How to Clean Leather Shoes: Step-by-Step Guide

2025-05-28 15:17:09

Leather shoes are the MVP of every wardrobe—sleek, stylish, and built to last. But if you’ve ever stepped into a muddy puddle or noticed your favourite pair losing its shine, you’ve probably wondered: how do you clean leather shoes without ruining them? It’s a legit reason to worry. While a dirty leather shoe is noone’s choice, cleaning it the wrong way can make matters worse because leather is a sensitive material. You don’t want to end up with long term damage to your favourite footwear. 

Don’t worry—cleaning leather shoes is easier than it sounds. With the right tools and a little time, you can keep them looking as fresh as the day you bought them, even after they’ve gone through a rough tumble. To make sure you’re on the right track, we’ve come up with a useful guide. Whether you're dealing with dirt, dullness, or scuff marks, this guide walks you through exactly how to clean leather shoes at home—with zero stress and maximum results. So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

Essential Tools and Preparation for Cleaning Your Shoes 

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. Leather is a natural material, which means it requires a gentler touch and the right care to keep it looking good long-term. The right tools can be the difference between success and failure when it comes to cleaning. Here are some of them that should be handy for consistent leather cleaning. 

You’ll need: 

• A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush 

• A microfiber or cotton cloth 

• Mild soap (or leather-specific cleaner) 

• Lukewarm water 

• Leather conditioner or balm 

• Neutral or tinted shoe polish 

• Waterproofing spray (optional but useful) 

• Newspaper or shoe trees 

Quick prep checklist: 

Before you get started with full-fledged cleaning, you should take a few steps to prep your leather shoe for the process. Doing so can prevent certain inconveniences in the process later. 

• Remove the laces and insoles to avoid needing to dry them later 

• Stuff the shoes with paper or use shoe trees to help retain their shape 

• Do a patch test for any cleaning product you’re trying for the first time, to avoid a situation where the product damages the material 

Preparation is key—it makes the whole process smoother and helps avoid accidental damage. One key part of preparation is chosing the right cleaning agents – which we deep dive into in the next section. 

Top Recommended Products for Leather Shoe Care 

If you’re investing in quality leather shoes, it makes sense to invest in basic care products to go with them. These aren’t just for cleaning—they help extend the life of your shoes, keep the leather supple, and even prevent stains. You can often find them in the same place where you get your leather footwear from – in this case, Mochi website. Here are some top products that we recommend. 

Pro product picks: 

• Leather cleaner or saddle soap: For gentle but effective cleaning 

• Leather conditioner: To restore moisture and prevent cracks 

• Neutral polish: Works with most shoe colours to bring back shine 

• Horsehair brush: For polishing and buffing without scratching 

• Water-repellent spray: Great for monsoons or dusty commutes 

These small add-ons can make a huge difference, especially for your favourite leather shoes from Mochi. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Leather Shoes 

Now, let’s get into the actual cleaning routine. Follow this step-by-step guide to safely clean your leather shoes at home without damaging the material. 

Step 1: Brush Off Surface Dirt 

Use a dry soft-bristle brush to gently remove dust, dirt, and debris from the shoe surface. Focus on areas around the sole, toe box, and creases—these tend to collect the most grime. Turn the shoe upside down and tap it gentle to dislodge any dirt that might be stuck in nooks and corners. 

Step 2: Wipe with Damp Cloth and Soap Solution 

Mix a drop of mild soap into lukewarm water and dampen a cloth (never soak it). Wipe the shoes using small, circular motions. This removes surface buildup without damaging the leather. Never apply too much pressure, even if the cloth is gentle. 

Avoid over-wetting—leather is porous, and too much moisture can weaken it for long-term usage. 

Step 3: Dry and Air Out 

Use a dry, clean towel to gently blot away excess moisture. Let your shoes air dry naturally—no sunlight, no hair dryers. Fast drying can cause cracking to a material as gentle as leather. 

Step 4: Condition the Leather 

Once dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a clean cloth. This step restores natural oils, keeps the leather soft, and prevents it from drying out or cracking over time. Think of it like moisturising your skin. Massage it in with a soft cloth and let it absorb for 10–15 minutes. 

Step 5: Polish for Shine 

Now that your shoes are clean and hydrated, it’s time to give them their glow-up. Use a matching or neutral polish to bring back shine to its surface. Apply a thin layer, let it sit for a few minutes, and then buff with a brush or soft cloth. This step makes your shoes look newer and protects the leather from scuffs and water. Do this well and you should already start seeing a change to a new condition. 

Step 6: Protect and Store Smartly 

All your hard work is for naught if you cannot store the shoe properly, as it will get dirty again in no time. Even leaving it out in the open for too long will cause dust to accumulate on its surface. To avoid this, figure out the right storage strategy. Spray with a water-repellent if needed and store your shoes in a dust bag or their original box. Avoid stacking leather shoes or storing them near direct heat. 

Good storage = longer-lasting shoes. 

How Often Should You Clean Leather Shoes? 

This depends on how often you wear them, as different usage patterns require different cleaning schedules. 

• Everyday wear: Light wipe every 1–2 days, deep clean every 2–3 weeks 

• Occasional wear: Clean after every 2–3 wears 

• After rain or stains: Clean and condition immediately 

And always condition your shoes monthly if you wear them regularly. Think of this like investing in the future of your premium footwear. 

Conclusion 

Knowing how to clean leather shoes is more than just a useful skill—it’s a step toward building a longer-lasting, more stylish wardrobe. A well-maintained pair of leather shoes adds polish (pun intended) to every outfit, whether you’re headed to a big presentation, a dinner date, or just a casual day out. Leather is a long term material if you treat it right, and that’s what this guide enables you to do.  

At Mochi, we’re all about making style easy and lasting. Our collection of shoes for men, shoes for women, and timeless leather picks are built to go the distance—just like your style. So, get ready to pick your next one soon. 

Take care of your shoes, and they’ll take care of your style.
Shop Mochi’s leather shoes today and keep them looking fresh, always.