How To Clean Nubuck Shoes

Nubuck is a type of leather that is made from the top layer of the hide. It has a soft and velvety feel, and it is often used to make shoes, boots, and other accessories. Nubuck can be cleaned in the same way as suede, but there are a few extra steps that you need to take to protect the finish.

How To Clean Nubuck Shoes

In this blog post, we will discuss how to clean nubuck shoes so that they look new again!

Cleaning Nubuck Shoes – A Step-By-Step Guide

Nubuck typically has a pebbled grain and is used in a wide variety of products, including upholstery, clothing, and, of course, shoes. While nubuck shoes can be a stylish addition to any outfit, they require special care to keep them looking their best.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning suede and nubuck shoes:

Use A Soft Brush To Remove Any Dirt

Start by using a special soft nubuck brush to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the shoes. Be sure to brush in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the leather.

nubuck brush

Make A Paste With Water & Baking Soda

Next, make a paste out of equal parts water and baking soda. Apply the paste to a clean cloth and rub it into the shoes in a circular motion.

Use Another Clean Cloth To Dry The Shoes

Once the paste has been evenly applied, use another clean cloth to buff the shoes dry.

Deeper Cleaning

For deeper cleaning, mix one-part vinegar with two parts water and apply it to the shoes with a soft cloth. Again, rub in small circles and then buff dry with a clean cloth.

Apply A Small Amount Of Leather Conditioner

To protect the nubuck leather and keep your shoes looking shiny, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a soft cloth. Buff the shoes until the conditioner is evenly distributed.

Using Commercial Nubuck Cleaners

If your nubuck shoes are especially dirty, you may need to use a commercial leather cleaner. These cleaners are available at most shoe stores or online. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully. Some cleaners can spoil the leather if used incorrectly.

Once you have cleaned your suede footwear, you can protect them from future stains by applying a thin layer of nubuck protectant spray or beeswax polish.

Be sure to follow these steps regularly to keep your shoes smooth leather looking best all the time. With a little bit of care, your nubuck shoes will last for many years to come!

Tips – How To Take Care Of Nubuck Shoes

Here are some tips for keeping your nubuck shoes looking their best:

  • Avoid getting the shoes wet.
  • Store them in a cool, dry place.
  • Use a shoe tree or a shoe stretcher to help them retain their shape
  • Apply water and stain repellent to the shoes before wearing them.
  • Use a soft brush to remove dirt and dust from the surface of the shoes.
  • If the shoes are particularly dirty, you can pre-treat them with a stain remover before brushing.
  • Be careful not to get the shoes too wet when cleaning them – use a damp cloth rather than soaking the shoes in water.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your nubuck shoes looking great for years to come.

Precautions To Take When Cleaning Nubuck Shoes

There are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning nubuck shoes:

Never Put Nubuck Shoes in Washing Machine

Never put nubuck shoes in the washing machine – this will ruin them!

Never Put In The Dryer

After washing, allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again. Never put nubuck shoes in the dryer, as this can cause shrinkage and damage the leather.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or detergents, as these can damage the nubuck.

Follow The Instructions When Using A Chemical Cleaner

If you are using a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the shoes.

Use Specialty Nubuck Cleaner

If the shoes are particularly dirty, you can pre-treat them with a specialty nubuck cleaner. These cleaners help to break down tough stains without damaging the delicate nap of the leather.

Apply Waterproofing Spray

To protect nubuck shoes from water damage, apply a waterproofing spray before wearing them in wet weather. Reapply the spray every few weeks, or as needed.

Apply Vinegar For Stubborn Stains

If stubborn stains remain, you can try spot-cleaning with a nubuck cleaner or white vinegar. Apply the cleaner or vinegar to a soft cloth and rub gently onto the stain.

Use A Soft Brush

To clean leather of the shoes, use a soft brush. A toothbrush can be used for hard-to-reach areas.

Be careful not to brush too hard, as this can damage the nubuck.

Prevent Future Stains

To help prevent future stains, apply a thin layer of beeswax or silicone spray to the shoes before wearing them. This will help to create a barrier against dirt and stains.

With a little bit of care, you can keep your nubuck shoes looking great for many years to come. Just be sure to avoid getting them wet and to store them in a cool, dry place.

How To Store Your Nubuck Shoes Properly?

When it comes to storing your nubuck shoes, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause the leather to dry out and crack. If possible, store your nubuck shoes in a cool, dark place.

Use A Shoe Tree

A shoe tree helps to retain the shape of the shoes and prevents creases from forming.

Wrap Them In A Soft Cloth

Before storing your nubuck shoes, wrap them in a soft cloth to protect them from dust and dirt.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your nubuck shoes in good condition.

The Bottom Line

Nubuck shoes are a great investment, but they require a little bit of care to keep them looking their best. Be sure to avoid getting them wet and store them in a cool, dry place. With proper care, your nubuck shoes will last for many years to come!

Footweardrobe has a lot of articles about shoe care for leather and other fabrics.

Patricia Merken

Interior design blogger

Neat freak and shoe lover. American expat in Switzerland.
Blogger and mom. Blogs at Footweardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions: How To Clean Nubuck Shoes

How To Take Care Of Nubuck Shoes?

To take care of your nubuck shoes:
– Don’t get them wet
– Store them somewhere cool and dry
– Use a shoe tree to help maintain their shape
– Apply water and stain repellent before wearing them.
– Gently brush away dirt and dust with a soft brush. If they’re very dirty, pre-treat with a stain remover first.

How To Store Nubuck Shoes?

– Avoid direct sunlight.
– Avoid heat.
– Store them in a dry place.
– Use shoe trees.
– Wrap them in a soft cloth.