How To Clean Patent Leather Shoes At Home. Caring For Patent Leather ...
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Appearing in the 40s of the last century, patent leather shoes immediately aroused admiration among fashionistas and fashionistas of that time. Stylish and bright, with a characteristic noble shine of the surface, today it is one of the symbols of prosperity and luxury. However, only shoes with a presentable appearance can become a status item in a wardrobe. And for this it is necessary to provide proper and high-quality care.
Features of the material
Lacquer products are made from a material based on natural or artificial leather, coated with a special composition consisting of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, nitrocellulose and linseed oil. Specially selected varnish components provide a mirror-smooth coating of the base, as a result of which the material acquires a beautiful glossy surface, which is undoubtedly an advantage. But it is the varnish film, being a very intricate part of the material, that creates difficulties in care and storage, and sometimes significantly reduces the service life of the product. Therefore, when caring for patent leather shoes, it is important to know what situations to avoid.
Patent leather shoes look very beautiful, but require careful careWhat patent leather cannot tolerate
Factors that can ruin the patent leather coating of shoes:
- negative air temperatures. When frost occurs, cracks form on the varnish surface and the product loses its attractive appearance;
- the opposite problem is high temperatures and direct sunlight. Under the influence of these factors, the varnish melts and stretches. Do not dry patent leather shoes near heating devices or leave them on a hot area from the sun. The permissible temperature at which the varnish surface will not be damaged is from 0 to 25 ° C;
- Moisture entering the structure of the material disrupts its properties. The leather layer may be deformed, the varnish surface may change color (lightened or darkened areas will appear on the product). Therefore, it is not recommended to wash shoes with water or store them in areas with high humidity;
- abrasive products and materials will certainly damage the surface of the varnish coating, leaving scratches on it. Do not clean patent leather with brushes or hard sponges, or use powder or granular products;
- aggressive chemicals such as acetone, gasoline, solvents will cause dull spots to appear on the surface and ruin the appearance.
Factors that can worsen the condition of patent leather should also be taken into account when wearing shoes.
Video: what are patent leather shoes
Stages of caring for patent leather shoes
In order for patent leather shoes to retain their attractive appearance for a long time, it is necessary to follow the mandatory rules for cleaning, drying and storing products.
Cleansing
Dust and dirt should be removed from varnish products as they become dirty during use, that is, every time after wear. You should not postpone the cleaning procedure until a later time. Dust settled on the surface of shoes may contain aggressive components and can enter into a chemical reaction with the varnish coating, as a result of which the latter will be damaged. This is especially true if you live in an environmentally unfavorable area. Therefore, it is better to clean your shoes as early as possible.
Basic rules for cleaning patent leather shoes:
- just polish new shoes with a flannel cloth - that will be enough;
- The same should be done if shoes are slightly soiled after use: use a soft cloth to carefully clean the surface of dust, and then use polishing movements to make it shiny;
- for severe contamination, you can use a soap solution: about 1 tsp per 0.5 liter of water. shampoo or the same amount of laundry soap shavings. Stir the mixture well to form foam (this is what is needed for cleaning). Then use a foam sponge to grab the foam from the surface of the solution, being careful not to touch the water, and apply it to the varnish coating. Remove dirt with gentle movements and wipe the shoes dry with a cloth;
- If there is dried dirt on the varnish surface, do not try to remove it - you may damage the surface. Apply a sponge or cloth soaked in foam to the problem area and leave for 5-10 minutes. The dirt will soften and be easily cleaned;
- After cleaning procedures, do not immediately put your shoes in the closet; let them dry naturally for 20–30 minutes.
Professional cleaning products
You can effectively clean stains on patent leather using special products, which are available in a large assortment in the related product departments of shoe stores, retail outlets and household websites. The following brands are recognized as the best of their kind:
- Salamander Prof Lack Care,
- Saphir Leather Rife,
- Silver,
- Famaco Huile Vernis,
- Collonil Classic Lack Mousse.
Salton professional product provides care and is suitable for patent leather shoes of all colors Rules for using professional products for cleaning patent leather:

Video: Tricks for caring for patent leather
Traditional methods
To care for patent leather shoes, you can use available products that are found in almost every kitchen. In terms of efficiency, they are not inferior to professional ones.
Preserving the appearance of patent leather with milk:

How to Shine Shoes Using Onion and Vinegar:

You can add softness and shine to patent leather shoes using eggs and turpentine.

