Caring For Your Leather Boots
No matter what type of ladies leather boots you’re wearing, you’ve got to make sure they’re in great shape. There’s nothing sexy or even remotely attractive about dull, scuffed boots with worn down heels. For that matter, there’s also nothing comfortable about wearing boots with rundown soles.For ladies leather boots that are made of suede, leather, exotic leather or Nubuck, the following four-step program will provide tips and techniques that will help improve and prolong their life, performance and looks.
IMPORTANT: When using cleaning and care products, be sure to test them on a small area of your boot first! If you’re unsure about the material your boots are made from, check the label or check with a shoe care professional.
Cleaning Your Boots
First step in caring for your favorite boots is cleaning. If you are careful to clean them properly and often, they’ll maintain that new boot look and you’ll remain the every stylish fashion diva that you are!
Leather: Purchase a quality leather cleaner and using a damp sponge, cloth or soft bristled brush, lather up your boots both inside and out. Refrain from dunking your boots in water! Just use the dampened cloth and cleaning solution so that you can clean the perspiration from the inside of your leather boots as well as the dirt from the outside. Once your ladies leather boots are clean, allow them to air dry. Refrain from putting them near a heat source because that can actually dry out the leather and cause cracking and other damage.
Exotic Leather: Leather boots made from snakes, alligators, etc., are considered exotics. Use a mild cleaning solution that is made specifically for exotic leathers. If your leather boots contain scales, begin the cleaning process by gently brushing off dirt with a soft brush or cloth. The scaled exotic leathers should not be soaked with solutions because they are made with special membranes that hold the scales together. Be careful not to destroy that membrane. Use as little force and as little product as possible on scales but do your best to keep them clean and not allow dirt to build up between the scales as this will also damage the membrane.
Suede & Nubuck Boots: Suede and nubuck have their own cleaning products so be sure to purchase the appropriate type. For dry stains, try very gently rubbing a pencil eraser over the stain. Use a plastic or rubber tipped brush to gently brush the surface and bring the material back to it’s original state. Nubuck must be brushed with extreme care so as not to damage it. If the stains are particularly tough, consider a salt remover product or a professional shoe cleaning shop.
Conditioning Your Ladies Leather Boots
Step two in the four step program is to condition your boots. Conditioning helps to soften and lubricate the material which allows your boots to be more pliable. The creased area just below the toes need special attention as this is the most prone to cracking. Read product labels and be sure to get the appropriate conditioner for the appropriate type of leather.
Leather: After cleaning your leather boots, while still damp, apply one light coat of conditioner. Allow it to absorb for 24 hours and then repeat the process.
Ladies Exotic Leather Boots: Choose a lanolin based conditioner and try to condition your exotic leather boots more often than your other leather boots because it aids in keeping the membranes supple.
Ladies Suede & Nubuck Boots: Oiled Nubuck should be conditioned with a specific Nubuck conditioner. This will help to replace the oils that are removed when worn. Suede boots need a water-based conditioner to keep them from drying out.
Steps 3 & 4 are Polishing and Protecting.
IMPORTANT: Only polish finished leather boots!
Leather: As stated above, finished leather can be polished as opposed to unfinished leather boots which should not be polished. So what exactly is finished leather? It’s raw leather that’s been processed with chemicals that leave it with a smooth and shinier finish. To polish finished leather, choose a cream based product that is tinted in the color of the leather. This will help to cover blemishes, scuffs and scratches and add a glossy finish. Avoid wax based polishers for finished leather as it can cause build up and eventually cracking.
LadiesExotic Leather Boots: As opposed to actual polishing, the best protection you can offer your exotic leathers is to apply a water repellant to keep out the dirt and dust.
Ladies Suede & Nubuck Boots: Waterproof! Waterproof! Waterproof! The best way to keep your suede or nubuck boots looking new is to keep them protected with a water and stain repellant. Be sure to choose a product made for suede or nubuck.
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