How To Clean and Protect Shoes

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT

The Triangle Shoe Care Kit contains one horse hair brush, two horse hair daubers, two polishing cloths, and black and brown cream shoe polish. Use this product on any genuine leather product to maintain and protect the natural beauty of the leather.

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Protect your investment in fine footwear with Aromatic Cedar Shoe Trees. They absorb moisture, reduce wrinkles, eliminate odor and extend the life of your shoes.

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How To Clean

Find easy and convenient cleaning solutions for your pair of leather, suede, or nubuck shoes.

WHY CAN'T I WASH MY SHOES WITH SOAP?

It's a special night and you want to wear your favorite pair of leather shoes only to find they look a little dirty. After a quick cleaning at the kitchen sink with a damp rag and soap and anxiously waiting for them to dry, you let out a screech of horror and dismay…you have ruined your favorite pair of shoes!

Although soap is great for cleaning, it should not be used on any leather-based products. Shoes are often made of high quality leathers that are naturally porous, which makes them susceptible to absorbing cleaning agents. As leather contains oils designed to keep it moisturized, the soap will work to extract the oil from the shoe, drying it out. This in turn allows the soap to penetrate the surface and cause discoloration or stains that are nearly impossible to remove.

CLEANING SHOES

It is important to use the proper products specifically designed for the material of your shoes. Check out the Clarks Shoe Care and Maintenance Guide to give you the tools, tips, and tricks on how to clean your pair of shoes. Use the following Clarks products for an easy and convenient cleaning solution for your pair of leather, suede, or nubuck shoes.

To Clean Leather:

For protection prior to wearing, use Clarks Water and Stain Protectant by spraying the full leather exterior of the shoe.

For shoes that have already been worn, apply Clarks Leather Polish with a dry rag and allow to dry for 30 minutes to clean, polish, and moisturize the leather.

Please note that the Clarks shoe care products listed above are designed for leather ONLY.

To Clean Suede or Nubuck:

Gently apply Clarks Suede and Nubuck Foaming Cleaner with the foaming applicator, scrub lightly, wipe away with a rag, and let dry for 30 minutes to clean and condition.

Once dry, lightly spray on Clarks Water and Stain Protectant.

LONG-TERM CARE

Remember to purchase the Shoe Care Kit by Triangle on the Clarks website for long-lasting leather shoes that look great, or visit your local Clarks store for Clarks Water and Stain Protectant, Clarks Leather Polish, and Clarks Suede and Nubuck Foaming Cleaner to prevent future damage and keep your shoes in great condition for years to come.

How To Protect

Learn the best ways of protecting your shoes from becoming worn and distressed with these helpful tips.

HOW TO POLISH AND RESTORE LEATHER SHOES

You're preparing for an amazing night out with friends, but as you go to take out your favorite pair of leather shoes from the closet, you find a dull, faded pair that no longer command the attention and love they once did. You think to yourself… these can't be those shoes!

Although leather is a naturally durable material, over time it can become worn and distressed due to several factors including weather, humidity, and age. Each of these factors can have a different affect on the leather, causing the material to look old and neglected if not treated properly. It is a far too common mistake to throw leather shoes out because they are thought to be ruined and unsalvageable. Luckily, there are several ways to bring the leather back to life so that you can continue to wear your favorite pair of leather shoes for many more years to come.

POLISHING AND RESTORING LEATHER SHOES

To ensure your pair of leather shoes stands the test of time, it is important that you occasionally take the steps necessary to treat them to restore their durability and natural beauty. Use the following Clarks products for an easy and convenient restoration and polishing solution, sure to extend the life of your favorite pair.

To Restore and Polish Leather Shoes:

For a fast on-the-go shine solution, use Clarks Quick Shine Sponge to moisturize, protect, and shine.

-For a more lasting finish, apply Clarks Cream Polish in a circular motion with a dry rag and allow to dry for 30 minutes.

-For lasting protection on lightly worn shoes, spray Clarks Water and Stain Protector to the full exterior of the leather.

-For lasting protection on more heavily worn and cracking shoes, use Clarks Weather Guard. Heat the product up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and apply with a rag.

WHAT IS SUEDE AND NUBUCK?

Despite a common misconception, suede and nubuck shoes are in most cases made from the same types of leather as the rest of the shoes in your closet with one main exception. They are meticulously sanded to produce a velvet-like finish. While this process creates the soft texture we all love, it also causes the leather to become porous and thus become more susceptible to scuff marks and staining. Don’t fear, however. There are effective ways to keep these materials looking great no matter what your night has in store for you.

Suedes and nubucks are meticulously sanded to produce a velvet-like finish that creates the soft texture we all love. Learn more about the effective ways to keep these materials looking fresh.

REMOVING SCUFFS AND STAINS FROM YOUR SUEDE AND NUBUCK SHOES

It is imperative that you remove scuffs and stains quickly from your suede or nubuck shoes to prevent them from permanently setting into the material.

-To remove stains from a suede or nubuck shoe:

-Use a brush or cloth to brush away any dry dirt and stains.

-Make a solution that is two parts water and one part white vinegar.

-Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently wipe the shoe.

-Allow the shoe to fully dry in the open air before putting away or wearing again.

REMOVING SALT STAINS FROM YOUR SHOES

It is imperative that you remove salt quickly from your leather shoes, as salt will dry out your leather shoes and can cause cracking or creasing.

-To remove salt from a leather shoe:

-Make a solution that is two parts water and one part vinegar.

-Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently wipe the shoe.

-Remove the solution with a cloth dampened with clean, pure water.

-Make sure the shoe fully dries out, as you do not want the leather to be soaked in water for long. One way to do this would be to place the shoe within range of a heater or radiator. (Not too close, though! Heaters can cause leather to dry out and become brittle, and can also harm the adhesives.)