Features of caring for shoes of different colors
When choosing professional products for the care of patent leather shoes, you should pay attention to the recommended color of the product (usually this information is indicated on the product packaging). Popular brands often offer consumers products that are universal in color, that is, suitable for patent leather shoes of any color. But among folk recipes there are those that provide for differences.
Dark shoes
To clean black or dark-colored shoes, you can use tea or natural coffee.

In addition to cleansing and shine, this method will give the shoes a noble golden hue.
Light shoes
For light-colored shoes, a solution with ammonia is suitable.

Cleaning difficult stains
Stains and stubborn dirt are a difficult task for any material. But in the case of patent leather, the problem is only aggravated by the characteristics of the material and the requirements for its careful cleaning. Stains on light-colored items are especially difficult. Unlike dark models, they are clearly visible, striking and spoil the presentable appearance of the shoes.
Dark spots are especially noticeable on white shoes
For in-depth cleaning of light patent leather shoes, you can use a mixture of ammonia and glycerin.

Sometimes you can remove contamination with salt:

Adhered dirt and inorganics (for example: glue, sealants and other building materials) can be removed in the following way:
- Cut off the upper part of the frozen fragments very carefully with a sharp knife or blade. Try to draw the cut line as close to the surface as possible, but in no case touching it. The principle is this: the more you cut, the less you have to clean off.
- Wipe off any remaining dirt with a soft eraser (available at office supply stores). Don't overdo it, try to keep the movements light.
A problem many people face with light-colored shoes is dark stripes. The reasons for their appearance are very different: they scratched one foot against the other or caught something. As a result, unsightly marks appear on the shoes, which greatly spoil the appearance and do not want to be washed off at all. You can solve the problem using nail polish remover (from a perfume store). But please note that the product should not contain acetone.
Using nail polish remover you can get rid of unsightly dark stains on light-colored shoes.
Before cleaning off dirt, be sure to test the product on a less visible area of the varnish surface.
- for work, use cotton swabs soaked in the product;
- try to apply the liquid only to the dark stripes, without touching the clean areas of the shoe.
Video: how to remove dark stripes on patent leather shoes
Drying
Patent leather shoes should be dried at room temperature and, as noted above, away from heating devices and sunlight. But natural drying is a slow process. If you get very wet (for example, if you happen to get caught in the rain), excess moisture can have a detrimental effect on the varnish coating. Therefore, you need to dry patent leather shoes as quickly as possible. And absorbent products will help with this:
- activated carbon (can be purchased at pharmacies);
- salt;
- baking soda;
- soft and clean paper.
Activated carbon perfectly absorbs moisture How to speed up the drying process:
- If the insoles are not secured in your shoes, remove them and dry them separately. This will reduce the amount of moisture inside the shoes and reduce drying time.
- Place a napkin with several tablets of activated carbon or a bag of salt on the bottom of each product.
You can make the bag yourself by folding the napkin three times in length and width, and pouring 1 tbsp on the middle section. l. salt.
- Leave your shoes to dry in a well-ventilated area. Periodically check the condition of the absorbents placed inside the shoes. If they get wet, replace them with new ones.
You can fill the inside of your shoes with crumpled clean paper, which absorbs excess moisture just as well as coal and salt. But contrary to some recommendations on the Internet, you should not use newspapers. They do absorb moisture, but can leave traces of printing ink on the inner surface, which will certainly ruin the appearance of the shoes.
Protection
- glycerin;
- petrolatum;
- refined vegetable oils (castor, soybean, olive, sunflower).
Vaseline can be used to protect and soften patent leather shoes. How to use:
- Apply the product to the sponge and spread evenly over the varnished surface.
- Leave your shoes for 20–30 minutes.
- Use a soft cloth to blot the surface to remove excess product.
Storage
Patent leather shoes are not intended for everyday wear. But during “rest periods” it is important to ensure proper storage. Otherwise, the next triumphant appearance in mirror-glossy shoes may not take place.
Improper storage can damage patent leather shoes
Rules for storing patent leather shoes:

Video: how to properly store shoes
Repairing damage
Being a fragile and vulnerable coating, the varnish film quite often undergoes various types of damage: scratches, chips, abrasions, etc. Any of these changes significantly affects the appearance, depriving the shoes of their spectacular stylish status. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to turn back time and restore the integrity of the varnish coating. But in most cases, defects can be skillfully disguised, which will undoubtedly have a positive effect on aesthetic characteristics and presentable appearance.
Nail polish is suitable for masking scratches and abrasions.

