Read and follow our simple step-by-step guide on how to best clean and take care of both your old land new leather shoes and hopefully make them last a lifetime.
At memery, we want your new shoes and boots to last for many years, and proper leather care plays a crucial role in achieving that goal. Regular maintenance keeps leather soft and flexible, enhances its resistance to water and dirt, and, most importantly, maintains a shiny, fresh appearance. Proper care not only protects your shoes but also supports the sustainability of leather products by extending their lifespan.
Memery Leather Care
We have produced our very own leather care, our Mink Oil Balm, to ensure a top-notch product for maintaining the longevity and beauty of your leather shoes, boots, and soles. Regular use will keep your memery leather products looking their best for years to come. Our leather care is transparent, making it suitable for both black and brown shoes, and all other colors of leather.
Many of our footwear styles feature leather soles, just like traditional shoes and boots from back then. To help preserve these leather soles, apply leather care regularly to keep them flexible and water-resistant. This simple step ensures durability and maintains the classic quality of your footwear over time.
You'll need:
- A soft cloth or a leather brush/soft brush
- Leather care
How to Use
- Clean the leather: Start by gently removing dirt and debris from the leather using a soft cloth or brush.
- Apply the balm: Take a clean cloth or sponge and apply a small amount of mink oil balm, working it into the leather with a circular motion. Focus especially on any dry or cracked areas to ensure thorough coverage. Remember to apply to the outer leather sole as well.
- Allow to absorb: Let the balm absorb into the leather for at least 30 minutes. For very dry leather, a second application may be necessary.
- Buff the leather: Use a dry, clean cloth to buff the leather, removing any excess balm and restoring a natural shine.
- Repeat as needed: Reapply every few months, or as needed, based on usage, to keep the leather in optimal condition.
How to remove oil stains from leather shoes
- Dab the spot with a paper towel to remove any access oil. The sooner you do this the better. Make sure you only dap lightly, and do not rub it.
- Cover the stain with baking powder or cornstarch to absorb the oil, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Gently brush away powder with a soft shoe brush or a toothbrush.
- Repeat these steps as necessary, until you're satisfied with the result.
- Use a leather care to restore natural oils and form a protective barrier on the leather surface.
How to remove scratches from leather shoes:
Light scratches can be removed by treating the leather with a thin, regular layer of leather care, as this helps maintain the oil and wax in the leather.
For deeper scratches withe vinegar can sometimes do the trick. Lightly dab the scratch with a cloth with a small amount of white vinegar. Let it sit, and when it's dry, treat it with a thin layer of leather care. Repeat as necessary.
A pair of my Emma oxfords in full grain leather treated with memery leather care
History of Mink Oil
Mink oil has been prized as a natural leather conditioner since the early 20th century, when it was discovered as a byproduct of the fur industry. Containing a high level of oleic acid, similar to the natural oils in human skin, mink oil deeply hydrates and conditions leather, restoring its essential oils.
In addition to moisturizing, mink oil also provides water resistance, protecting leather from moisture damage. This quality has made it especially popular for outdoor leather goods like boots, jackets, and bags.
Ingredients:
- Mink Oil: 85%
- Beeswax: 5%
- Vaseline: 10%
Important: Avoid using mink oil on suede materials such as Esther, Luise, Ida, or Ella styles. It’s intended for leather and leather soles only.
How to clean suede leather shoes
To care for suede shoes, you read our guide here: How To Clean Suede Shoes
