How to treat nubuck shoes. How to care for nubuck shoes

Are you hesitant to buy nubuck shoes that are fashionable today just because you don’t know how to clean nubuck correctly? It’s a pity that you deprived your feet of the pleasure of wearing boots or shoes made from comfortable natural material.

But on the other hand: it will be very unpleasant to ruin them on the very first day of wear if water or dirt gets on the pile. You have purchased nubuck shoes, how to care for them so that they please you for more than one season?

Constant care, the use of special products, preparation for the first time outside - it seems that it will be incredibly difficult. But it’s a very small effort to have beautiful shoes in which your feet will never sweat in summer and never freeze in winter.

Nubuck care - primary and daily

Cleaning nubuck at home is not difficult, the main thing is to do it carefully so as not to spray paint on the wallpaper or furniture. If possible, it is better to go out onto the balcony or into a well-ventilated room. Complaints that nubuck gets wet indicate that the owner of such things does not take care of them and did not impregnate the shoes before going out for the first time.

The first cleaning will be the most extensive and will ensure that your boots last longer due to the resulting water-repellent effect.

Take the purchased impregnation and carefully read the instructions for use. Treat your shoes with it three times. Between each application, take a break until the previous layer is completely absorbed. The same thorough treatment should be repeated during rains and snowfalls.

This is how the nubuck was originally cleaned, how should it be taken care of on a regular basis now? Use a damp cloth to remove dirt from the sole and heel. A brush is used to clean shoes from dust and debris and apply impregnation, but now only once. Do not forget a very important point: such shoes should only be cleaned dry.

If you drive a car, always use a pad (auto heel) to prevent dirt or abrasion of the lint. Ideally, it would be if these actions are daily, if boots or shoes made of nubuck or suede are worn every day.

It is best to do this with aerosols, but you can apply paint to a special sponge and run it through the pile. Whether the product will be colorless or with the shade you want is up to you, if there is no obvious problem with discoloration. It is preferable to take each subsequent can from the same company; if this does not work, it is important that the color matches.

Special products for nubuck

Cleaning nubuck should be regular. Conventional products used for smooth skin are not suitable for this. To keep your shoes looking good for a long time, you need to purchase not only a special product, but also an appropriate brush.

Stores offer a lot of different impregnations: aerosols, sprays, cream paints. Please note that there is a note on the packaging that this is an impregnation for nubuck.

Don't spare money on purchasing care products. When purchasing shoes, immediately ask the seller what kind of brush for nubuck is on sale. They are three-sided, four-sided, where synthetic and metal bristles are combined, there is a convenient rib with which it is very easy to clean the welts and seams of your shoes.

If your wallet allows, then it would be good to buy a set that contains everything for caring for products made of nubuck, velor, and suede. Not only shoes, but also nubuck bags can be cleaned with the help of such household chemicals.

Which brand should you prefer? Manufacturers guarantee that your shoes will last a long time if you use only certified products from well-known brands. These are All Combi, Collonil, Salton Professional and others.

What does the kit contain for cleaning, protecting and restoring nubuck products? For example, the Collonil Nubuk+Velours Set, beautifully folded into a handbag, includes the following products:

  1. Protective aerosol – 200 ml bottle of Collonil Nubuk+Velours with a specific color (colorless, black, different shades of brown, blue tone). This is a paint for nubuck that will help renew tarnished color, remove stains, but most importantly, it provides reliable protection against dirt and water.
  2. Collonil Shampoo is a shampoo that will get rid of salt stains and especially difficult cases with stubborn dirt. After using this drug, the shoes look like they did in the first days after purchase.
  3. Collonil Nubuk Textile is suitable for textile products, nubuck, suede and gives a tinting effect.
  4. A wonderful assistant is the Collonil Cleaner universal brush for nubuck.
  5. Brush for cleaning delicate suede items.
  6. Collonil Cleaner eraser - with its help, any stains are removed quickly and without any effort.
  7. Collonil Cool'n'Fresh, a deodorant for shoes, will never be superfluous; it will not only get rid of unwanted odors, but will also be an excellent antibacterial agent.
  8. Metal horn of standard size.

How to clean nubuck when dirty and wet

Only need to be cleaned dry. Wait until your shoes dry naturally or use a shoe dryer. You should not place it near heat sources, but you can fill it with old newspapers to quickly remove moisture.

Always comb the lint to prevent it from caking, but do it with a special brush. Stains can also be removed using a regular office eraser.

How to clean nubuck if it is heavily soiled?

