Tools and Materials
Tools
- Terry cloth
- Microfiber
Soft bristle brush
Materials
- Leather cleaner
Leather conditioner
Magic eraser
Cotton balls
How to Clean Patent Leather
There are multiple ways to clean your patent leather, whether a bag, shoe or any other item.
Wiping
The first step to cleaning patent leather shoes or bags is to gently wipe away the normal dust and dirt that has accumulated on the surface.
- Use a dry terry or microfiber cloth to clean the leather gently to avoid any tears and scratches.
- For the deeply settled dust, dampen the cloth and rub it to clean the leather. Do not use too much water on the cloth, as it can damage the polish.
- You can also use a soft bristle brush in a circular motion for the corners.
Complete Cleansing
Once the upper layer of dust is removed, the next is to deep clean.
- Use a soap solution with warm water. Dip a cotton pad or terry cloth in the solution and use it to clean the surface with the solution.
- Focus on dirty and smudgy areas and use circular motion to clean gently.
- Once you are done with cleaning, remove the solution with a damp cloth and dry the surface with a clean cloth.
Avoid any strong soap, detergent or cleanser to minimize the harm to the leather surface, as it can remove the polish and glossy finish. Alternatives are a mild leather cleaner or a specialized patent leather cleaner.
Removing Stains and Scuffs
If there are any stains and scuffs left on a particular area after the cleaning process, here are some methods you can use to remove them.
- Remove tough stains by rubbing them with a cotton swab dipped in Vaseline or rubbing alcohol.
- Another method is a vinegar and water solution. Mix both in equal amounts to make a solution and use it on stains.
- A magic eraser can easily remove scuff marks on the leather, and it can be used on the mark multiple times until the mark goes away.
- If there are stronger scuff marks, use a small amount of mineral oil or petroleum jelly on a cotton ball and rub it on the area. This will remove the stains and scuffs while protecting the polish.
Condition and Polish
To maintain the leather's glossy finish, use a patent leather cleaner or conditioner after cleaning. To condition it deeply, try using a microfiber or terry cloth and rub it with the conditioner gently.
How to Clean Patent Leather Shoes
If you are mainly cleaning patent leather shoes, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- First, remove the laces, insoles and any other additional parts of the shoe before cleaning so every part is cleaned properly.
- Pay attention to the bottom part, as it has more dust and dirt than the leather part.
- Clean the insides of the shoes using a long brush or a cotton swab.
- After cleaning the shoes, make sure to use a leather conditioner on a soft cloth and gently buff the shoes.
Proper Storage for Bags and Shoes
There are multiple factors must be considered to keep the patent leather in excellent condition. The same goes for bags.
- Humidity and heat are not good for patent leather, so store them in a cool place away from sunlight with proper ventilation.
- Cover them with cloth to keep the dust and dirt at bay. For shoes and bags make sure you put paper inside them to keep them away from humidity.
- Try not to hang the bags, as they will stretch the material, which will result in tears and marks.