If the varnish film is damaged and part of it has moved away from the leather base, nail polish will also help correct the situation. In this case, you can use either a varnish that matches the tone of the shoes or a colorless one.
- Carefully move the damaged area of the varnish film to the side.
- Apply nail polish to the damaged area of the leather base and the back side of the peeled film.
- Press the varnish film onto the product. Use a dry cloth to press down.
- Wait for the varnish to dry.
Small cracks can be hidden using a matching eyeliner, soft colored pencil or felt-tip pen. To fix the problem you need to:

Video: how to restore the appearance of shoes with various damages
Now you know all the tricks of proper care for patent leather. This means that your shoes will look great even after a significant period of time after purchase and wear.
The varnish coating is characterized by high sensitivity. This is a rather capricious material that requires careful wear and proper care.
Patent leather shoes can easily be scratched and damaged if the edge of the shoe or boot touches any protrusion or corner. Stripes, scratches and other defects also occur when shoes rub against each other while walking.
Patent leather is negatively affected by humidity, dampness and precipitation, severe temperature changes and frost. As a result, cracks and scratches, creases, unwashable stains and abrasions appear on the surface. The product loses its attractive appearance and original color, deforms and changes shape, deteriorates, and becomes dull.
To avoid this, it is important to ensure proper care of patent leather. In this article we will look at how to care for patent leather shoes at home.
How to wear patent leather shoes correctly
- Patent leather shoes or boots are not intended for everyday everyday wear. Therefore, you should not wear such shoes every day;
- Since patent leather does not like frost, such boots, boots or ankle boots are not recommended to be worn at temperatures below -5 degrees;
- In products made from patent leather, air circulates less well than from ordinary genuine leather. As a result, they do not provide the necessary air exchange in hot weather, so such shoes are not recommended to be worn at temperatures above +25 degrees;
- To care for patent leather, choose special creams and products that are designed specifically for this material. In this case, products for ordinary natural or artificial leather are not suitable!;
- Choose creams and other care products for patent leather shoes based on glycerin, lanolin or castor oil. They give the surface a lasting shine, retain color for a long time and provide proper care for patent leather shoes;
- Do not wash varnish products under running water or in a basin of water!;

- To clean the varnish surface, do not use gasoline, acetone, white spirit or products containing these components. They corrode the surface and contribute to the appearance of dark matte spots;
- For care, do not use a classic shoe brush or silicone sponges, as they will easily scratch and damage the surface. Use a soft cloth or napkin;
- After using shoes, rinse thoroughly and leave to dry at room temperature. To prevent shoes or boots from losing their shape, you can fill them with folded newspaper or paper;
- After the shoes have dried, cream is applied to the surface and rubbed thoroughly. Then it is left to dry for 6-10 hours, this is exactly the time needed to absorb the product and create a stable protective film;
- Do not dry patent leather shoes on a radiator or other electrical appliance (including an electric shoe dryer) or near them! Before drying, the products are thoroughly washed and cleaned;
- If patent leather shoes are too small, it is better to stretch the products with a professional stretcher, which is sold in shoe stores or departments. This is the most effective and safe option.

How to wash and clean patent leather shoes
After each wear, patent leather shoes must be wiped, washed and dried. To clean items, choose a soft cloth such as felt, velvet or flannel. Under no circumstances should you use hard brushes or sponges. First, remove dirt and dust from the surface of the product using a cotton pad or cloth soaked in water.
Severe stains are removed with a soap solution. For the soap solution, take a very small amount of liquid soap or grate a small piece of soap on a coarse grater. Dilute the soap with water until foam forms and moisten a cotton pad. Wipe the surface with the disc and then with a damp cloth soaked in regular running water or a damp cloth.
Instead of soap solution, you can use special milk for cleaning patent leather shoes. After you have cleaned the surfaces of stains, dirt and dust, wipe the products with a damp cloth or cloth, and then wipe dry with a dry soft cloth. Make sure that there are no soap stains left on your shoes.
How to dry and store patent leather shoes
After cleaning, begin drying. You need to dry your shoes in a cool place at room temperature, away from radiators, radiators and heating devices. After the products have dried, the surface is rubbed with a special cream.