You cannot machine wash such shoes or wash them in any way. In rare cases, you can dilute ammonia in water and use this solution to treat a stubborn dirty stain. The consequence of exposure to water is a kind of gluing of the villi.

You can try to restore badly worn shoes by holding them over a stream of steam. The pile will be “ruffled” if, after drying, you walk over it with the metal side of the brush. Modern dry cleaners provide restoration services for nubuck items.

Any cleaning must be completed by applying impregnation. Your favorite shoes will last a long time if you remember to take care of them. Pay attention to the nuances of how to clean nubuck shoes: under no circumstances should you use regular shoe polishes; White stains should be removed immediately with a special preparation or a slightly damp cloth.

Nubuck shoes should be stored in loose, well-ventilated boxes; before sending them there, you should always brush them well and apply a protective layer.

Nubuck is a material made from cattle leather with a soft, velvety surface. Unlike suede, it is sensitive to moisture, has less hairiness and greater rigidity. Shoes made of nubuck have a pleasant gloss, are neat and attractive in price. How to care for it so that it retains its appearance for as long as possible - we give simple tips.

Rules for caring for nubuck leather shoes

The secret to the longevity of any pair lies in following the rules of first treatment, daily care and storage. Let's look at how to care for nubuck shoes step by step.

First treatment. Performed after purchase before wearing using sprays to increase moisture resistance and fix color. It is recommended to apply it three times, allowing the first layer to dry completely.

Care every day. These are removal of contaminants, drying, color restoration and protective impregnation. This is done carefully so that the pile does not fray or stick together. Choose non-woven cloths and brushes with soft bristles. When cleaning with a special cream, apply the composition to the sponge and then blot the surface. To restore color, use an aerosol.

Storage. Allowed in fabric bags and cardboard, polyethylene cannot be used. Must be completely dry before storage. Store in a cool place away from direct heat.

What not to do with nubuck shoes

  • do not wash or wipe with a wet cloth;
  • do not clean with a brush or cream for smooth skin;
  • do not leave wet shoes overnight;
  • do not wear in rain and snow;
  • Do not use products containing oil.

Nubuck is beautiful, durable, wear-resistant. This material is used to create shoes and boots for the most stylish beauties! But as soon as you get them wet or clean them incorrectly, the shoes will immediately lose their marketable appearance. How to care for nubuck shoes and enjoy long-lasting and comfortable wear for a long time?

To ensure that nubuck shoes serve you faithfully for more than one fashion season, remember a few rules regarding the care of this material.

  • Rule 1. Protect these shoes from dirt, rain and snow.
  • Rule 2. Nubuck can be damaged by various reagents that are sprinkled on ice.
  • Rule 3. Low temperatures and the off-season period, when there are no torrential downpours, are not at all scary for nubuck.
  • Rule 4. To care for such shoes, you will need products with special markings. Regular cream will not help here.
  • Rule 5. Clean dirty nubuck only with dry cloth.
  • Rule 6. For those who drive a car, we advise you to take an “auto heel” (tikitak) - it will prevent abrasion of the pile.
  • Rule 7. Wet shoes should not be placed near radiators or other heat sources. You can use a dryer or stuff your shoes with old newspapers.
  • Rule 8. Shoes made of nubuck cannot be washed or washed - water sticks the fibers together.
  • Rule 9. Store your favorite pair in a ventilated box, brushing it and applying a protective layer. A plastic bag is the main enemy of nubuck.
  • Rule 10. Are there any stains on your shoes that can’t be wiped off? You can restore the color with paint.

What will you need to buy to care for nubuck?

When purchasing shoes or boots in a store, be sure to buy special nubuck care products. With them you don’t have to be afraid of unpleasant surprises in the form of wet feet! You will need:

  • Color restoration paint;
  • Aerosol impregnation that protects the material from moisture and stains (colorless or matched to the color of the shoe) - facilitates stain removal and enhances the water-repellent properties of nubuck;
  • A special brush removes dirt well and preserves the fluffy surface. Can be one-, two- or three-sided. Opt for a universal option that combines metal bristles and a rubber work surface;
  • Brush for cleaning heels and soles;
  • Shampoo for removing salt stains;
  • Eraser for removing stains;
  • Shoe conditioner or deodorant.

Important! Buy each subsequent can of aerosol or paint from the same company. If this is not possible, be careful to ensure that the colors match.

Preparing shoes before the first exit

This is the most important stage, if you ignore it you can lose your favorite couple. Primary preparation involves treating shoes with aerosol impregnation. Wet the surface generously, let it dry thoroughly and apply another coat. Then repeat everything again. In the same way, you need to treat your shoes before going out in rainy or snowy weather.

