How to wash nubuck shoes: rules and recommendations

What is this text about? In this text we will answer the following questions: how to properly care for nubuck shoes how to clean artificial nubuck shoes how to care for winter nubuck shoes Caring for nubuck shoes

Proper care of nubuck shoes preserves the appearance of expensive shoes for a long time and prolongs their life. At the same time, you need to clean it at home regularly after each use - such material can absorb dirt, so old marks are difficult to remove. In winter or under unfavorable weather conditions, it is necessary to select a special tool or means for care. Some products can be washed in a machine, but choose a delicate cycle. Artificial nubuck requires less attention, but has a significant drawback - it does not allow air to pass through.

Failure to follow the rules of care leads to the fact that the boots not only lose their attractive appearance, but also become deformed. As a result, the shoes begin to squeeze and are extremely uncomfortable to wear.

Basic rules for cleaning nubuck shoes, preparation

Nubuck is the processed leather of cattle, usually calves. It is distinguished from smooth leather by its finely fleecy surface. Compared to suede, another treated leather option, nubuck is soft and delicate. Not only shoes are made from it, but also handbags, belts, outerwear, and even upholstered furniture.

Nubuck shoes look presentable and expensive, are environmentally friendly, and also warm and breathable, which is why this material is so popular among fashionistas and fashionistas.

Cleaning nubuck is a very troublesome task, so you need to try to avoid getting your shoes dirty. Rainy weather, dirt, and dampness will completely ruin the shoes, since nubuck does not like moisture. If special shoe cleaning products are used, they should be intended only for nubuck. Products used to cleanse the skin will not work. In the shoe departments there are products and brushes suitable specifically for nubuck.

Wet shoes cannot be cleaned, so you need to dry them before cleaning. After this, all dirt is removed with a special brush, the soles and heels are wiped with a damp soft cloth or sponge. After cleaning, be sure to apply an impregnating agent of a characteristic color with a water-repellent effect. All movements must be careful and delicate, as there is a risk of removing dirt but damaging the delicate surface.

It is strictly forbidden to wash nubuck shoes either by hand or in a washing machine! Soaking is also prohibited! Cleaning and washing this material involves wet cleaning.

Basic rules of care

Products made from nubuck, like items made from artificial leather, are strictly prohibited from being machine washed. To wash shoes, as well as wardrobe items made of this material (for example, a jacket), you need to follow a whole algorithm of actions.

To properly care for nubuck shoes in winter and other seasons, you must follow certain rules and recommendations. They are kept in dry cleaners. The key ones are the following:

1. Shoes and boots should only be dried after they are completely dry.
2. Do not wash boots under running tap water.
3. Synthetic products and stain removers should only be used after thorough cleaning with a dry brush.
4. For care, only specialized products and shampoos created specifically for this material are used.
5. Shoes should not be dried near a central heating radiator or electric heaters. This will make the material rougher.
6. The cleaner should not be applied directly to the surface of boots and shoes. It is better to use an ordinary sponge, onto which you need to squeeze out a small amount of product.

After wet cleaning, the shoes should be dried and then combed with a dry brush. This will give the pile the correct direction. For a successful result, fixing procedures are carried out, which consist of applying a special impregnation to protect against moisture. Today on sale you can find specialized sets created specifically to maintain the attractive appearance of nubuck.

High-quality care for nubuck shoes at home is possible if maximum care is taken. When using special aerosols, you should adhere to safety rules. All work should be carried out in rooms with good ventilation. When using spray compositions, it is necessary to take into account the distance to the wallpaper and furniture.

An aerosol is a volatile compound that can be transferred by air currents to any interior items. If a can of a specific brand was used, next time it is advisable to buy products from the same brand. On the impregnation packaging there is an instruction that recommends applying the treatment to new nubuck products three times. Each subsequent layer is applied after the previous one has dried.

You can clean nubuck shoes at home with a brush. When it comes to choosing a model, there are several options available. There are three- and four-sided products. There are brushes with metal and synthetic bristles with an edge.

Sometimes there are situations when you need to give your shoes a fresh and attractive look quickly. In such cases, you can resort to the express method. Today they produce liquid cream paint with water-repellent properties. It provides quick surface renewal. You can use it to mask worn areas and paint over scratches. Such means do not affect the structure of the material in any way. Caring compositions can be distributed evenly using an applicator.

Handy products for cleaning nubuck

In addition to professional nubuck care products, which will be discussed later, improvised home remedies are also used. They can be used when dirty spots appear on shoes. By the way, it is very easy to get nubuck shoes dirty: just be outside in wet weather and dirt and droplets of water will remain on the surface. When water dries, it will leave salt stains, which are clearly visible on nubuck.

Ammonia

Only dry shoes can be treated with this product, otherwise the stain will be smeared and deeply absorbed under the influence of moisture. Before cleaning, remove dust from shoes with a brush. Then 10% ammonia is diluted in clean cold water in a ratio of 1 to 3. A cotton swab dipped in the solution is used to wipe the contaminated area. If necessary, the dirty swab is replaced with a clean one. In the absence of ammonia, ordinary vodka is used.