The best option for patent leather shoes is a spray or polish. Such products are suitable for daily care. They will help preserve the color and shine of patent leather for a long time.
From time to time you can coat your shoes with balms for patent, natural and artificial leather. Such products reliably protect the surface from the negative effects of moisture and precipitation. They have a water-repellent effect, retain the original appearance of the products and the strength of the material.
In addition, the surface can sometimes be treated with warm milk. It will keep your shoes in good condition and add shine.
Be careful when choosing a cream or other care product for patent leather shoes. It is important that it matches the type of material. Preparations should not contain alkali, acids, solvents, gasoline or acetone.

Such components destroy patent leather and leave matte stains. Vaseline, lanolin, glycerin, various oils and preparations containing them are excellent for processing such material.
Apply a layer of protectant and leave for 10-15 minutes. Then rub over the surface and polish the product with a soft cloth. After this treatment, it is advisable to leave the shoes to dry for another 6-10 hours. During this time, the product is absorbed as much as possible and will create a reliable protective film.
Patent leather shoes should be stored in shoe boxes with holes that will ensure proper ventilation. Rolled newspapers can be placed inside shoes or boots to maintain their shape. Each product is wrapped in paper or wrapped in a special shoe bag, and only then placed in a box.

We looked at how to care for patent leather shoes. And then we’ll find out how to restore the products to their former presentable appearance.
How to remove defects from patent leather shoes
- Special paint for patent leather is the fastest and easiest way to eliminate small cracks, stubborn stains and abrasions. With the help of such restorative agents, you can paint over defects, restore color and give products their former shine. By the way, such preparations can also be used for a patent leather bag or wallet. Choose paint to match the color of the product!;
- Liquid leather is an expensive but very effective product that can quickly remove serious damage to products made from any type of leather. This is a modern preparation with a wide selection of colors;
- Minor scuffs and scratches from patent leather shoes can be removed with a regular eyeliner or eyeliner. Match the color of the pencil to the color of the material and carefully paint over the damaged area. Then carefully spread the resulting arrow over the surface using a cloth or soft sponge;
- If a small crack, scratch or scuff has formed on the shoe, a varnish matching the color of the material will help to paint over the defect. Apply the product to the damaged area and leave until completely dry in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. But be prepared that such a layer of varnish does not last long, and the coating will have to be renewed every two weeks with regular wear of the products;
- Deep cracks, serious scratches and large abrasions can be repaired with finishing wax, which can be purchased at a hardware store. To do this, heat the wax and carefully drop a few drops into the desired location. Rub the product over the surface. When the damage is masked, the product is treated with a spray or polish for patent leather shoes;
- To restore their original shine, black patent leather shoes or boots can be lubricated with Vaseline, glycerin or castor oil. Leave the product on for 15 minutes and remove excess with a napkin or cotton pad;
- To enhance the strength and elasticity of the material, to give shine and an attractive appearance to patent leather shoes, use a mixture of turpentine, egg yolk and vegetable oil. Take 3 tablespoons of turpentine, 1.5 teaspoons of oil and one yolk. Mix the ingredients and rub the surface of the products;
- The torn piece of leather is glued using colorless varnish or regular glue. The product is applied to the damaged area and a piece of skin is applied, which is pressed on top with a cloth and held for about five minutes. Then the surface is covered with transparent nail polish. You can rub the area with a cut of half an onion;
- To remove streaks from shoes, use a regular school eraser, nail polish remover without acetone, or tooth powder. In addition, the defect can also be painted over with nail polish to match the color of the material. To remove streaks, use a soft eraser, but do not rub the surface too hard!

Before repairing, it is important to thoroughly rinse and dry your shoes, and only then can you begin the procedures. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to eliminate the defect completely or return the shoes to their previous appearance 100%.
However, it is quite possible to disguise small scratches, abrasions or glue a torn piece of leather using one of the methods listed above. Worn shoes are lubricated with egg white. This will give the products a neat and presentable appearance.
If patent leather shoes squeak
After purchasing patent leather shoes, you may find that they squeak. Squeaky shoes or boots are evidence of defective and low-quality shoes. Therefore, it is better to return such products to the store. However, if you really liked them and want to keep them, a simple folk remedy will help get rid of the squeak.
If your shoes squeak when you walk, regularly lubricate the outside of the leather with goose fat or lard. The seams are treated with Vaseline or wax. The oiled products are left to dry and then polished with a cloth.