Attention! When using aerosols, it is better to go outside or onto the balcony to prevent it from getting on the floor and furniture.

Daily care

Proper care of nubuck shoes takes place in several stages:

  1. Using a special brush or a regular wet rag, clean the soles and heels of dirt.
  2. Use a nubuck brush to remove dust and debris from the surface of the boots and comb out all the fibers.
  3. If stains appear, an eraser or shampoo for nubuck (for very heavy dirt and salt stains) will help remove them. At home, it is allowed to use ammonia. Dilute it with water, moisten a cotton sponge and very, very carefully treat all stains.
  4. Heavily worn shoes should be held over steam and dried thoroughly. Then you need to ruffle the pile with the metal side of the brush.
  5. Apply an aerosol or soak a sponge in the paint and run it through the pile.

Now you know how to properly care for nubuck shoes, and you will not make common mistakes.

Similar articles:

Nubuck is a very soft, thin and stretchy material that is made from cattle leather using fat tanning. Delicate nubuck requires special careful care, otherwise shoes made from such material will soon lose their shape and presentable appearance.

It gradually wears out and fades. In addition, cracks and abrasions, stripes and stains appear on the surface. Therefore, it is very important to ensure proper care of nubuck shoes. In this article we will learn how to care for products made from this material. Let's look at how to properly clean nubuck without harming your shoes.

Rules for caring for nubuck shoes

To preserve the original color of the material for a long time, do not wear boots, shoes, sneakers or boots made of nubuck in rain or wet weather, or at temperatures above 35 degrees. Due to heat and high humidity, the material cracks and deteriorates, losing its shape.

You cannot wash or clean nubuck shoes under running water or in a basin of water, as a large volume of water has a negative effect on such skin.

Be sure to use nubuck shoe care products, including:

  • Cleaning milk, shampoo or balm for suede and nubuck. Instead of such a product, you can prepare a regular soap solution. To do this, dissolve a teaspoon of liquid soap in a liter of water. Or grate a piece of solid soap on a coarse grater and also add to the water. Stir the mixture until foam forms;
  • Soft rags and sponges, cotton pads, brushes with sparse soft brass bristles for suede or nubuck shoes. Under no circumstances should you use hard brushes or sponges!;
  • Among caring creams and other products, choose dirt- and water-repellent sprays, liquid or gel impregnations. Such products must be designed specifically for this type of material! Can be used in nubuck and suede. You cannot take universal creams, products for regular or patent leather!;
  • Coloring aerosols and sprays will help restore the color of the material, paint over scuffs, stubborn stains and stripes.

In addition to purchased products, it is important to know how to clean nubuck shoes at home effectively, quickly and without harm to the material. After each wear, natural and artificial nubuck should be brushed to remove dust, dried dirt and sand.

To clean nubuck shoes from dirt, soak a cotton pad in a soap solution or a special product for washing nubuck and suede shoes. Gently wipe the surface with the disc and then rinse off the product with a soft sponge or cloth soaked in clean running water. Then the material is wiped with a dry cloth and left to dry.

How to dry nubuck shoes correctly

Nubuck and suede, like leather material, should be dried away from a radiator, radiator or other heating device. Also, such shoes should not be dried in direct sunlight.

Place the products in a cool, dark room with good air circulation. Boots, shoes or sneakers are filled with crumpled paper or newspaper. How to quickly and effectively dry shoes without risking the quality of the products, see.

Cleaned dry nubuck is treated with a special cream or spray. It is advisable for the shoes to stand for another 6-10 hours after treatment. This is exactly how long it takes for the product to absorb as much as possible and create a protective film. This film will prevent the negative effects of moisture and dampness, temperature changes, frost and dirt.

Nubuck shoes should be stored in cardboard shoe boxes with holes. Before storing, place crumpled paper or newspaper inside each item. Place each item in a shoe bag and then put it in a box. Shoe boxes are stored in a dark and cool place.

But regular cleaning may not help remove serious stains, scuffs and scratches. Therefore, next we will consider how to clean shoes from salt and stains, and eliminate various defects. Let's find out how to update nubuck and return its former attractive look.

