Is it possible to wash leather shoes in a washing machine?
When buying shoes made of genuine leather, many people think that the products are not fancy and do not require special care - just wipe the surface with a special sponge, and the impeccable appearance will be restored. However, this is not entirely true; under the influence of external factors, the material becomes dirty, deteriorates, and requires special cleaning measures. It is better not to take risks and not wash leather shoes in a washing machine, as there is a high probability that the item will deteriorate. Leather boots need to be cleaned properly, following certain rules.
General tips
The care requirements for leather shoes directly depend on the time of year. In winter, due to the saturation of the material with water and subsequent drying, the strength of the boots is significantly reduced. The following measures will help prevent this:
Apply a special cream to the surface of your boots a couple of times a week;
go over your shoes with a special brush;
be sure to clean the most inaccessible places and folds on the skin;
Treat the heels and toes of shoes with a thick layer of cream.
The stores offer a variety of products designed for the care of natural and artificial leather. If you regularly treat shoes with special compounds: cream, water-repellent impregnation, restoring balm and other means, the shoes will retain their quality and impeccable appearance for a long time.
Washing shoes correctly
When cleaning a pair of shoes, start from the sole. Take a brush with stiff bristles and use pressure to remove any dirt that has accumulated in the tread. It is prohibited to completely immerse leather shoes in a basin of water; such a procedure can damage the material and adversely affect the bonding areas.
It is strictly prohibited to use an automatic washing machine to clean genuine leather shoes or a pair of leatherette shoes.
Washing is done by hand. Prepare a sponge and a small amount of soap solution, for dilution of which it is recommended to use liquid soap. Dry mixtures must be well mixed in water to avoid an abrasive effect when cleaning. Leather products must be cared for using special products designed specifically for these purposes.
Cleaning gel "Tamaris". The active substance penetrates deep into the pores of the material, removing the most difficult stains.
Cleanser "RenoMat". Can be used on a smooth surface; there is no need to rinse off the composition after application. Copes with oil and grease stains.
Aerosol "AvelDetacheurHussard". Universal composition, suitable for leather and textile products. Due to the release form it is very convenient to use.
It is necessary to use special products strictly following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
You can clean white leather boots in a traditional way. Prepare a weak soda solution (1 spoon of soda per 0.5 liter of hot water). Dipping a sponge into it, carefully walk over the surface of the shoe, removing any accumulated dirt.
In winter, roads and sidewalks are sprinkled with deicing chemicals. After walking the streets, you may notice white lines on your shoes. They not only spoil the overall appearance, but also threaten the condition of the skin. A vinegar solution will help get rid of dirt. Mixing proportions: 1 teaspoon of table vinegar per glass of warm water.Chemical traces are washed off from the surface with a sponge soaked in the solution using circular movements.
In the assortment of shoe cosmetics you can find a special cleaner for salt particles. When spraying the aerosol, there is no unpleasant odor; the product is applied to the area of stains and after a few seconds is washed with a soft sponge or cloth.
It is prohibited to wash winter boots that have natural fur insulation on the inside; this can cause deformation of the shoes, loss of some properties and appearance.
Also, do not forget about processing the zipper, if there is one on the shoe. Fasten the product and use a stiff brush to remove any debris that has accumulated in the lock. The laces should be pulled out and washed separately.
Drying clean shoes
Do not dry leather products near fire, heaters, or radiators. Due to contact of the skin with hot surfaces, deformation of the material may occur. Also, the gluing areas may begin to “come away”. To dry a pair of leather shoes, it is recommended to use special dryers. The inserts are placed directly inside, and after a few hours you can forget about dampness.
If your plans did not include purchasing electric dryers, you can use a proven method. Crumple up sheets of newspaper and fill the insides of the shoes with the crumpled paper. Leave the pair of shoes in a well-ventilated area for about 10 hours.
Use a good cream
The cream is a basic product for keeping leather shoes clean. It is very important to choose a high quality composition. The main components of the product should be vegetable or animal fat and wax. These substances protect the material well from moisture.The brands Salamander and Salton, which produce high-quality shoe cosmetics, have proven themselves to be excellent.
Care compositions should be selected depending on the type and color of the material. Products are produced for white, black, brown, and red skin; in the windows you can find entire sets, including a line of care products, along with devices for applying the compositions. What cosmetics should you pay attention to?
Salamander cream containing wax. Absorbs quickly and has softening properties. Prevents water from penetrating inside and refreshes color. Can be used daily. Easy to use - applied to the surface with a soft sponge.
Salamander cream with built-in sponge. The composition is easy to dose thanks to the built-in mechanism; it easily penetrates the skin without leaving streaks.
Salton cream. It contains components that are completely safe for humans. Softens the material and is quickly absorbed. There is no need to additionally polish the surface of the shoe.
Remember - automatic washing of leather shoes is strictly contraindicated. Clean your shoes using a regular soap solution, as well as special care products. By daily treating the surface with creams and impregnations, you will preserve the appearance of your favorite pair for a long time.
When buying shoes made of genuine leather, many people think that the products are not fancy and do not require special care - just wipe the surface with a special sponge, and the impeccable appearance will be restored. However, this is not entirely true; under the influence of external factors, the material becomes dirty, deteriorates, and requires special cleaning measures. It is better not to take risks and not wash leather shoes in a washing machine, as there is a high probability that the item will deteriorate. Leather boots need to be cleaned properly, following certain rules.
Washing is done by hand. Prepare a sponge and a small amount of soap solution, for dilution of which it is recommended to use liquid soap. Dry mixtures must be well mixed in water to avoid an abrasive effect when cleaning. Leather products must be cared for using special products designed specifically for these purposes.
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