As a result, shoes or boots will become softer, more elastic and will stop squeaking. In addition, lard or grease can be used to lubricate the zipper if it jams.
Not all products can be used to clean patent leather. At home, you should use only proven methods. In addition, you need to know how to properly wear and store patent leather shoes in order to preserve their original appearance for a long time.
Patent leather shoes should be taken care of regularly. However, it must be worn correctly. To do this, you must follow the following recommendations:
- You should not wear patent leather shoes at temperatures below -10ºС and above +25°C. Cold can lead to a decrease in the elasticity of the material, and heat can cause microdamage and dulling of the skin.
- Do not use a regular shoe brush with hard bristles or universal shoe polish. Otherwise, scratches may remain on the surface of the shoes.
- In rainy weather, before going outside, you should lubricate patent leather shoes with Vaseline or glycerin.
- If the boots get wet, they need to be wiped with a dry soft cloth and stuffed with paper. Then leave in a well-ventilated area until completely dry. It is strictly not recommended on a radiator or using an electric dryer. Otherwise, the skin may crack.
- After each wear, you should wipe your shoes with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Patent leather should be periodically treated with moisturizers. You can use Vaseline, glycerin or vegetable oil. The selected product should be left for 15 minutes, and then the excess should be wiped off with a piece of velvet.
It is worth remembering that patent leather shoes, both natural and artificial leather, are not recommended to be worn every day. After all, it does not allow air to pass through, as a result of which the feet sweat and swell. Over time, calluses and corns may appear.
In addition, a contraindication for wearing patent leather boots is the presence of fungal diseases of the feet.
Cleaning methods
Patent leather shoes can be washed to remove light stains using a soap solution. The soap concentration should be small. A soft cloth should be moistened with the solution and wrung out thoroughly. Then wipe the shoes.
White leather can be cleaned with milk.
Black boots are cleaned with coffee grounds or tea leaves.
Algorithm of actions:
- prepare coffee grounds or tea leaves;
- cool them to room temperature;
- Using a soft cloth, treat the surface of the shoes with these products.
To restore the glossy shine to patent leather winter boots, you should use vinegar and onion.
Instructions:
- cut the onion in half;
- rub patent leather on one of the halves;
- then moisten a flannel rag with 3% vinegar and polish the shoes until they shine.
Vinegar will help remove the unpleasant smell of onions.
You can also use another method:
- take a chicken egg and separate the white from the yolk;
- add 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar to the protein;
- mix the mixture thoroughly;
- treat patent leather shoes with the resulting solution;
- then polish the shoes with a flannel or wool cloth for a few minutes.
The protein will fill microcracks in the skin and protect the surface from moisture and dirt.
Do not press too hard on the cloth when cleaning, as adhered sand particles can scratch the varnish.
If there are already scratches, you can fill them with special creams that are matched to the color of the shoes.
Drying
After cleaning, it is important to dry your patent leather boots properly. To do this you need to follow these tips:
- After washing, dry your shoes with a soft, dry cloth.
- Then insert special blocks made of wood or plastic inside. Instead of lasts, you can use paper or newspapers to stuff your shoes with.
- Do not dry patent leather shoes using radiators, radiators or electric dryers. Heating the leather will cause it to crack. It is also not recommended to leave patent leather shoes in direct sunlight, otherwise the material will quickly fade.