How to remove stains and renew shoes

  • Heavy contamination can be removed by a soap solution with ammonia in a ratio of 5 to 1;
  • The streaks can be easily removed with a regular eraser. In addition, modern manufacturers offer special erasers for cleaning shoes;
  • To remove stains and scuffs, rub a clean, dry surface with fine table salt and let sit for two to three hours. Then wipe the products with a sponge soaked in clean running water;
  • Sprinkle a little talcum powder on greasy stains and dirt and leave the powder for two to three hours. Brush off any remaining residue from the surface using a soft brush. Talc effectively absorbs grease and dirt;
  • A vinegar solution will help restore the pile and remove dirt. To do this, mix vinegar and water in a ratio of 1 to 4. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and wipe problem areas. Then wipe the surface with a damp cloth and leave to dry;

  • Special spray paints, which are matched to the tone of the shoe and sprayed at a certain distance from the surface, will help restore the previous color. If you can't find the right shade, take colorless paint for nubuck or suede products;
  • For heavily worn shoes, use foam cleaner for nubuck and suede. Spray the product over the surface and leave for the time specified in the instructions. Then remove the composition with a dry cloth;
  • To remove scuffs, you can hold suede or nubuck shoes over a boiling kettle. Then wipe the surface of the products with a soft nubuck brush;
  • For light and white shoes, use a solution of milk and soda. To do this, put a teaspoon of soda in a glass of warm skim milk and mix. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and clean the surface;
  • Hydrogen peroxide is also used for light-colored shoes. A teaspoon of the product is diluted in 50 ml of water. Soak a soft sponge in the prepared solution and wipe the surface of the products;
  • Oil and grease stains are removed with purified gasoline. However, be careful as this harsh product may damage delicate material. Therefore, before use, test the effect of the product on an inconspicuous area of ​​nubuck.

Proper care and regular cleaning will help maintain the attractive appearance of nubuck shoes for a long time. It is not recommended to wash such products as they may lose their shape. Do not dry nubuck on radiators or near heating devices, as the material will quickly lose color and shine.

In order for your favorite pair to give your feet pleasure for as long as possible, it is necessary to organize proper care for nubuck shoes. Preparing your boots or shoes for the first walk, constant care using special products is not only additional effort. Thanks to strict adherence to some recommendations and tips, nubuck shoes will become your favorite pair, in which your feet will feel comfortable and comfortable.

Video about care products for nubuck shoes

The answer to the question of how to clean nubuck shoes will be incomplete if you do not understand the features of the material and its performance characteristics. After all, the use of modern shoe care products can not only help maintain a “healthy” appearance, but also significantly harm fashionable shoes or boots.

Features of the material

Nubuck is a modern natural material that is produced using high-quality leather processing technology in factory conditions. Many owners of trendy shoes are ready to complain about their “capriciousness” and impracticality. This is all due to the lack of knowledge on how to care for nubuck.

Shoes made from high-quality material are characterized by high levels of durability and strength. Such shoes are able to maintain their performance characteristics in conditions of constant daily wear.

At the same time, being a natural material, nubuck allows the skin to “breathe,” which is a necessary condition for maintaining the health and beauty of your feet.

Advice! In order for shoes to please their owners with high performance characteristics, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the product when purchasing. Buy only branded shoes, and then disappointment with your choice will never take you by surprise.

Proper shoe care will allow your feet to enjoy comfortable conditions without dust and dirt for a long period.

How to clean nubuck shoes at home

Self-cleaning of nubuck products is possible subject to maximum care and precision. If we are talking about the use of special aerosols, then this must be done in compliance with safety rules. It is recommended to spray the chemical shoe care product in well-ventilated areas.

Please pay attention! When applying products using spray technology, it is necessary to take into account the distance to furniture or wallpaper. An aerosol is a volatile substance that can be transported over a short distance by air flow and damage interior items.Each new canister must be identical in composition to the previous one and it is desirable that both are from the same manufacturer.

Care for nubuck shoes is carried out in strict compliance with the instructions for using a special chemical.

Most of these instructions indicate that impregnation is applied three times during initial processing. In this case, each new layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried.

Important! Cleaning nubuck shoes involves carrying out such a thorough treatment every time after drying the shoes when exposed to unfavorable factors (seasonal snowfall or rain).

The modern market offers a wide range of product care products not only aerosols, but also special paint, which is applied with a sponge.

Daily care involves a certain sequence of actions:

  • remove dirt from the sole and heel using a damp rag;
  • clean shoes from debris and dust;
  • apply impregnation once.

Remember! It is not recommended to apply care products (creams, impregnations, foams) to the surface of the product itself. Such products are applied to a soft cloth or sponge, which is then used to carefully and carefully clean the contaminated surface or tint it.

