We have all been children. And we all took a big leap with feet together in a puddle, unleashing the wrath of our parents.
But even if now, as adults, we don't jump on purpose, it happens to end up in a puddle with our leather shoes, maybe put on twice, or to find ourselves by chance in a downpour, and it's already a panic crisis.
In fact, water and snow stains, so innocent in appearance, are not so easy to remove from the leather. Often they leave those ultra nasty halos that you just don't know how to remove.
Well, let's try to figure out how to fix the problem right away.
Not only rain, but also beware of mold!
If something goes wrong, you know, “it always rains in the wet”. When your leather shoes get wet, the problem isn't just aesthetic. In addition to the stain visible externally, there is a real danger of moisture forming inside the shoe.
Leaving the shoe to remain damp inside is in fact very dangerous, without considering the bad smell.
Ok it's true, we don't mind fashions, but walking around with shoe covers is not exactly the ideal solution. Instead, we can take small daily steps to prevent major damage or remedy when the damage is done.
Let's see together how!
Ordinary cleaning, first step: clean the shoes well and let them dry.
To remove water stains from your leather shoes you have to proceed step by step. The first step is to clean them thoroughly and let them dry. Use a sponge or damp cloth to remove dust, mud or dirt. Clean them thoroughly, removing all traces of dirt. After this operation, let the shoes dry, away from heat sources. So avoid placing them directly above the radiator, for example. Stoves and fireplaces are also banned; absolutely avoid storing them in the shoe cabinet indoors. I suggest you put newspaper inside to keep the shape and let them dry with the heel resting on the ground and the toe raised upwards.
Second step: let's move on to polishing.
I always recommend two things: the first, use a neutral cream, but this consideration varies according to the type of leather and color. If the shoe is hand dyed (such as mine Lord Blue or greens) you have to take great care of it. Be careful because being a leather tanned to be dyed, it tends to lose its polish if it is not cleaned and fed often.
Occasionally alternate the neutral cream with one of the same color as the shoe.
Try the cream in a hidden corner of the shoe. If the leather reacts badly it will not be such a serious damage and you can fix it and continue wearing your leather shoes. Spread the polish with the brush, let it dry and, only afterwards, move on to polish with a soft wool cloth. I also use old wool socks that I no longer use.
Prevent & cure
To prevent water or snow stains on your leather shoes, you can purchase waterproofing sprays. They are easily found on the market, but be careful not to choose one that is too aggressive. The same advice as for the cream applies: first remove the dust and do a first test, trying it in a hidden corner to avoid nasty surprises.
What if the damage has already been done?
If your shoe is already stained, don't worry: let's bring out the old grandma's remedies.
- Cleanser
Take a cotton ball and pour a drop of cleansing milk over it. Then rub gently on the stain avoiding to soak the skin. But pay attention to the color of the shoe: in the case of light leather shoes, the cleansing milk could cause the leather to yellow, while in the opposite case, with very dark leather, it could leave a darker halo where you passed the wadding. . Same advice as always then, try in a hidden corner.
- Marseille soap
Dissolve some castile soap in a basin with lukewarm water (alternatively you could also use dish soap). Dip a soft cloth, squeeze well and rub gently. If after the hidden corner test the result is satisfactory, proceed on the whole stain.
- Vinegar
If the stain is already dry, you can use a small amount of white vinegar, scrubbing gently with a clean towel or cloth. Repeat as long as necessary and you will see the stain disappear. On water stains it is super effective! A solution of water and vinegar is also ideal for removing mold stains.
- Borotalco or corn flour
These two will be your precious allies if you've spilled liquids on your beloved shoes. Blot the stained area with a dry cloth, then apply a small amount of talcum powder or cornmeal and let them absorb the liquid overnight. In the morning brush away and… poof! Stain gone.
- Extra tip (especially if you have a small child)
I often had the lethal weapon right in my bag. If you happen to stain your shoes and be on the street or otherwise outside the home, use the baby wipes you have with you. They are an excellent remedy to remove dirt immediately and then clean the shoe at home as soon as you have time.
Well, I've finished my tips for cleaning leather shoes after a rainy day. Now you can also jump into the puddle as you dreamed of, you already know how to fix it J
If you have tested other remedies, please write me at alice@scarpettadivenere.it I will update the list with your co