It is important to ensure that the shoes do not come into contact with other objects during the drying process, since patent leather is very vulnerable at this moment.
Impregnation
It is necessary to impregnate with special means. This is necessary to prevent dryness and to prevent the varnish from cracking. When purchasing a product in a store, you should pay attention to its composition. Impregnation with silicone is not recommended for patent leather, as it can hide the glossy shine. Products containing lanolin or glycerin are suitable.
At home, you can use improvised means to impregnate the skin. For this purpose, you can use petroleum jelly, glycerin, full-fat milk, castor or olive oil.
You can also prepare a special mixture. To do this you need:
- mix the yolk of a chicken egg with 3 tablespoons of turpentine and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil;
- moisten a cotton pad with the resulting solution;
- treat the skin;
- wait 15 minutes;
- remove excess product with a soft cloth.
The main thing is not to rub in the impregnation with a brush, as in this case scratches on the leather surface cannot be avoided.
After impregnation, you need to polish patent leather shoes to a shine using flannel or other soft cloth.
How to store patent leather shoes?
Patent leather shoes are worn for one season, so the rest of the time they should be stored properly. To do this, you need to follow certain recommendations:
- Before putting your boots away for the winter, they should be soaked in the manner described above. Then you need to put shoe trees or paper inside.
- Each shoe should be packaged separately in special shoe bags or in different boxes.
- Packed boots should be placed in a cool, dry place so that they are not pressed by other objects.
- If shoes are stored for a long time, it is recommended to periodically remove them and lubricate them with glycerin.
By following the rules for wearing, cleaning and storing patent leather shoes, you can preserve their original appearance and glossy shine for a long time.
These sparkly shoes never go out of style. If you choose the right look, these shoes will look like the cherry on the cake. But unfortunately, such shoes are very finicky - they require special care.
These shoes should not be worn every day. Due to dampness and dirt, the glossy varnish surface will begin to fade and become covered with cracks.
You have to be careful in winter - in frosty temperatures of -10 C, the varnish will burst, and in the summer there is a risk of returning home with melted and, ultimately, stretched patent leather sandals. In order to preserve the presentation of patent leather shoes for as long as possible, you need to follow some simple rules.
So, a note to fashionistas and fashionistas: 1). You should not use a universal skin care product, as it may contain components that dissolve varnish. To clean your shoes from dust or dirt, simply wipe them with a slightly damp cloth of soft wool or velvet fabric.
2). There are separate products for patent leather shoes that are water-based and do not leave greasy stains or streaks.
3). For shine, you can wipe with a cotton swab dipped in milk (but no kefir or yogurt - they will leave streaks) or rub with half an onion.
4). To make patent leather soft, it should be lubricated with a small amount of castor oil, glycerin, petroleum jelly or a thin layer of vegetable oil. 
5). About fifteen minutes after lubricating or applying the product, it is worth removing the excess substance and polishing the shoes with a piece of soft cloth.
6). Under no circumstances should you clean the varnished surface of your shoes with a brush - this will cause it to become covered with a web of cracks.
7). You should not clean patent leather shoes with cream, as it will quickly dull them and lose their former shine. For such shoes, it is recommended to use products that can be used to clean combination shoes, with the exception of shoes made of polished leather. 
8). When wiping your shoes after a street walk, you should not put pressure on them - microscopic pieces of earth and sand particles invisible to the human eye can scratch them. 9). If you spread your shoes with egg yolk mixed with granulated sugar (granulated sugar will leave scratches), they will shine like new. 10). Do not wear in hot weather, otherwise the film covering them will stretch and lose elasticity and strength. For the same reason, patent leather shoes should not be dried near a heater or using an electric dryer. It is better to stuff it with crumpled newspaper and leave it for a couple of hours. 11). Patent leather shoes in black or dark shade can be cleaned with strong tea leaves or coffee grounds. Remaining grounds should be washed off with plenty of warm water. But you have to be careful - this method is only suitable for brown and black shoes; light ones can be hopelessly ruined. 12). At the end of the season, glossy shoes should be wrapped separately in nylon covers and stored so that they do not touch. As you can see, there is no need to make any excessive efforts to ensure that new shoes, slippers or boots shine for a long time and brightly. If you wear your shoes carefully, maintenance will generally be reduced to the necessary minimum.
Of course, shiny shoes noticeably benefit from matte ones, but you should also treat them with more care.
This piece of clothing makes a woman more confident, sexy, and gives her gait a unique charm. However, it is worth remembering that in patent leather shoes the feet do not breathe and sweat, this can lead to the appearance of corns and calluses, in the worst case, even fungal diseases. To avoid such troubles, you should not wear them every day. 
To the post “How to clean patent leather shoes” 3 comments
You know, even though I’m a man and can talk about women’s shoes, I want to put in my 5 cents about our men’s shoes and cleaning them. Whether shoes are patent leather, whether they are high-quality or not is a separate conversation, but caring for them is mandatory and you need to carefully choose the cream you apply and what you use to clean them. Since low-quality creams applied to a varnished surface tend to spoil it and cause cracks, which will increase over time and varnished shoes will simply look terrible! Therefore, choose the cleaning cream carefully and try to remove literally all excess cream with a woolen cloth and rub it until it shines. And your shoes will look like new for a very long time!
I have 3 pairs of patent leather shoes, I didn’t even know that you can make them shine with regular milk, which you can certainly find in every refrigerator. Thanks for the advice!
I am wearing my father’s patent leather low shoes ESENTUKI MODEL made in 1963, price 42 rubles. 00kop. The emblem is a half-shield, on top there is a large letter K in the shield, three pointed mountains and below two slightly wavy lines. I took it out on the way out and asked you about your experience in caring. I confirm the effectiveness of the tea infusion bag. Thank you very much.
Leave your comment
Patent leather shoes look stylish and fashionable. It attracts attention with its brilliance. To maintain the appearance of patent leather shoes, you need to know how to properly care for them and what product you can use to clean their glossy surface.
How to care for patent leather at home
Lacquer-coated shoes need to be looked after from day one, otherwise they will quickly lose their shine and be irrevocably damaged. It is easier to prevent such a situation than to deal with its consequences. It must be remembered that patent leather shoes and boots are not intended for everyday use. The material from which they are made does not allow air to pass through, causing the feet to sweat and swell. After wearing, it takes time for the pair of shoes to dry and regain their shape.
Patent leather shoes require careful care, then they will serve you for many years
In order for your favorite shoes to serve you for more than one season, you need to observe the temperature regime when using them. Air temperatures below -10ºС contribute to a decrease in elasticity. Too hot weather with temperatures above +25°C, on the contrary, softens the varnish, which leads to fading and the formation of microcracks.
Do not use a shoe brush or universal polish, otherwise the glossy surface will become dull and scratches will appear on it.
How to prepare new patent leather shoes for wearing
A new couple does not need extensive preparation. It is enough to wipe its surface with a soft flannel cloth. If dirt or stains are found, you should treat the shoes with a cotton pad soaked in milk. After complete drying, you need to lubricate the product with an onion and then polish it with flannel. The brush cannot be used.