In order for the shoes to acquire an additional water-repellent effect, it is necessary to carry out an extensive first cleaning with the application of impregnation.

Shoe care using special products

It is a mistake to assume that for this purpose you can use ordinary paints and impregnations recommended for smooth leather.

Not only the quality of the aerosol or impregnation matters. To increase the effectiveness of the effect on nubuck, it is recommended to purchase an appropriate brush.

According to the existing classification, brushes are of the following types:

  • three-sided, four-sided;
  • with a dedicated edge;
  • a combination of synthetic and metal bristles.

However, there are situations in which it is necessary to give shoes a “fresh” look quickly. To achieve this effect, “express” technology is used. For this category of types of product cleaning, manufacturers produce liquid water-repellent cream-paints. This product will provide reliable protection from the effects of adverse environmental factors, and will also provide instant renewal of the surface. The effect of household chemicals in this category when painting over scratches and worn areas is absolutely harmless to the structure of the material. Uniform application of the care product is ensured by a convenient sponge applicator.

For owners of products made of suede, velor and nubuck who cannot afford to spend time choosing the appropriate household chemicals and brushes, manufacturers offer special sets. The kit includes means for protecting and cleaning various nubuck products, as well as instructions for restoring their appearance at home.


We reanimate “dead” shoes

Proper cleaning of nubuck shoes can in some cases even restore them. Most often, hot steam is used for this.

The shoes are suspended over a pan of boiling water for a few minutes, making sure that they are only moistened and not wet. Then let it cool, and then comb it with a stiff brush. Finally, they are treated with a coloring aerosol of the appropriate shade.

To soften dry, “stiff” skin, use a special cream. They treat shoes according to the instructions, and then apply paint.

You can try scrubbing worn, shiny areas with a wire brush or even a knife. With this method of restoration, be prepared for the fact that you will have to “scratch” the entire surface in order to make it equal to the wiped part.

When answering the question of how to care for nubuck shoes, you should take into account many details and nuances that require increased attention.

Each of us wants to dress not just well and beautifully, but also comfortably. This applies to absolutely all things that form a wardrobe, and even shoes. One of the highest quality materials that provides comfort and has excellent external characteristics is nubuck. Shoes made from it, with proper care, look profitable and stylish, emphasizing the individuality of their owner. However, achieving such an effect is not easy.

1 Nubuck shoes: structure of the material and rules for caring for it

In terms of its structure, nubuck is a type of natural leather that undergoes special processing. To obtain it, natural material goes through several stages of processing, which contribute to obtaining an excellent surface with fine pile, which is pleasant to the touch. In addition, it has excellent thermal insulation qualities and provides good ventilation. Its only disadvantages are intolerance to dampness and the rapidity of contamination. However, with careful and careful handling, such shoes will serve for many years without losing their attractiveness and without losing their basic qualities.

Structure of the material and rules for caring for it

Nubuck is highly susceptible to various external influences, gets wet easily and gets dirty quickly. Based on this, it follows that the ideal conditions for using such shoes are frosty, dry weather, and rain and slush are contraindicated for them. Therefore, immediately after going outside, it is subject to preventive treatment aimed at maintaining the integrity of the coating.

A significant problem for owners of such shoes is dirt and dust, since due to their fine fleecy structure they quickly get dirty, causing the surface of the material to become less attractive and colorful. Therefore, when purchasing nubuck products, it is best to immediately purchase products that will help care for them and extend their service life.

You should start caring for nubuck shoes from the very first day of wear, and best of all, from the day you purchase them in the store. In this case, you do not need to wait until it gets dirty, but immediately take preventive measures to care for it.

2 Daily care for nubuck shoes: water-repellent impregnation, rubber brush and special eraser

Buying nubuck shoes requires daily care. Before you go for a walk, putting on new clothes, it should be treated with a special impregnation that will protect the skin from moisture and provide a dirt-repellent effect. You can purchase such products at any supermarket or directly at the place where you purchased the boots or shoes themselves. However, when using them, you need to be extremely careful and not spray impregnation in the immediate vicinity of the nubuck surface. Such negligence will inevitably affect the appearance of the coating, leaving stains on it, and may even deform the pile. It is necessary to care for nubuck shoes in this way every time immediately before going outside, since this process makes it possible to avoid the appearance of dirt stains, water marks and salt stains that can appear on the shoes.

