How to Wash Genuine Leather

How to Wash Genuine Leather

Basic Washing Steps

Washing Steps

  • Brush off dirt and sand.
  • Apply shampoo to the brush first.
  • Apply an appropriate amount of shampoo to the shoes.
  • Gently wash with the dedicated brush.
  • Wipe off foam and dirt with a towel.
  • Allow to dry for several hours.

Washing Tips

  • Apply leather cream after washing for proper care.
  • Use shoe trees when drying and storing to maintain shape.

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Step 1
1

Brush off dirt and sand.

Start by brushing to remove dirt and sand.

Step 2
2

Apply shampoo to the brush first.

The shampoo lathers best when there's a good balance of detergent and moisture. Since the brush starts dry, applying shampoo to the brush first improves lathering.

Step 3
3

Apply shampoo to shoes and gently wash with the brush.

Spread the shampoo evenly and wash gently. Scrubbing too hard can damage the shoe surface, so be gentle.

Genuine leather can be dye-finished or pigment-finished. Pigment-finished products may lose their coating when brushed, so we recommend gently washing with your hands or a towel.

Step 4
4

Wipe off foam and dirt with a towel.

After washing, towel dry. We recommend using a well-dried towel or a highly absorbent microfiber towel. For stubborn stains, repeat the washing process several times. Please rinse the brush with water after use.

Step 5
5

Allow to dry for several hours.

For dye-finished genuine leather, keeping the leather properly moisturized is crucial. The leather will always dry out after washing, so proper moisturizing is important. We recommend beeswax-based leather cream. Using shoe trees during storage helps maintain shape and keeps shoes in good condition.

1

Wash evenly to avoid uneven marks

With dye-finished genuine leather, drying partially wet areas can cause water stains. To prevent water stains, wet the entire surface evenly.

2

Use leather moisturizing cream

The washing process for dye-finished genuine leather has three main steps: 1. Wash, 2. Dry, 3. Moisturize. The washing step can be easily done with shoe shampoo. Applying leather moisturizing cream restores the leather's luster. Think of washing and moisturizing as separate processes — using moisturizing cream will extend the life of your leather products.

3

About dye-finishing and pigment-finishing

Genuine leather products come in dye-finished and pigment-finished varieties. Broadly speaking, dye finishing penetrates the fibers internally, while pigment finishing applies color to the leather surface. Each has its pros and cons — neither is inherently better. However, since pigment finishing only colors the surface, if the pigment has deteriorated over time, vigorous brushing may cause it to peel off. We recommend gently washing with your hands or a towel.