New shoes need to be properly prepared for wear.
Patent leather does not stretch as well, so often a new pair of shoes causes discomfort. There are several ways to soften or stretch it.
- You can save the situation at home using a special spray or foam (sold in a shoe store), which is applied to the inner surface and helps soften the material.
- A budget option is to treat the inside of the product with soap or a candle.
- Ask someone you know with large feet to wear a pair of shoes.
- Heat the inside of the shoes with a hairdryer, apply Vaseline or greasy cream. Then put on thick socks and walk for 2 hours. Apply cream again and leave overnight.
- If these methods do not help, you need to contact a shoe specialist.
In order for patent leather shoes to please you for a long time, you need to follow simple recommendations for caring for them.
- Using a soft cloth, carefully clean the entire surface from dust and dirt.
- For large stains, it is better to use soapy water. Do not soak patent leather too much.
- If adhered dirt cannot be easily washed off, it should not be removed. In this case, you need to apply a damp cloth to the problem area. After some time, the dirt will become wet and can be easily removed.
- After such procedures, wipe the surface well and let dry.
What product can you use to clean patent leather shoes?
There are special patent leather care products that can be purchased at shoe stores. They are made on the basis of glycerin, lanolin or castor oil. If you don’t find the right one, you can buy one of the above ingredients at the pharmacy. They will provide the product with a lasting and bright shine.
Important to know! Exposure of patent leather to alcohol, gasoline, solvent, or acetone leads to the appearance of dull spots.
Cleaning products that every home has
To get the glossy surface of your shoes in order, you can use improvised materials that are present in every home:
- coffee;
- milk;
- egg;
- vegetable or olive oil;
- petrolatum;
- ammonia;
- vinegar;
- sugar.
If your shoes are dark in color, you can safely tidy them up with tea or coffee.
- Prepare a hot drink;
- Cool to room temperature;
- Wipe your shoes with a cotton swab. The varnish will take on a beautiful golden hue.
For light-colored shoes, you can use a mixture of soap solution and ammonia. Treating patent leather shoes with milk, vegetable oil or Vaseline will preserve their appearance for a long time.
To restore the surface and make microcracks invisible, you need:
- mix the white of one egg with a teaspoon of sugar;
- Apply the resulting mixture evenly to the skin;
- polish the surface with a woolen cloth.
You can use vinegar and onion to add shine. Wipe the material with onion pieces and then polish with a cloth soaked in 3% vinegar.
To make shoes soft and shiny, use an old recipe. Mix the following ingredients:
- turpentine - 3 tbsp. l.;
- sunflower oil - 1 tsp;
- white of one egg.
Apply the resulting mixture onto a soft cloth and wipe the shoes with it. Regular wetting of the skin with this composition increases its elasticity.
Home remedies for patent leather shoe care - gallery
Tea and coffee will give patent leather shoes of dark colors a beautiful golden hue Milk will preserve the appearance of patent leather shoes for a long time Vegetable oil will add shine to patent leather shoes Vinegar will “revive” the color of patent leather Vaseline will replace expensive care products for patent leather shoes Ammonia will easily clean light-colored shoes from dirt A mixture of egg white and sugar will restore the surface of patent leather shoesWe put shoes in order - professional care
Professional products will help remove difficult stains. It is best to use them after returning home, and not before going outside. First, wipe your shoes with a napkin, removing dust and dirt from them. Then apply the product according to the instructions and let it dry.
How to clean patent leather shoes - video
Proper care in autumn and winter
In wet weather, patent leather boots should be lubricated with Vaseline, glycerin or oil before going outside. This will protect the shoes from moisture and maintain the elasticity of the surface.
If, nevertheless, boots or shoes get wet, they need to be wiped dry with a rag - stuffed with newspaper or paper, left to dry in a ventilated area with normal humidity and no temperature changes.
Do not use electric dryers, heating devices or radiators. Temperature can cause deformation and cracking of the skin.
How to put your shoes in order - video
Caring for patent leather shoes
For the production of shoes, different leathers are used, including artificial ones.