3 Mechanical removal of dirt from nubuck shoes: sequence of actions and steam treatment

Daily prevention is the key to keeping the leather surface intact. However, when using shoes it is very difficult to avoid contamination. Moreover, we can say with confidence that sooner or later this will definitely happen. If it so happens that the nubuck gets dirty, then the first thing you need to do is dry your shoes or boots thoroughly. Only after this can rescue measures be carried out, and if you start them on a wet surface, then there is a risk of deepening the contamination, which will significantly complicate the procedure for its further cleaning. When the shoes are completely dry, they are cleaned of stains using an eraser or a stiff brush. The sole can be washed under the tap, and the welt and heels can simply be wiped with a damp sponge. However, when working with water, you should be extremely careful not to catch the edge of the heel or the bottom of the nubuck frill. Banal carelessness can lead to serious consequences that will take a long time to eliminate.


Mechanical removal of dirt from shoes

Small stains on the surface of nubuck should be cleaned with a rubber brush, and salted areas should be thoroughly treated with a special eraser. In this case, the place that deserves special attention is the boot top. It is this part that should be processed especially carefully, since the pile most often breaks and folds form at the joints and seams. Therefore, they should be thoroughly leveled and treated with impregnation, and the decorative parts should simply be cleaned.

After processing, shoes do not always return to their original appearance. In this case, you can use a technique that involves exposing the nubuck to steam. This influence will help straighten out remaining wrinkles and smooth out the pile, which helps return the shoe to a colorful and clean surface. In this case, you can use any available devices as a source of steam, for example, a regular kettle or a pan of water.

4 Combating difficult stains on nubuck: coloring sprays and the specifics of their use

If we are talking about complex contaminants that can also appear on the leather surface, then it is simply not advisable to act using traditional methods. Such defects include salt stains, stubborn dirt and other dried stains that are easier to paint over than to remove.

To carry out these manipulations, you should not use ordinary creams intended for the care of smooth skin, since they will only spoil the appearance of the pile. A person who constantly cares for shoes should know that only special creams and sprays should be selected for working with nubuck. In this case, special attention should be paid to their shade so that it matches the color of the boots as much as possible. The cream must be applied in a thin layer and with extreme precision, covering not only the stain itself, but also the area adjacent to it. This is the only way the coloring will be uniform and natural.

The inside of the shoe is also subject to treatment, regardless of whether it is insulated or not. Caring for it involves the use of a special shoe deodorant, which allows you to refresh the inner surfaces of the shoes and eliminate any unpleasant odor. To do this, you should completely unfasten the boot and spray deodorant over the entire surface of the insole, and after finishing the treatment, the shoes should be thoroughly dried. Now you can wear it again.


5 Conclusion on the topic

Nubuck shoes are quite comfortable and have a great appearance. However, its maintenance is a complex and responsible process, which includes many subtleties. At the same time, you need to start caring immediately after purchasing shoes or boots, and special products for suede and nubuck, which are sold in any shoe store, will help with this. More complex stains should be removed very carefully, and some of them are easier to paint over than to clean. Only daily care makes it possible to maintain the attractive appearance of shoes and their integrity, so it is not recommended to ignore such measures.

Nubuck is a popular and fashionable material for making various shoes. However, it requires some care. Therefore, the question arises: how to clean nubuck shoes at home, trying not to spoil them? To do this, you need to take into account all the rules for caring for the product and apply tips to help maintain the presentable appearance of the material.

How to clean nubuck shoes?

Natural nubuck is a leather material with a rough, lint-covered surface. Due to this feature, creams and emulsions for smooth skin are not suitable for caring for the material. If special products and devices are not purchased with nubuck shoes, then options that are relevant for velor and suede products may be suitable for cleaning and care.

In hardware stores and shoe stores, you can purchase either special kits that contain all the necessary tools, including shoe deodorants, or you can purchase separate products and devices for caring for nubuck shoes.

Caring and cleaning materials include:

  1. water-repellent (waterproof) creams, impregnations and ointments;
  2. aerosols, sprays, foams;
  3. rubber bands (“erasers”) for nubuck;
  4. special shampoos;
  5. coloring agents for shoes made of similar materials;
  6. various brushes for cleaning shoes of this type which can have different bristles (soft, hard, rubber, brass or other metal, and so on).
In addition to the above options for devices, the following are considered suitable for caring and cleaning nubuck material:
  • any scraps of dense, absorbent and soft fabrics;
  • wet, but not scented, wipes;
  • ordinary stationery erasers;
  • foam sponges, cotton pads and tampons;
  • some folk remedies for cleaning shoes with your own hands.
Popular brands whose products you should choose are:
  1. "Ecco";
  2. "Keen"
  3. "Colonil";
  4. "Saphir";
  5. "Niki line";
  6. "All Combi";
  7. "Hatch".

