We love high-quality genuine leather RM Williams chelsea boots for their beautiful appearance, practicality and durability. These properties are preserved for several years thanks to the proper care of leather shoes. We share tips on how to protect against pollution, maintain a presentable appearance and simply extend the life of your beloved couple.
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How to care for shoes after purchase?
Yes, shoes need proper care immediately after they appear in your home. While the shoes or boots are new, soak them with a thick cream – so the skin becomes softer and more elastic, does not dry out during storage and sits well on the leg during the first walk. In addition, this way you protect the open pores of the skin from the penetration of reagents or salt crystals, with which the city authorities generously process the sidewalks into ice.
If you start taking care of leather shoes from the first days, you will get a soft, comfortable pair that will faithfully serve you for several seasons.
General tips for caring for leather shoes
- Be sure to break in your new leather shoes before you leave the house for the first time. So you will be more comfortable, and the newly bought pair will stretch not in rain or heat, but at room temperature.
- To keep the shape, use special blocks made of wood or plastic for storage. This will help to avoid creases, and subsequently cracks.
- As a preventive measure, lubricate the line connecting the sole with the top with a protective agent – this will prevent leakage.
- Alternate several pairs of shoes (at least two). This way it can dry naturally.
What do you need to take care of your shoes?
First of all, stock up on cleaning “inventory”, which includes a shoe brush (different for each shade of cream), an impregnating sponge, a set of polishing wipes, a washing sponge, a soft rag or napkin and a toothbrush. Pay attention to the quality of the brushes – the bristles should be moderately soft, otherwise you risk scratching genuine leather.
Special care products for leather shoes:
- Shampoos and foams are well cleaned of dirt and retain color;
- Creams prolong the life of shoes, make the skin soft, supple;
- Electric shoe polishers polishes neutralize the negative effects of moisture, give a natural shine;
- Impregnations help to neutralize saline solutions, protect from moisture.
Its spectrum of action directly depends on the composition of the agent. A high concentration of fats and oils gives shine and moisture, silicones do a good job of polishing the surface, solvents remove dirt, and thanks to wax, demi-season and winter leather shoes look more well-groomed.
Specific cosmetics are intended more for shoe owners: deodorants eliminate unpleasant odors, anti-colors protect socks and tights from staining, and stretch marks help stretch a tight pair in a matter of hours.
How to clean shoes from water and dirt?
Moisture and dirt are detrimental to natural leather, so immediately after a walk in bad weather, ensure proper care for leather shoes. First, clean it from the outside using a damp cloth or rag. Start at the top and then work on the heel and sole. Wipe the shoes dry and leave to dry completely. Do not use a hair dryer, battery or special dryers for this – the skin will dry out and deform. At the end, apply a thin layer of cream on the surface and leave it to absorb for 2-3 hours. Before going outside, treat the shoes with a water-repellent spray and polish to a characteristic shine.
Do not worry if the colored pair of shoes darkens under the influence of moisture – after drying, the “native” shade will be restored. By the way, a change in color in such cases is a sure sign that this product is made of natural material.
Suede shoes are not recommended to be worn in rainy weather, as with each wetting of its surface it is more and more difficult to return to its original form. If, nevertheless, it was not possible to avoid contact with moisture and dirt, treat it with soapy water, and then dry it over hot steam. From a lacquer pair, cloudy stains are washed off without much effort, but do not forget to rub it with glycerin or a special agent after that.
Be careful with white shoes: dirt and dust easily settle in the slightest cracks and scratches on its surface, and aggressive substances cannot be used for cleaning. Use a special shoe shampoo, a soft brush and a polishing cloth. The white sole is perfectly cleaned with a toothbrush or just a small brush.
Caring for leather shoes in the cold season
In winter, leather shoes should be taken care of especially carefully. At this time of the year, she often gets wet and freezes in the cold, which negatively affects her appearance. Before the start of the season, wash and dry it naturally, treat it with a fat cream and a product that contains wax. After each exit to the street, clean it of reagents and salts, using the recommendations from the previous paragraph.
To eliminate pronounced stains on suede, use a brush and a regular stationery eraser, and wipe smooth skin with a strong vinegar solution. Spray your leather with a water-repellent spray before leaving the house – this is an important element in caring for leather shoes in winter. And to further protect your shoes from excessive moisture, and yourself from falling on a slippery sidewalk, arm yourself with anti-slip sole pads.
Also read: 9 Best Womens Walking Sandals and Shoes with Arch Support
