For optimists, winter is associated with the New Year’s Eve bustle, a pack of tangerines, and a bright glass of gingerbread latte. But for pessimists, three cold months are directly associated with sub-zero temperatures, a large amount of reactive and damaged shoes. And no matter how much we want to attribute ourselves to the first group, the problems of the second group come into play.
Every year we watch with horror and horror how cracks, stains and wrinkles appear on our favorite shoes. And getting out of the house is increasingly reminiscent of the scenario of the movie “Our Mission is Danger”, where not only Tom Cruise is in the main role, but residents of Russian cities.
This year we decided to approach the winter season with a special responsibility and do our best to prolong the life of our beloved shoes. To do this, we studied the advice of experts on working with leather and gathered everything in one great material. Here are six rules that must be followed in order for the boots to serve you faithfully for more than one season.
Apply protective equipment correctly
There are many care products for shoes, and in winter your favorite pair needs them more than ever. Sharp temperature changes, salt reagents and other problems disrupt the structure of the skin and erode the paint. This is where protective creams come into play. But they also need to be able to apply it correctly, otherwise there will be no results. First, before the procedure, the shoes must be thoroughly wiped to remove dirt and the old layer of care products. Such a simple action will allow the cream or balm to penetrate more effectively.
Take care of your shoes daily
If you think once a week is enough, you are wrong. Shoes need to be cleaned after each use (leather models – immediately, and suede ones are best wiped only when completely dry), soak – a few hours before leaving the house. Pay special attention to water-repellent products – it is better to apply them in the evening so that they have time to be absorbed. Otherwise, it will have no effect. Also take a microfiber cloth in your shoe care arsenal, with its help it is easy to remove dust, dirt and salt remaining on the surface of the shoe.
Different skin types require different approaches
Smooth leather is the easiest to care for in the winter – it absorbs wax, oil and water-repellent components well. The situation is slightly different with suede, nubuck and velvet. For such skin types, classic creams are not suitable, they must be replaced with sprays. And you can use them only if the shoes are completely dry. By the way, always pay attention to the labels on the care products, it says which material it is suitable for.
If collisions with reagents cannot be avoided
If the task with the codename “collision with the reagent” still turned out to be impossible, then you need to independently try to conduct a rescue operation. Leather experts recommend that you first go over them with a medium-hard brush, then soak the white spots in a vinegar solution (1:1 bite to water ratio) and wipe them with a soft sponge or cloth. This is for smooth skin. Now in suede and nubuck. If the villi have hardened from frequent contact with moisture and cold air, make a so-called steam bath for them and hold the shoes over the hot steam for two minutes, and then remove any remaining moisture with a napkin and dry the pair naturally.
Do not dry shoes on the battery
If, nevertheless, an unpleasant situation occurs on the street and the shoes get wet, in no case should they be dried on the radiator. Because the temperature is too high for leather products. As a result of this type of “fast drying”, cracks can form in your favorite pair and the material can dry out easily. Instead, it is better to use a special shoe dryer or a heated mat. If there is none, place a block of wood inside the shoe and let it dry completely. If you don’t have that either, use a regular newspaper, it will do a great job of absorbing all the moisture and keeping the shoes in shape.
One winter pair is not enough
You don’t need two pairs of shoes to look stylish in winter. Experts recommend alternating shoes so that the shoes “rest”, dry completely and soak in a new layer of care cream. This simple trick will help prolong the life of both pairs.
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Registration Don’t salt me: How to care for shoes in winter The Fashion Vibes first appeared.
Source: People Talk
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