When choosing a brush for nubuck shoes, you should give preference to those models that have additional metal bristles. There are also special ribs for removing dirt from hard-to-reach places on shoes or boots.

How to clean nubuck shoes: general rules

When becoming the proud owner of shoes made from this material, you need to remember two key features of nubuck:
  1. it does not tolerate water, which rolls off the fibers;
  2. does not perceive artificial thermal influence..
The main rule for cleaning shoes at home: boots, boots and shoes must be completely dry. In this case, drying should take place outdoors using paper, newspapers, or a special dryer. It is unacceptable to leave nubuck products near the battery. It is not recommended to even remove dust from wet shoes, which in the process of removing it is only “rubbed” into the rough surface of the material, like other contaminants.



Brief instructions for proper shoe cleaning
  1. Remove all debris and dirt from the soles and heels using a damp cloth or cloth.
  2. The top covering of the shoes is brushed and then covered with the selected necessary product (aerosol, paint, cream, etc.).
  3. When the base coat dries, a shoe polish must be applied on top to protect against moisture and salt.
What to do if nubuck shoes are covered with spots and white streaks? It is necessary to use either a special rubber band or a stationery eraser. Gently, without pressing hard on the surface, rub the material, then brush off the pellets with a soft bristle brush. Afterwards, you need to “comb” the villi with metal teeth.

To restore the color of a product, you need to use creams and ointments with coloring components or resort to shoe paint. In this case, it is necessary to use the same tone of the product all the time and buy tubes from the same manufacturer.

Nubuck shoes should not be washed in washing machines, soaked in basins, and so on. The use of water should be minimal, even if a special shampoo is used for such shoes.

Care and cleaning of nubuck shoes should be regular, and not occasionally. Then the boots or boots will last a long time. However, the constant purchase of special products can significantly affect the budget. To avoid this, you can resort to popular advice on how to clean shoes made of this material at home.


Method one

You need to take water and ammonia and mix everything in a 4:1 ratio. Apply the composition to a cloth or cotton pad in a small amount, wipe the contaminated areas on the shoes. Then leave the product for a day in a well-ventilated place with minimal humidity.

Video about cleaning rules

The video below clearly shows the process of cleaning shoes with a folk remedy and the resulting result, which requires the use of additional materials to bring the shoes into perfect order:

Method two

A teaspoon of ordinary table vinegar is diluted in a liter of water. Then, based on the above recommendation, the necessary manipulation of the shoe product is performed.

Method three

To get rid of greasy stains, you can use regular salt. A small pinch is applied to the area of ​​contamination and lightly rubbed in with a sponge. Afterwards, wipe the surface of the shoes with a damp cloth. Then you need to dry the product and carefully comb it with a wire brush.

Alternatives to salt include: gasoline, talc, food starch.

In some cases, it is necessary to use complex folk remedies to obtain the desired result.

Useful tips for caring and cleaning nubuck shoes at home

  1. After purchase, such shoes must be treated three times with a water-repellent agent. It is important to maintain short intervals between actions so that each layer of coating has time to dry.
  2. In situations where an aerosol or spray is used, it is necessary to cover shoes with the product outdoors.
  3. Any chemical material for nubuck shoes must be used strictly according to the instructions.
  4. To avoid an unpleasant odor from the product, as well as maintain an attractive appearance, shoes should be stored either in air-permeable bulk boxes, or simply in the hallway, without packaging.
  5. Shoes made from this material require regular combing and removing dust that has settled on it using a rubberized or rubber brush.
  6. To clean out old dirt or heavy white stains that are difficult to remove, nubuck shoes can be exposed to steam for 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, when the coating becomes more pliable, remove dirt with soft sandpaper or “comb out” with a brush with coarse bristles.
  7. Products made from artificial nubuck require less thorough cleaning, and such shoes do not require the application of a waterproof emulsion.
  8. Do not apply cream, foam or any analog product directly to the product. A small amount of cleaning or protective material is applied to the surface of a sponge or thick rag, after which the shoes themselves are rubbed.
  9. It is unacceptable to use ordinary soap, soap suds or powder to clean nubuck shoes at home. Otherwise, there will be unsightly stains on the surface, which will be difficult to remove.
  10. If you bought new boots, then do not forget to stretch them correctly as you follow.
Nubuck shoes are distinguished by their beauty, comfort and quality of material. By following all the given rules and useful recommendations on how to clean them at home, you can extend the life of your shoe product, maintaining its attractive appearance for a long time.

