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How to Clean Soft Leather Shoes at Home?

Published in Shoe Cleaning 3 mins read

Cleaning soft leather shoes at home is manageable with the right approach. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

Steps to Clean Soft Leather Shoes

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

  1. Prepare Your Shoes:
    • Remove the Laces: Take out the laces from your shoes. If they're dirty, either wash them in a washing machine or replace them with new ones. This ensures that you can clean all the areas of the shoe properly.
  2. Remove Loose Dirt:
    • Using a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush, carefully remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of your shoes. Pay close attention to areas where dirt might be trapped, such as around seams and welts.
  3. Apply Soap:
    • Use a small amount of mild soap on a damp cloth, creating a gentle soapy mixture. Gently rub this onto the leather to clean it.
  4. Wipe off Soap:
    • Take a clean and damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
  5. Condition Leather:
  • To ensure the leather doesn’t dry out and crack, use a leather conditioner to replenish its natural oils. Follow the instructions on the conditioner you choose.
  1. Dry:
    • Allow your shoes to air dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight, which can cause damage.


Step Description
1. Remove Laces Remove laces, wash them in the washing machine or replace with new laces
2. Clean Dirt Use soft cloth or a brush to remove grime stuck to the shoe's leather surfaces.
3. Apply Soap Apply mild soap to a damp cloth and gently rub over the leather.
4. Wipe Off Soap Use a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue.
5. Condition Leather Use a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking.
6. Dry Allow shoes to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat.


Tips for Success:

  • Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first.
  • Avoid using excessive water, which can damage the leather.
  • Regular cleaning can extend the life of your soft leather shoes.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your soft leather shoes at home and keep them looking their best.

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