How to clean Chelsea boots
Chelsea boots are an undisputed classic of the footwear world. Versatile, elegant and functional, these boots go with any style and occasion. However, as with any quality item, they require special care to keep them in perfect condition.
Panama Jack tells you how to clean Chelsea boots easily and effectively, without compromising their appearance or their durability.
Cleaning your Chelsea boots step by step
Before you start, remember that there is nothing more stylish than a pair of impeccable Chelsea boots. With these simple steps, you can bring back all their charm and have them ready to be the star attraction. Every step is important, because taking care of the details will make your boots shine like new for a long time to come.
Cleaning leather Chelsea boots
Leather is a natural and sophisticated material, but it needs special care to make it shine:
- Cleaning with a damp cloth: Dampen a cloth or sponge with warm water and a few drops of neutral soap. Gently rub the boots. Make sure you don’t soak the leather, as excess water could damage it.
- Dry them slowly: Don’t use radiators or hair dryers. Let your boots breathe and dry naturally without exposing the footwear to sunlight or sources of extreme heat. This step is crucial to avoid cracks in the leather or loss of texture.
- Feed for a spectacular finish: Apply a hydrating or conditioning leather shoe cream. If you notice that your vintage leather needs a boost, a drop of clear shoe oil or cream will work like magic (but take care, keep in mind that the leather may darken if you do this!). Feeding the leather ensures that it retains its flexibility and natural shine.
Cleaning split leather or nubuck Chelsea boots
Split leather has a chic and casual touch that we love, but it’s a little temperamental. Below, we tell you how to look after it:
- Soft brushing: Remove dirt with a special brush. This helps to retain the characteristic velvety texture of the suede.
- Out with stubborn stains!: If there are difficult stains, mix neutral soap with water and use a brush with plastic bristles (such as a nail brush). Rub gently and rinse with plenty of water. Who says split leather can’t shine? This step is essential for removing stains without damaging the delicate surface of the leather.
- Slow drying: Forget about the sun and direct heat. Let your boots dry naturally. This will prevent deformities and ensure that the material keeps its shape.
- Perfect finish: Brush in the direction of the suede to bring back its soft texture and that irresistible look. This final step brings out the natural beauty of the suede and leaves it ready for any occasion.
Cleaning imitation leather Chelsea boots
- Clean off any remnants of dirt and dust using a damp sponge or cloth.
- Feed the leather with a clear nourishing shoe cream.
Common mistakes when cleaning Chelsea boots
We sometimes make mistakes without realising it, even when we want to do something well. Below, we tell you what the most common mistakes are when cleaning your Chelsea boots and how to avoid them. This will ensure they always shine to perfection and take centre stage.
Using generic products
Forget about experimenting with strong soaps or abrasive products. Your Chelsea boots deserve products designed specifically for their material. The wrong product could damage their finish and reduce the life of your boots.
Quick or wrong type of drying
We know you want to wear them right now, but direct heat is their silent enemy. Be patient, and your boots will thank you. Quick drying may cause cracks in the leather and deform the footwear.
Regular care for impeccable Chelsea boots
The secret to having your boots ready at all times lies in their continuous care. Below, we leave you some quick and easy tips to apply that will help you keep your Chelsea boots in perfect condition throughout the year.
How to store your Chelsea boots correctly
To keep your Chelsea boots in perfect condition, keep these three essentials in mind.
Firstly, stuff your boots with newspaper or use a special shoe support; this will help them to keep their original shape and prevent the appearance of wrinkles on both leather and suede.
Secondly, always find a cool, dry place to store them, away from damp, which can be lethal for the material and can also compromise the inner lining.
And thirdly, give them space. Don’t pile them up or store them in cramped spaces. Proper storage will guarantee that your boots keep their shape and that impeccable appearance that makes them stand out.
Daily quick cleaning
Before you put them away, wipe them over with a dry cloth. This very simple action may extend the life of your boots and keep them ready to shine at all times. It also removes daily accumulated dirt and prevents it becoming encrusted into the leather.