Salt

It is not advisable to clean nubuck with salt, as it leaves stains. But if there is a greasy stain on your shoes, then this product will effectively deal with it. Sprinkle a little salt on the surface and leave for several hours. The salt will absorb the fat. There is no need to grind the substance; after time has passed, simply carefully remove it from the surface. Treat the stain with ammonia, water or vinegar.

Vinegar

A vinegar solution is used to remove stains. Table vinegar is diluted in water (one tablespoon of product per liter of water). A cotton pad or soft cloth is soaked in the solution and the problem areas are wiped with it. As in other cases, shoes must be completely dry and free of dust.

When cleaning nubuck, movements should be directed in the direction of the pile, and then vice versa.

We process the material before first use

About to wear new shoes for the first time? Be sure to use a water-repellent finish first. This will help protect the product from the adverse effects of the external environment.

Water-repellent impregnation is sprayed onto shoes from a distance of 30 cm, trying to evenly cover the entire surface. Apply the product 3 times, each time allowing enough time for the previous layer to dry. Thus, the nubuck will be protected by an elastic film that prevents the material from getting wet. This will also make the stain removal process easier in the future.

Professional cleaning products for nubuck

Available means for cleaning nubuck are not always suitable. Moreover, such shoes require daily care, and this can only be done with the help of special means. A complete set of care arsenal may not be cheap, but it will last a long time. Otherwise, you will have to buy other shoes, which are much more expensive.

The most popular products in the shoe market are the following brands:

• SALAMANDER (Spain);
• TARRAGO (Spain);
• COLLONIL (Germany);
• SALTON (Czech Republic).

The following products are always useful for care and cleaning:

For daily care and protection	Brushes with metal bristles
	Wet wipes
	Waterproof aerosol
	Shoe deodorant
	Impregnating agent
Shoe cleaning	Special rubber eraser
	Foam shampoo
	Stain remover
	Liquid cleaner
For surface painting	Spray dye

In addition, to clean shoes you will need soft cloths or sponges.

When choosing a nubuck care product, be sure to read the instructions for use, storage conditions and expiration dates.

People's Councils

When caring for nubuck, you can use popular advice.
Most often, there are recommendations for using coffee grounds for brown shoes. For black boots and shoes, it is recommended to use carbon paper. This approach seems unusual, but it has one important advantage. The described methods do not involve the use of any chemicals that can cause allergies. In the category of folk recipes, there is also advice according to which it is recommended to keep shoes over steam before the main treatment. There is an opinion that cleaning becomes more effective after this. But under no circumstances should you keep nubuck shoes in a plastic bag. If the owner of the boots or boots drives a car, then to prevent deformation and the appearance of traces of dirt, it is recommended that he use the so-called auto heel.

Nubuck shoes should be kept in well-ventilated boxes. There should be enough space between the boots, that is, they should not be located close to each other. But before you send the pair for storage, you should treat it with a protective layer of a specialized product.

How to clean white nubuck shoes

Not everyone will risk buying shoes made of light, and even more so, white nubuck, because they require careful care. Most often, people buy such shoes for going out, but even after wearing them once, you can put a stain on them. If the stain is too deep and noticeable, you can get rid of it, but it is unlikely to return the original color. To clean light nubuck use:

• Soft stationery eraser. They can remove surface contaminants that are not deeply ingrained. You need to gently rub the problem area without strong pressure. Then shake off any remaining dirt with a damp cloth.
• Manicure file. If a stain appears, rub gently over the area.
• Talc or chalk. These products can be used to clean greasy stains on nubuck of any color. The powder is applied to the stain and left for at least half an hour. After which it is carefully swept away with a brush, and the shoes are wiped with a damp cloth.
• Steam treatment. Hold the shoes over a container of boiling water for one minute. Then rub the contaminated area with a brush and dry.

Do not dry nubuck shoes with a hairdryer, iron or near a radiator! Nubuck is a treated leather that can shrink when exposed to heat.

Storage rules

To save your shoes until the start of the next season, you need to follow a number of simple steps:

1. Clean well and dry.
2. Repair all damage, remove stains, remove insoles that have become unusable.
3. Treat with a leather softener.
4. Disinfect the inside of shoes with an antiseptic. This will prevent mold from appearing.
5. Store in a tightly closed box, but at the same time sufficiently free and ventilated.
6. Check your shoes periodically. If the skin is dry, treat with an emollient. The wet pair will need to be dried.

