowing how to care for them. Using a leather moisturiser and cleaner can help reduce the appearance of scratches and imperfections, creating a fresher, softer look. Be sure to test a small area first to avoid darkening the leather.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Turn to Professionals to Keep Leather Clean
Sometimes the best way to clean leather furniture and shoes is to turn to the professionals. DIY efforts can weaken or damage some leather items, so if you are unsure or feel your leather shoes or furniture may be on their last legs, take them to a professional who can clean and repair any wear and tear.
Find the Best Way to Clean Leather Furniture & Shoes with Collonil
So, now that you know how to clean white leather shoes and furniture at home, it is time to invest in the perfect . At Collonil, we stock various quality leather cleaner products and leather conditioners to maintain and care for your favourite leather items.
To learn more about what we offer at Collonil, look at our extensive range and find the perfect leather cleaner for shoes and furniture. For more information, contact our team today and submit an online enquiry.
