Nubuck is a type of leather made from cowhide. Much like suede, nubuck leather is sanded to reveal a kind of fur (nap). However, if suede is made from the inside of the leather, nubuck is made from the outside so that it is stronger and more durable. This type of skin is very prone to getting dirty and often changes color. You should also clean and protect it with products and tools specifically designed to care for nubuck and suede leather. This skin can also be rubbed with a coarse stone to remove blemishes if all other methods have not worked.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Brushing Dust and Dirt
Step 1. Wipe the nubuck product with a nubuck cloth
This cloth is specially designed for cleaning nubuck leather. Usually the fabric fibers have been added with nubuck cleaner. Wipe the nubuck with this cloth regularly to remove dust and stains. This is to prevent dirt from accumulating.
- Rub in several directions, using circular motions to clean all hairy areas of the skin.
- Before cleaning your shoes, be sure to remove the laces first.
Step 2. Brush the surface of the leather using a nubuck brush
Do this in circular motions, and don't rub for more than a few seconds in one area as this can damage the coat. Your nubuck skin will be clean from dust and dirt.
You can buy a nubuck brush at almost any store that sells nubuck products. As an alternative, you can also buy it on the internet through buying and selling sites such as Bukalapak
Step 3. Clean the dirty area using nubuck cleaner
This cleaner is sold in both aerosol and liquid form, and is designed for use on nubuck. Spray this cleanser on a nubuck cloth and scrub the entire surface of the leather. Finish the cleaning process by brushing the bristles to remove any remaining dirt.
You can buy nubuck cleaner at a store that also sells nubuck products, such as a shoe store. If you don't have one, you can buy it on online buying and selling sites such as Bukalapak or Tokopedia
Step 4. Wipe the nubuck regularly and apply a protective agent
If you wipe your leather with a nubuck cloth regularly, you don't need to use a degreaser and leather cleaner. You should also spray the protective material at least every 6 months. Spray the protective material on, then allow the nubuck product to dry completely before you put it on or use it.
- A good time to spray the protective material is after you've cleaned the surface of the nubuck.
- Be sure to clean the fur on the skin before you apply the protective agent.
Method 2 of 3: Dealing With Stubborn Stains
Step 1. Start by wiping the stain with a nubuck cloth
No matter what substance has caused the stain to appear, you should wipe the stain as much as possible. This may be enough for light stains.
Nubuck cloth is specially designed for cleaning nubuck surfaces. The lint is often pre-treated with nubuck cleaner
Step 2. Use degreaser and skin cleanser to loosen oily blemishes
This type of stain is usually often attached to the collar of a jacket or headrest. Skin degreasers are usually sold in aerosol form. Spray the cleaning agent on the stain, then leave it on for about 1 hour.
- If left on the skin, the degreaser will turn into a powder that will work to absorb oil stains.
- Scrub away the remaining degreaser powder using a sponge and leather cleaner.
- If the stain hasn't gone away, repeat this process.
Step 3. Use an ink remover to treat ink stains
You must clean it immediately before the stain is firmly attached, usually within the first 6 hours. Ink remover is an oily substance that is usually packaged in a tube, similar to the packaging of a lip balm. Rub this product on the ink stain until the stain is completely covered. Next, use a nubuck cloth and leather cleaner to remove any remaining stains.
Step 4. Dry the nubuck using a hairdryer and brush the bristles
Brush the nubuck while drying it. This is to prevent the remaining stains from sticking to the skin. When you brush the hair on the skin, the remaining dirt will be lifted so that the surface becomes clean.
Method 3 of 3: Sanding Stubborn Stains
Step 1. Use a suede block or emery to sand the nubuck surface
Since nubuck is made by sanding cowhide, you can sand it safely for cleaning. If the stain is difficult to remove, rub vigorously with sandpaper or suede block until the stain is gone. If you only want to clean a certain area of the stain, rub it in that area.
Make sure the suede block is clean before you rub it into the nubuck
Step 2. Sand the surface of the nubuck that is affected by dirt
If there are stains on the surface of the nubuck, or if the entire surface is dirty, you will need to sand it thoroughly. Rub the suede block or sandpaper all over the leather until the stain is gone. Your nubuck product will look like new.
Step 3. Remove any remaining stains using a nubuck brush
When sanding a nubuck, you will leave debris and dirt on the leather. Brush off any remaining dirt to keep the nubuck bright and clean.
Tips
Try buying a brush that has fine wire bristles in the center and is surrounded by nylon bristles. Use nylon bristles to brush off the soft nubuck product. If you need to scrub vigorously to clean tough nubuck products like hiking boots, use fine wire bristles
Warning
- Be careful when brushing the leather on the hairy areas. Nubuck leather can be damaged if you rub it too hard or too long in one area.
- Never clean a nubuck with water.
