How To Clean Leather Sneakers: 3 Quick Easy Guide

Leather shoes require special care to maintain their quality and appearance. This quick and easy guide will show you how to clean leather sneakers. By following the steps below, you might have your sneakers looking like new again in no time.

What Are Some Effective Ways To Clean Leather Shoes?

There are several ways to hand-wash leather shoes. You can try these three most-used methods for more information.

Scrubbing Paste Method

This method involves making a paste using a mixture of household items like baking soda, dish soap, and water, then using a soft-bristled brush to scrub the surface of the shoes gently.

The effectiveness of this method lies in the abrasive texture of the paste that can effectively remove stubborn stains without causing damage to the leather or suede material.

Vinegar And Water Method

The vinegar and water method involves using a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to wipe down the products gently. The vinegar’s acidity helps break down and lift dirt and grime without causing any damage.

This method is also known for its ability to neutralize unpleasant odors. The acid in the vinegar reacts with the odors-causing components and breaks them down. If you’re wondering about clean leather sneakers with a natural solution, the vinegar and water method is worth considering.

Rubbing Alcohol Method

This method involves using a cotton ball or cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to wipe down the surface of the shoes, effectively removing dirt and stains. The alcohol helps to break down oils and grime on the material, making it easy to wipe the stains away.

Using rubbing alcohol on the surface of the shoes.

What You Need To Prepare For Different Methods?

In order to prepare for each cleaning method mentioned above, you’ll need to follow this list.

Scrubbing Cleaning Paste Method

Here are what you need to prepare:

  • Baking soda/Dish soap
  • Water
  • A soft-bristled brush
  • A clean cloth or towel

Vinegar And Water Mixture

To use this method, make sure you have the following:

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • A clean cloth or towel

Rubbing Alcohol Solution

You’ll require the following supplies to begin:

  • Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
  • Cotton balls or a soft cloth

In addition to these specific materials, you may also have a clean, dry space to work in and some protective gloves to keep your hands clean and safe while cleaning your footwear.

Read more: How To Clean Canvas Sneakers

What Are The Step-By-Step Tutorials To Hand-Wash Leather Shoes?

You can follow the steps below to make your leather kicks appear like new again.

Remove Excess Dirt And Stains

When cleaning sneakers, the first step is always to remove any excess dirt and stains. This can be done by gently brushing or wiping away any loose dirt or debris on the surface of the shoes.

You should take the time to do this to help ensure that any stubborn stains are not ground into the material during the cleaning process.

How To Use Cleaning Solution Properly

Whether you’ve opted for the scrubbing paste method, vinegar, and water, or rubbing alcohol, it’s important to follow the directions carefully and not use too much solution, as this can cause damage to the material.

Each method requires a slightly different approach, so be sure to do your research and follow the instructions of each cleaning product closely to get the best results.

Clean The Sneakers

You can use a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth to gently scrub the surface of the shoes in circular motions. You should take care to avoid any sensitive areas like logos or stitching. Then, you can rinse with clean water and let the products air dry.

Using rubbing alcohol on the surface of the shoes.

To keep leather sneakers looking their best for longer, follow these cleaning instructions.

Read more: How To Clean Mesh Sneakers

Condition Your Sneakers

There are many different leather conditioning products available, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your shoes. You should apply the conditioner to a clean cloth and work it into the material in a circular motion, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Inspect Your Work

You should take a close look at your shoes to ensure that you have removed all dirt and stains and that there are no signs of damage to the leather.

If you notice any areas that require additional attention, go back and repeat the cleaning process or address the specific area as necessary.

Conclusions

Cleaning your leather footwear can be a quick and easy process if you follow the right steps and use the appropriate products. Now you can go ahead and put these tips for cleaning leather sneakers into practice.

For more information, you can see this video:

FAQ

  1. What Not To Use On Leather Sneakers?

    You should avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive materials on your leather shoes. These can cause damage or discoloration to the leather as they break down the fibers in the leather material.

  2. Can I Soak Leather Sneakers In Water?  

    No. It is not recommended to soak leather shoes in water. Leather can absorb moisture and will become stiff or misshapen when soaked in water. 

  3. Will Hand Sanitizer Clean Leather Sneakers?

    Yes. While hand sanitizer can help remove germs from your leather product, it is not an effective cleaning solution and may damage the leather over time.

Jena Oralie

Jena Oralie

Jena Oralie, the fashion designer and fashion role model of Outfitoza. She had a totally modern, intense look: a unique blend of masculine and feminine. He has more than 10 years of experience in shoe design and other foundations of fashion, starting at a young age and accumulating experience.