Clean nubuck shoes… How?

How to clean nubuck?

Nubuck is a leather that has undergone a special treatment using an abrasive material in order to give it a velvety appearance, approaching suede. And while it can be as durable as regular leather, nubuck is still more fragile and requires special care.

10 Tips therefore offers you some tips and products for maintaining and cleaning nubuck shoes. Useful tips to help you keep nubuck in good condition for longer.

1. Prevent stains by waterproofing nubuck shoes

Nubuck leather shoes need to be waterproofed regularly, using a product specifically designed for this purpose. Not only will the waterproofing agent allow them to be liquid-proof, it will also limit the appearance of stains on the leather.

There is a whole range of waterproofing products, in aerosol or cream, which will protect your shoes while reviving the color of nubuck and other textiles. Appreciated by users and our visitors here is the Collonil Nubuk and Textile product which is an excellent waterproofing agent for your shoes and boots.

To discover other tips and tricks on leather care, it’s here: Tips for cleaning leather.

2. A brush for cleaning and maintaining nubuck

As nubuck leather is porous, it is normal for dirt and dust to become encrusted more easily. You will then need a special brush for this type of leather. Brushes for nubuck, suede leather or suede are effective in removing dirt while being soft enough not to damage your shoes.

These nubuck brushes are available at most shoe stores and shoemakers. 10 Tips also offers below a model of brush designed for nubuck shoes or for suede accessories. A brush appreciated by users and above all at a great price!

As mentioned above, this brush is also ideal for suede. Here are some other tips on this: How to clean suede?

3. Natural products to clean your nubuck shoes

There are natural products designed to clean stains, even greasy ones, on nubuck leather as well as reversed leather. Powders including Sommières earth allow you to dry clean stains without leaving marks and without altering the color of your shoes.

Popular in France and increasingly in Canada as well, the Sommières earth offered below will be your ally when maintaining your shoes but also for removing stains from a multitude of other surfaces and textiles.

4. Sandpaper and abrasive block for stubborn stains

If despite your best efforts there are still stains that refuse to come out, you can use sandpaper or an abrasive block and rub the stains vigorously on your shoes. This will also have the effect of invigorating the appearance of the nubuck, giving it a youthful look.

Thereafter, you can use a brush specially designed for nubuck or even the soft brush of your vacuum cleaner to remove the dust produced by this trick.

5. Clean your nubuck shoes with a toothbrush

If you don’t have a special brush for nubuck and suede, or cleaning products, you can use a toothbrush and a little soapy water to clean the stains on your shoes.

Then, you will need to rinse using a slightly damp brush and allow to dry well before applying a protective product to the nubuck leather.

6. Baking soda to clean your nubuck shoes

In the event of a greasy stain, and if you do not have a cleaning product specifically designed for this use, be aware that baking soda can be used without problem. It is simply a matter of sprinkling a little on the stain, then rubbing with a soft cloth.

Baking soda is equally useful for removing calcium stains from your nubuck boots or shoes. Here’s how:

• Wet the stain a little with hot water using a cloth
• Sprinkle a little baking soda on the cloth and rub.
• Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to finish cleaning

In either case, you will then need to use a brush or the vacuum to remove the residue to finish cleaning the shoes.

Baking soda and vinegar is also effective against rust. Here is the article that talks about this trick: Rust stains on fabric.

7. Remove stains from nubuck leather with an eraser

To remove dry spots on nubuck leather, you can simply use a white eraser. Gently rub the stain, until it disappears.

Be careful never to use a colored eraser, because the dye from this eraser could transfer to your nubuck shoes.

Don’t forget to brush your shoes well to remove eraser residue and stains at the very end of the cleaning.

8. Vinegar to clean nubuck stains

Vinegar can be used to remove calcium stains, coffee or tea stains, and more. It is also particularly effective in removing soil and grass stains from white cloth shoes.

• Dilute the vinegar in water, respecting a ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water
• Apply the solution with a damp cloth and gently dab the area to be cleaned
• Rinse with water and let dry to finish

Vinegar can have a drying effect, so don’t use this method too often, and be sure to apply a conditioner when your shoes are completely dry.

9. Trust your nubuck shoes to a professional

Have you tried every trick you can to clean your nubuck shoes but can’t get the stains out? It may be best to have it serviced by a professional.

A shoemaker will have on hand the products and tools necessary for cleaning and proper maintenance of your shoes or other returned leather accessories.

It will be more expensive, but the investment will be worth it in order to keep your nubuck leather shoes longer.

10. Properly store your nubuck leather shoes

Nubuck leather being a natural material, we must make sure to store it well to prolong its useful life. At the end of the season, take the trouble to clean your nubuck shoes or boots well, let them dry well and then coat them with a conditioning product followed by a protective product.

To help your nubuck shoes or boots keep their shape, it is advisable to insert a shoe tree. Although there are plastic ones, it is rather recommended to choose a natural cedar model which offers the advantages of absorbing humidity and repelling insects.

Avoid storing your nubuck accessories in a plastic bag because the plastic will prevent your shoes from breathing properly and could damage them.