Restoring smooth leather shoes, bags, clothing, car seats, or steering wheels is a process that can easily be done at home.
First, carefully assess whether the item has only lost its external appearance. If the answer is yes, then it is worth watching the video, purchasing the right care products, arming yourself with patience and time for the process, and enjoying the item you restored with your own hands.
If the answer is no, then it is not worth spending money on care products or time on the process—it is time to buy a new item.
Now for the restoration process:
- The item must be properly prepared: it must be dry and clean of coarse dirt. Remove laces from shoes, shoulder straps from bags, collars or pins from clothing, etc.
- Cleaning is mandatory because items have previously been treated with care products and may have salt or water stains on them. Use a colorfast cloth with a cleaning product and thoroughly process the entire item. After treatment, remove surface dirt using water and a cloth. Now it’s time for coffee, as the item needs to dry for at least 60 minutes.
- We are already halfway there, and the next steps will show visible results! Leather is a natural material that requires careful nourishment to prevent cracking or splitting. Apply the balm thoroughly using circular motions, then let the item dry for 5–10 minutes.
- Color restoration should be on your regular maintenance list so that all your previous hard work isn’t in vain. Take a cream—which can be applied with a soft cloth or a special sponge—and treat the entire surface. Allow the cream to absorb for at least 30 minutes, then buff with a soft brush.
- Protection against moisture and dirt is mandatory. Treat the item at least once a week—even in summer, because dirt is everywhere. After application, let it “air out” for at least 30 minutes.
- If you treated shoes, shoe deodorant will enhance comfort, and shoe trees will help retain their shape and prevent leather creases while stored in the closet.