To produce nubuck, cattle leather is used. The raw material is chrome tanned and then polished. If you compare it with smooth leather, the difference lies in the small fibers on the surface of the material. Nubuck is a durable, lightweight, wear-resistant material, but it does not tolerate moisture, and you also need to know how to care for it. Let's look at what kind of nubuck material it is and how to care for shoes made from it.

Material characteristics

Nubuck is a high quality genuine leather. Compared to smooth leather, this material is not as moisture resistant. On the other hand, nubuck is superior to suede in this indicator. To summarize the characteristics, this material can be placed between suede and smooth leather.

Nubuck can be different:

  • Natural. Air passes through this material freely, but it must be carefully maintained.
  • Artificial. It is of synthetic origin. Visually similar to natural, but wears out much faster. It is waterproof, but does not allow air to pass through.
  • Nubuck oil. It is of natural origin. This is a natural material with additional moisture-proof treatment. To the touch it seems that its surface is wet. The main characteristic is high wear resistance, in addition, it is quite unpretentious in maintenance.

Depending on what kind of material is the basis of your boots or shoes, the care of nubuck shoes will be slightly different.

Getting ready to wear new shoes

So you bought a new pair, but how to care for nubuck boots? You shouldn’t go outside in it right away. The first step is to prepare your shoes for exposure to dampness and snow.

Important! In order not to waste time, when buying shoes, immediately take care of purchasing special care products:

  • Water-repellent impregnation;
  • Special brush for removing dust;
  • Cream paints;
  • Eraser;
  • Shampoo;
  • Shoe spoon;
  • Special deodorant.

We impregnate new shoes:

  1. Place a thick layer of newspaper on the floor in a well-ventilated area.
  2. Shoes are placed on newspapers and covered with water-repellent impregnation.
  3. Wait for it to dry completely and repeat the procedure twice.

This way the initial processing is completed, after which you can safely go for a walk.

Caring for nubuck

How should nubuck shoes be cared for at home and can they be painted? These questions undoubtedly concern everyone. It is believed that this material is quite capricious, but in reality, it is not difficult to care for it, the main thing is to be delicate:

  • You need to try to prevent excess dirt and moisture from getting on your shoes, that is, try not to put them on in slush.
  • In order not to look for how to restore nubuck boots later, it is better to avoid the period when the roads are sprinkled with reagents.
  • The best weather is frost or off-season, when there is no heavy rain.

The most important thing is to carry out timely care of the material. If you don't pay attention to it, your shoes will start to get wet and wear out quickly.

Important! Nubuck shoes cannot be treated with traditional shoe creams; special aerosols and impregnations should be used. When choosing aerosols and cream paints, be sure to check the labeling.

Let's look at brushes - which ones are needed?

You will need not only special care products for nubuck shoes, but also a special brush. With its help, not only dirt is removed, but also the special fleecy surface of the material is not disturbed. It is used to clean areas covered with skin. In order to clean heels and leather, you will need to purchase an additional brush.

Dry or wash first?

Only well-dried shoes can be cleaned. Drying should be natural; heat sources should not be used. If you want to quickly get rid of excess moisture, you can use old newspapers.

Important! The pile must be combed, otherwise it will cake.

Can nubuck be washed?

How to care for nubuck shoes in winter?

  • First of all, washing in a washing machine is not allowed. It is not recommended to use water at all, as it will cause the fibers to stick together.
  • If a persistent dirty stain appears, prepare a solution of water and ammonia, which is used to treat the stain.
  • To restore heavily worn shoes, you need to treat them with a jet of steam. In order to tidy up the pile, it needs to be treated with the metal side of the brush.
  • After each cleaning, impregnation must be applied.
  • You cannot use ordinary shoe polishes; to remove white stains, use a slightly damp cloth or a special preparation.

Now you know how to care for nubuck shoes in winter, but how to store them? After brushing and applying a protective layer, the shoes are placed in a loose, well-ventilated box.

If you are unable to purchase a modern, effective product, you can use the folk remedies that our mothers used to care for suede and velor:

  • For cleaning, you can use a regular eraser and crusts of stale bread.
  • To touch up and update the color, I used carbon paper for the black and coffee grounds for the brown.

The most important thing in such products is not only effectiveness, but the absence of chemicals in the composition, which means there will definitely be no allergies.

As you can see, the most important thing in caring for your favorite shoes is consistency. If you pay attention to cleaning and protecting the material, it will last for many years.