Externally, it is very difficult to distinguish genuine leather from a substitute.
These shoes have no external differences. After all, the same technology is used in the production of synthetic patent leather. Therefore, the main feature is the impeccable finishing of its inner layer. Caring for patent leather faux leather shoes is the same as caring for other patent leather shoes.
Effective problem solving
Patent leather shoes are a very specific material that requires careful care. Scratches, dark stripes, and various household stains may appear on it.
How to remove black bars
Lines on light-colored shoes can appear from their contact with each other when walking or as a result of the sole or heel touching the skin.

There are different ways to remove dark stripes from patent leather shoes.
There are several ways to remove streaks on white patent leather.
- Fresh marks can be easily removed with a cloth soaked in milk.
- It is allowed to use castor or any other oil.
- You can rub the stained area with the soft side of a school eraser, as a hard surface can scratch the glossy finish.
How to erase lines on white varnish - video
How to remove scuff marks
Specialized shoe wax or beeswax will help solve the problem. It must be heated and rubbed into the damaged surface. Cover the top with patent leather care product, which is sold in any shoe store.

You can remove small abrasions from patent leather using nail polish or a colored felt-tip pen.
Removing scratches - video
How to remove stains from shoes
When removing stains from patent leather, be careful, otherwise you risk damaging the product. Most shoe cleaning operations can be done at home.
- Stubborn marks from a ballpoint pen can be easily washed off using a mixture of glycerin and ammonia, taken in equal proportions, applied to the stained area for 5–10 minutes. This method is only suitable for light-colored shoes.
- For dark shoes: dissolve a teaspoon of salt in 0.5 cups of water, add 3-5 drops of detergent. Leave until completely dry. Apply thick cream or Vaseline for 3 minutes. Remove the remains with dry cotton wool.
- To clean the varnish surface from glue, you need to carefully file it off with a nail file, and wipe off the remainder with the soft side of an eraser.
- Remove water-based paints and fresh stains with a damp cloth.
- For oil paint stains, use sunflower oil. It needs to be moistened, then gently rub off the paint layer in a circular motion.
- Cured paint can be removed with nail polish remover without acetone, after first assessing the safety on an inconspicuous area of the coating.
Shoes made of any material require regular care, including patent leather. Wear it carefully and keep it clean. And then a pair of your favorite shoes will delight you for many more seasons.
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