If you invest in high-quality leather boots, dress shoes, handbags, belts, or suede footwear, proper care is essential for longevity and appearance. When treated correctly, leather develops a rich patina and suede maintains its velvety texture, looking better year after year.

This comprehensive leather and suede care guide covers:

• How to clean leather shoes and suede footwear
• What products to use and how much to apply
• How often to condition leather
• Waterproofing and stain prevention
• Proper shoe and leather storage techniques
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Whether you're new to leather care or want professional maintenance results at home, this guide will help your footwear and accessories last longer and look their best.

Leather is an organic material. Without moisture and protection, it becomes dry, cracked, and prematurely worn. Suede, while more delicate, benefits from routine cleaning and protection to prevent staining and moisture damage.

Benefits of Regular Care

• Longer lifespan
• Better weather resistance
• Improved comfort and flexibility
• Enhanced appearance over time
• Higher resale value

How to Clean Leather Footwear (Step by Step)

Regular cleaning prevents dirt and sweat buildup that can damage leather fibers.

Best Products to Use

• Saddle soap or leather cleaner
• Soft cloth
• Horsehair brush
• Slightly damp cloth

How Often Should You Clean Leather Shoes?

• Every 4–6 wears for footwear
• Monthly for bags, belts, wallets
• More frequently in rain, snow, or dusty climates

Cleaning Instructions

1. Brush away dirt with a dry horsehair brush.
2. Wipe with a lightly damp cloth to remove surface dust.
3. Apply leather cleaner using small circular motions.
4. Remove residue with a clean cloth.
5. Allow the leather to dry naturally—never with heat.

How Much Product to Use

A small amount—usually less than a teaspoon for a pair of shoes—is sufficient. Too much product creates buildup and can clog pores in the leather.

How to Condition Leather Shoes and Boots

Conditioning is the most important part of leather care. It replaces natural oils lost during wear, keeping leather supple, moisturized, and crack-free.

Best Leather Conditioners

• Natural leather conditioners
• Neatsfoot oil
• Mink oil (test first, it may darken the leather)
• Wax-based conditioning balms
  How Often Should You Condition Leather?
• Every 6–10 wears for daily shoes
• Monthly for belts and everyday accessories
• 2–4 times per year for items in storage

How to Apply Conditioner

1. Make sure the leather is clean and dry.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount per shoe panel using a cloth.
3. Work conditioner into the leather in small circles.
4. Let rest 10–20 minutes.
5. Buff with a horsehair brush to remove excess and restore shine.

Signs Leather Needs Conditioning

• Leather feels dry or stiff
• Dull appearance
• Fine surface cracks
• Water absorbs immediately instead of beading
  
  How to Polish Leather Footwear

Polishing restores color, fills surface scuffs, and increases shine.

Types of Polish

• Cream polish: nourishes leather and restores color
• Wax polish: adds shine and minimalist water protection

How Often to Polish

• Every 3–6 weeks depending on wear

How to Apply Polish

1. Apply polish in small circles.
2. Allow to dry 5–10 minutes.
3. Buff with a horsehair brush.
4. For mirror shine, apply wax polish and buff again.

Waterproofing Leather

Waterproofing protects leather from winter salt, rain, and staining.

Best Waterproofing Products

• Silicone-free waterproofing sprays
• Wax-based protectants
• Conditioning oils (can darken leather)

How Often to Waterproof Shoes

• Every 4–8 weeks depending on weather and wear
  
  

Suede requires different products and techniques. It should not be conditioned with creams or oils like finished leather.

How to Clean Suede Shoes (Dry Cleaning First)

Essential Suede Care Tools

• Suede brush
• Suede eraser
• Crepe brush
• Optional suede cleaning spray

Cleaning Frequency

• Brush after every few wears
• Deep clean monthly

How to Clean Suede

1. Brush suede in one direction to remove dirt and restore nap.
2. For stains, use a suede eraser or crepe brush.
3. If necessary, use suede cleaner, but apply sparingly.
   
   Waterproofing Suede Shoes

Waterproofing is essential for preventing moisture, stains, and salt damage.

Best Products

• Suede-specific waterproofing spray

How to Apply

1. Shake and hold the can 6–10 inches away.
2. Apply a light, even mist. Do not oversaturate.
3. Let dry 12–24 hours.
4. Brush afterward to restore texture.

How Often to Waterproof Suede

1. Every 4–6 weeks
2. After cleaning
   
   
   

Use Cedar Shoe Trees

For footwear, cedar shoe trees:

• Maintain anatomical shape
• Absorb moisture and odors
• Minimize creasing

Insert them immediately after wearing.

Store Leather in the Right Environment

Avoid:

• Direct sunlight
• Damp basements
• Plastic bags (trap moisture)
• Radiators and forced heat

Best Storage Options

• Cotton or flannel dust bags
• Open shelves
• Climate-controlled closets

Let Leather Rest Between Wears

Leather footwear absorbs moisture from your feet. Allow 24 hours of rest between wears to extend lifespan.

• Using too much conditioner
• Drying shoes with heat
• Wearing shoes every day without rest
• Storing leather in plastic
• Applying polish to suede
• Cleaning suede with water unnecessarily

Avoiding these mistakes protects the material and helps maintain premium appearance.

Leather Shoes & Boots

• After every wear: Insert shoe trees, brush off dirt
• Every 4–6 wears: Clean and condition
• Monthly: Polish
• Seasonally: Deep clean + waterproof

Suede Shoes & Boots

• Weekly: Brush
• Monthly: Deep clean if needed
• Every 1–2 months: Reapply protective spray

High-quality leather and suede can last decades with proper care. Routine cleaning, conditioning, and correct storage preserve the material’s natural beauty and extend the life of your investment.