A few decades ago, nubuck shoes were rare and were considered a sign of prosperity. Today, almost everyone has boots, sandals or sneakers made of this material. However, not everyone knows how to clean shoes from nubuck so that it lasts much longer. In fact, care is simple, but requires some knowledge and effort. We will find out how to extend such a shoe’s life, how to clean and store it properly, and what tools and tools are needed for this.
Material Features
Before you figure out how to clean nubuck shoes at home, you should understand what kind of material it is and how it is special. It is made of genuine leather with a finely tufted surface. For this, the cattle skin is usually used, which is then polished and chrome tanned. Such material is unstable to moisture, but breathable.
There are also more unpretentious materials. This is an artificial nubuck of synthetic origin, that is, leather substitute. It does not absorb water, but already does not let air through. The most wear-resistant and non-capricious is a natural nubuck, which has undergone additional moisture-proof treatment. It is slightly wet to the touch. In the store it can be found under such a name as “nubuck oil”.
Cleaning tools
Traditional sprays and brushes are completely unsuitable for care. Therefore, before you clean your shoes from nubuck from dirt, it is worth buying special tools.
- Double-sided brush with “rubber papillae” and metal fibers. It effectively removes dirt from nubuck without any consequences. It is better to buy two brushes at once: one can be stored at home, and the other just in case to carry.
- An eraser is a great alternative to a tool with bristles. It copes with minor stains and dirt on light shoes . It is sometimes advised to use a regular stationery eraser, but it is not suitable for a nubuck.
- Shampoo. They will have to use infrequently, but it is better to purchase it in advance. As a rule, a thorough cleansing with a special shampoo is carried out a couple of times a year.
- Impregnation. It is simply necessary to protect shoes from exposure to snow and rain. Apply it not before going out, but in advance so that it has time to absorb.
Also on sale you can find various sprays, aerosols, creams and paints. Only those on which there is a mark that they are suitable for nubuck are worth choosing funds.
How to clean shoes from nubuck with special tools?
Many manufacturers of shoe products produce products specifically designed for a particular material. For the care of nubuck, the products of such brands as Ol Combi, Colonil, Kiwi, City, Sapphire, Salton and Barcode have worked well. It is very advisable to get sponges and brushes of the same brand as the cleaning products themselves .
How to clean nubuck? Shoes at home are very easy to put in order, if you use special tools. First, walk along the surface of the material with a special brush. It will gently remove dirt even at the seams and will not damage the villi. After such dry cleaning, a nubuck spray is applied evenly to the shoes, which must be suitable in color. It will not only protect against moisture, but also restore an attractive look.
Primary processing
No matter how strange it may sound, but new nubuck shoes must be cleaned before going out, even if there is not a speck of dust on it. First, a special brush is passed over the surface, then impregnation is applied. Primary processing should always be plentiful. It must be performed three times with interruptions in absorption. And this happens in about twenty minutes. The next day, shoes can already be worn. The same treatment is recommended to be repeated during the thaw or in rainy weather.
How to clean suede and nubuck shoes?
So you have purchased beautiful boots made of combined material, but do not know how to care for them. Suede is also a whimsical material that requires delicate care. Daily cleaning should be extremely dry with abrasive erasers, rubber brushes or foam plastic. In case of severe contamination, powder shampoo can be applied to the surface and rubbed gently, but carefully. After the nubuck and suede are brushed so that the pile is raised again. If necessary, you can use water-repellent impregnation.
Shoe Wet
Wet or moist nubuck is highly undesirable. First, shoes should be allowed to dry naturally or in a special dryer. But not about heating appliances or batteries. It would be better to dry the shoes by putting newspapers or paper in it. This will allow the entire product to dry evenly and protect against surface deformation. After processing is carried out in the usual way with a special brush. That is, the main rule says: before cleaning shoes from nubuck, you need to make sure that it is completely dry.
An exception is made of artificial leather. Of course, they should not be placed in the washing machine, but it is allowed to gently clean with a damp sponge. You can additionally use shampoos for nubuck, which do not leave marks.
We remove strong pollution
Sometimes even cleanlings fall into dirty alleys, after which any shoes lose their appeal. Here, even a special brush will not correct the situation - powerful artillery is required. In exceptional cases, you still have to use a sponge and water with the addition of a few drops of ammonia. Salt stains often appearing in winter can be eliminated in the same way. Wet sponge absorbs dirt and cleans shoes. To straighten the nubuck pile after these sparing procedures, you need to hold it over the steam. After it is necessary to apply spray paint.
Folk methods
If you don’t have any special means, and you need to clean your shoes urgently, then “grandmother's” methods will come to the rescue. There are several proven methods on how to clean nubuck shoes.
Nine percent vinegar (a tablespoon) should be diluted with a liter of water, then moisten a cotton wool in it and rub the shoes in the direction of the pile. You can also make a solution of ammonia (one to four). After processing, the nubuck is dried, kept over steam, combed with a brush and sprayed with a spray-impregnation, if available.
Perhaps almost everyone has brown bread at home. He will save from dirt or scuffs, especially from stains of salt. It is necessary to take dry crusts of brown bread and wipe the places of pollution. After the crumbs are removed, the pile is put in order.
Coffee grounds are just perfect for a dark nubuck. She will not only clean, but also refresh the color. The remnants of a strong brewed natural coffee will do. The gruel is applied to the necessary areas and kept for several minutes. The mixture should absorb and dry. It is easy to remove with a brush with metal teeth.
Bans
For your favorite boots to last you a long time, you need to remember how to clean shoes from nubuck, as well as some storage features.
- Do not remove dirt from a wet surface.
- Avoid soap and water, only a damp sponge is allowed.
- Do not dry on a battery or heaters.
- Do not use skin cleansing creams - they will just ruin the velvety pile.
- Do not store shoes in plastic bags, it is better to put them in boxes.
Do not give up nubuck shoes - they are beautiful and comfortable. Simple tips can significantly extend her life, so they should not be neglected.