How to Clean Leather Sneakers in Easy Steps

Leather sneakers are amazing. They’re sharp, versatile, and look great with almost any outfit. This is why they’re mostly the top five footwear items in everyone’s wardrobe. However, when they get dirty, it feels like a huge problem. But honestly, it’s not. So if you’re also wondering how to clean leather sneakers without ruining them, this is the right spot to learn.

Before you dive in further, just relax and know that cleaning leather sneakers is way easier than it looks. That’s because you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get it refreshed professionally. All you need is some household items and the right technique.

Note: This mini guide is for both men’s and women’s leather shoes. Let’s get into it.

Tools You’ll Need Along the Way

Grab these essential items ready before cleaning leather sneakers, so you don’t end up going back and forth. These tools are:

Soft brush
Mild soap
Lint-free cloth or soft cloth
Warm water (not boiling)
Baking soda
Leather conditioner

The Best Way to Clean Leather Sneakers Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to make your shoes look new again. First:

Remove Laces and Insoles
Start by removing the shoelaces and insoles. They trap dirt, and when you clean your toes, these may still carry some, giving them an uneven finish. So, separating them gives a fresher finish.
Wipe off Dust and Debris
Use a soft brush to remove dirt and loose debris. This will prevent grime from soaking in when cleaning later.
Use gentle hands.
Clean the Leather Gently
Now, it’s time to make use of warm water. Add a small amount of soft detergent and mix it in. Dip the soft cloth in the solution and wring it out so it’s wet but not dripping. Clean the sneakers using small circular motions.
Works best for both leather sneakers for men and women.
Rinse the Cloth
Once the leather sneakers are cleaned, take a soft, clean cloth and dip it in fresh water, wring it out, and use it to wipe off any leftover soap. Ensure to do it properly as you don’t want your shoes to dry, peel off, or crack.
Attention! You don’t necessarily need another cloth; you can also consider the dry part of the same cloth for removing soapy water if you want.
Let Them Dry Naturally
Now that you’re done with cleaning leather sneakers, it’s time to let them air out in a cool spot with good ventilation and away from sunlight. Heat can take away the beauty of any leather shoes for men and women.
Condition and Buff
Finally, once fully dried, apply leather conditioner to keep your leather soft and flexible. Buff in small circular motions so the conditioner is equally absorbed in all parts.
It’s like giving your leather shoes a premium treatment.

Here’s a thing: cleaning leather shoes is fine, but what if it has deep marks? If you’re dealing with that, here’s an easy…

Treatment for Stubborn Stains

The above method works fine, but in case you have a hard-to-remove spot, spills, or marks, here’s how to care for leather sneakers the easiest way:

For oil stains, simply sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a couple of hours. This will soak up the oil from the leather. Wipe it off later.
In case of scuffs, especially on white men’s or women’s leather sneakers, take a small amount of non-gel toothpaste and rub gently on the leather’s surface using a soft cloth. Once you’re satisfied with the result, just wipe it clean.
Tough marks can majorly appear on lighter color leather sneakers. What you need to do is mix an equal amount of water and vinegar. Apply it with a cloth, then wipe it away. This is effective for removing older stains from leather shoes without causing damage.

FAQs

Can you wash leather sneakers in the washing machine?

Not really. Water is not good for leather as it removes the natural oils on the surface, leading to drying and cracking, let alone damaging the stitching and structure. Always go for hand washing when you’re learning how to care for leather sneakers.

Can you wash leather sneakers using dish soap?

Although cleaning your leather shoes with dish soap can be effective but make sure to use a small amount only. First, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, followed by soaking a soft cloth in the solution. Wring thoroughly so it does not drip water, and then clean toes, be they are leather sneakers for men or women. Once done cleaning, use another cloth to wipe off any soapy mixture, let it dry, and finish off by applying leather conditioner.

How often should I clean my leather shoes?

Simple brushing after use can be done after a week or every time you’re done wearing it. Conditioning can be done in 2 to 3 months. It also depends on how often you wear it.