Features of daily care of nubuck shoes

Regular daily care can extend the life of nubuck shoes. Caring for nubuck is not at all difficult, the main thing is to get into the habit of the following actions:

• After wearing shoes, you need to immediately dry them, clean them of dust and dirt with napkins and a brush, and then treat them with special products;
• Completely clean shoes are treated daily with a water-repellent aerosol and then dried;
• You cannot treat your shoes with the product just before going outside;
• Winter shoes need to be treated with aerosol and impregnation at the same time, this will protect the boots from getting wet;
• Every day you need to comb the pile with a special brush;
• No need to use shoes during rain or snow;
• Shoes should be stored in a cardboard box or textile case in a dry place;
• If the shoes have not been worn for some time, periodically you need to remove them from the box, take them out into the fresh air for a couple of hours, and dry them with wads of newspaper placed inside;
• Car drivers should use automatic heels.

It is forbidden:

• Use ointment or shoe polish;
• Wash the product under tap water;
• Use soap or washing powder when cleaning;
• Store shoes in plastic bags without air access.

Usually people think that nubuck and suede are the same material, and therefore they can use the same care products. This is wrong. Nubuck is a very delicate material compared to suede and some products will only harm it.

How to dry?

Products should not be kept wet; they should be cleaned immediately after coming home. Then dry thoroughly at normal temperature. First of all, you should forget about batteries, radiators and other artificial heat sources. They act unevenly and lead to deformation. It is also forbidden to expose shoes to direct sunlight.

In the store you can buy specialized gadgets for shoes.

It is best to use special devices that are placed inside shoes and connected to the network. But you need to choose the appropriate mode with delicate operation so as not to overheat too much. If there is no such device, you can provide a draft or place it outside in the shade. In winter, to make the drying process faster, newspapers or paper are placed inside.

How to restore “dead” shoes

Nubuck shoes lose their attractiveness and presentability when they fade and form so-called bald spots - abrasions. Special spray dyes of the appropriate color will update the appearance of the shoes. If the shoes look too “dead”, try applying a dye to the nubuck that is a shade darker than the color of the shoes.

You can straighten the pile and restore elasticity by holding the shoes over boiling water for several minutes. The color of dark shoes returns after rubbing them with a crust of bread. Brown shoes can be refreshed by rubbing problem areas with coffee grounds. Scuffs can be eliminated after manipulation with a rubber eraser, a toothbrush or a piece of pumice.

It must be remembered that movements and pressures must be very delicate. If this does not help, all that remains is to take the shoes to a restoration workshop.

Nubuck shoes look chic on your feet. But this chic is achieved through regular and careful care of the capricious material. Therefore, if you are not ready to take care of your shoes every day, then it is better to opt for less demanding suede or leather.

Shoe restoration

Over time, as well as with improper care, shoes may lose their attractive appearance, but you should not rush and buy a new pair, because even slightly damaged shoes can be brought back to life. Surface deterioration occurs mainly due to lint loss during washing and other mechanical stress. And first of all, the task is to restore volume to the villi.

First, you should hold your shoes under a stream of hot steam; you can use either a steamer or the function of a regular iron. This way, the crumpled fibers will gain volume and look fresher.

Secondly, the shoes must be allowed to dry after this procedure without resorting to additional means; it is best to leave the pair to dry overnight.

Thirdly, the treated pair should be tidied up using a specialized brush, which will finally lift the villi and give them their original appearance. At the end of this procedure, apply a protective cream to the shoes using a sponge.

Difference with suede

The difference is in the origin and method of tanning the leather. The table clearly shows how nubuck differs from suede and what their performance properties are.

Table - Differences between suede and nubuck

Options	Suede	Nubuck
Tanning	— Fats of vegetable and animal origin	— Mineral salts (chromic) followed by grinding of the top layer
Leather	— Small cattle	— Cattle
Extensibility	— High	— Average
Waterproof	— Average	— Low
Shock resistance	— Average	— High
Wear resistance	— Average	— High
Area of ​​application (most common)	- Outerwear; - bags; - hats; - wallets; - shoes (rarely)	- Shoes; - bags; — belts; - jackets; - furniture

Fun fact: Most “suede” shoes are actually made from nubuck. Due to its softness and high stretchability, suede is not used in clothes without a thick lining. It is used very rarely for sewing shoes - the material quickly deforms and reacts sensitively to deicing agents. But for jackets, wallets and bags - just right. But suede at a low price is most likely nubuck.

Proper handling of natural leather

Nubuck is a capricious material, so it is unacceptable not to spoil it:

• Dry near heating devices - deformation, cracks.
• Use plastic bags for storage - ventilation must be provided so that the skin can breathe.
• Cleaning a pair until it is completely dry will aggravate the degree of contamination; reagents and dirt will penetrate deeper into the pores of the nubuck.
• Apply special care compounds directly to shoes, except for aerosols. Distribute the product over a sponge, brush, and gently rub into the skin.
• Use regular soap for care, hair shampoos - aggressive alkali, parabens, chemical additives form stains and stains, they are difficult to remove.

Nubuck does not tolerate washing under running water. This will cause the pile to become knocked down, the skin pores will not allow air to pass through well, and the color will fade.