Patent leather is indeed attractive and beautiful to be used as shoes, bags, or furniture. However, this material is very easily scuffed, stained, or exposed to other types of damage. Cleaning leather can be scary, especially if you've never done it before. You can keep patent leather looking like new by cleaning it regularly using gentle, non-damaging methods.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Patent Leather Shoes
Step 1. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove debris and dirt that is not firmly attached
Gently rub the brush against the skin in small circular motions. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Step 2. Scrub the stain with an eraser
To treat blisters, an eraser can be used to remove color from the shiny patent leather. Gently rub the eraser against the scuff, then clean off any remaining eraser with the brush when you're done.
Step 3. Use rubbing alcohol or Vaseline to remove stubborn stains
Apply a small amount of alcohol or Vaseline to a cotton swab or tissue. Rub the stain with light pressure, and don't press too hard. About 15 to 20 seconds later, use a cloth to clean the area.
If the stain is very difficult to remove, you may have to do this process several times
Step 4. Use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe the outside of the shoe
Squeeze the cloth until it becomes damp, not wet. Only use a small drop of non-detergent liquid soap on a damp cloth. Wipe the entire surface of the patent leather shoe in small circular motions.
Although patent leather shoes have a clear gloss coating, they are not actually waterproof. You should only use a small amount of water to clean it, and never wear wet shoes for long periods of time
Step 5. Buff the shoes with a soft polishing cloth
Again, use small circular motions to remove any remaining water. To allow your shoes to dry completely after cleaning, allow them to dry themselves at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
Step 6. Apply olive/mineral oil or vaseline on the sticky shoes
Apply a small amount of Vaseline or oil to the cloth, then wipe the leather shoe using small circular motions. Let the oil sit on the shoes for 20 to 40 minutes before you clean them with a dry cloth.
If the shoe remains sticky, leave the oil/vaceline on for one night and check to see if the stick has dried. If it hasn't dried yet, it's possible that the glue on the shoe has started to wear off in the presence of moisture, causing damage to the leather
Step 7. Store patent leather shoes in a dry and safe place
After cleaning, place the shoes in a safe place if you want to store them for a long time. A good storage area must be dry, clean, and at room temperature.
We recommend that you store shoes by attaching a shoe tree (a device that is inserted into the shoe to maintain its shape) so that its shape does not change
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Patent Leather Furniture
Step 1. Vacuum the entire surface of the furniture
Dust and dirt can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of the sofa or cushions. Use the built-in vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and to reach hard-to-reach places.
Step 2. Mix a few drops of non-detergent liquid soap with distilled water
This mixture will not damage the coating on patent leather. You should use non-detergent soap so that the coating on the furniture does not dull due to harmful chemicals.
Step 3. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution
Dip a small piece of cloth into the solution. Make sure the cloth is only damp, not soaking wet. Maybe the cloth should be wrung a little before use.
Step 4. Test the solution on a hidden area of furniture
Make sure you select an area that is not visible. This will be used as a test site to ensure that the cleaning solution does not stain or discolor. Wait for the solution to dry or dry the furniture by wiping it after a while.
Step 5. Wipe the sofa with the cleaning solution from top to bottom
If the test area does not change color, continue wiping the sofa. Start from the top down in large circular motions. Re-wet the cloth if needed.
Step 6. Wipe the sofa using distilled water
After scrubbing the cleaning solution, proceed to wiping the sofa with a cloth that has been dampened with water. Start wiping from top to bottom in large circular motions. This will wash away any remaining soap solution.
Step 7. Dry your patent leather furniture
Dry the furniture using a soft microfiber towel. Do not get the sofa soaked because excessive water can cause permanent damage to the skin.
Never dry the leather of furniture with a fan or hairdryer. Although it can speed up drying, it can dehydrate the skin
Step 8. Apply conditioner to keep skin soft
To replace the skin's natural oils lost during the cleansing process, apply a skin cream with a clean cloth. Allow the cream to dry completely and buff the surface if necessary.
Do not use conditioners or homemade cleaning solutions that contain vinegar, as they can remove the glossy finish on patent leather
Step 9. Clean stubborn stains using a small amount of Vaseline or rubbing alcohol
Apply Vaseline or rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or tissue, then rub gently on the stained area. About 15 to 20 seconds later, dry the area by wiping it, and reapply Vaseline if necessary until the stain is gone.
Once the stain is gone, wipe the area with a damp cloth and allow the furniture to dry completely
Method 3 of 3: Removing Stains on Patent Leather Bags
Step 1. Use an eraser to rub the large blisters
If you have large blisters, you can use an eraser to remove the color that has stuck to the skin. Gently rub the eraser against the scuff, and wipe off any remaining eraser when you're done.
Step 2. Wet a tissue with glass cleaner and rub it on the leather bag thoroughly
Rub the tissue in a circular motion to remove dust and polish the surface. This will remove most of the dirt and dust.
Step 3. Apply Vaseline or rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn stains
Apply a small amount of Vaseline or rubbing alcohol to a tissue or cotton swab, then rub it into the stain. Try using Vaseline first, as alcohol can strip the paint off and should be used in small amounts. After a while, clean the area with a dry cloth.
If the stain is difficult to remove, you can apply a little pressure while rubbing a tissue or cotton swab into the stain
Step 4. Wipe the leather bag with a mixture of mild soap and distilled water
Wet a soft cloth, then add 1 drop of non-detergent soap to the surface of the cloth. Rub this mild cleaning solution all over the bag in circular motions.
Step 5. Dry the bag by wiping it with a dry cloth
Make sure all parts of the bag are completely dry, including the handles, rivets, or gaps. You may have to let it dry overnight before placing the bag in a dust cover.
Step 6. Store the leather bag in a dry and safe place
After cleaning, put the bag in a storage bag and place it in a safe location for long-term storage. If you don't have a storage bag, you can buy one online in a size that fits your bag. The space for storing bags should be at room temperature and low in humidity.
Tips
- Test the cleaning product on a hidden area of patent leather before you apply it all over the leather.
- You can find commercial products specifically designed to treat patent skin. A product like this may be preferable because it contains components that can polish, secure the surface, protect, and clean patent leather.
- You must always be patient when trying to remove the stains that stick to the skin. Do it gently and take plenty of time. Do not rush when cleaning the skin for best results.
Warning
- Make sure you act gently and take plenty of time when applying the solution to your skin. Too much scrubbing can make skin dull or look worn.
- Avoid using colored fabrics. Colored fabrics that have not been washed properly or thoroughly can stain the skin. Even properly washed fabrics can still stain your skin if you use vinegar, alcohol, or hairspray.
- Do not use vinegar, hairspray, or non-surgical alcohol as they can stain and damage the skin easily. Always use a very small, diluted amount of rubbing alcohol (also known as a surgical scrub), such as that sold at the grocery store.
