How to Clean Nubuck Sandals

Dirty nubuck sandals are unsightly and bring down your whole look. However, with regular cleaning and proper care, you can keep your nubuck sandals looking good for a long time.

In this article, we will provide a detailed cleaning guide on how to clean nubuck sandals.

We will also provide some caring and storing tips that can help keep your sandals in pristine condition.

So, grab your dirty nubuck sandals, and let’s get started.

Precautions

1. Do not brush your nubuck sandals vigorously, as this may damage the nubuck.
2. Do not brush a particular spot for too long. This can damage the nap of the leather.
3. Do not polish your nubuck sandals, as this will darken the nubuck.
4. Never put your nubuck sandals in the sun to dry.
5. Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners on nubuck sandals, as this will damage the leather.

Materials Required

1. Nubuck cloth
2. Nubuck brush
3. Nubuck cleaner
4. Leather degreaser
5. Ink lifter
6. Sandpaper or suede block

Cleaning Process

Wipe the Sandals with Nubuck Cloth

Wipe your nubuck sandals in circular motions using a nubuck cloth. This will help remove surface dirt or debris accumulated on the shoes.

Wipe the surface in different directions to clean all sides of the nap. Be sure to focus on areas that look particularly dirty or stained.

Brush Off the Dirt and Grime

Use a nubuck brush to remove leftover dirt or grime embedded in the leather’s nap. Gently brush back and forth until all the dirt has been lifted from the surface.

Be sure to work in small sections so that you do not damage the nubuck. Do not brush the sandals too long, as this can damage the nap.

Clean the Soiled Areas with Nubuck Cleaner

The nubuck cleaners come in liquid or aerosol form and are formulated for cleaning nubuck leather. Spray some nubuck cleaner onto a nubuck cloth, and then wipe the sandals with the cloth. Pay attention to the soiled area and rub them in a circular motion.

The nubuck cleaner will help break down dirt or grime stuck to the leather. Be sure to test the nubuck cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the sandals before using it on the whole sandal.

Remove the Stains

1. Lighter stains: Use a nubuck cloth to remove lighter stains from the nubuck leather. Gently rub the stained area in a circular motion until the stain is lifted.
2. Oil or grease stains: Use a leather degreaser to remove oil or grease stains from nubuck leather. Spray some leather degreaser on the oil or grease stain. Let the sandal sit for about an hour. The leather degreaser will soak up the oil and turn to powder. Wipe the powdery residue with a nubuck cloth sprayed with a nubuck cleaner.
3. Ink stains: It is best to clean the ink stain as quickly as possible, usually within six hours. The longer the ink sits on nubuck leather, the harder it will be to remove. Use an ink lifter to remove the ink stain from nubuck leather. Rub the ink lifter over the ink stain and cover the stain completely. Then wipe it off with a nubuck cloth.
4. Tougher stains: If the stain is old and more rigid, use a suede block or sandpaper. Gently rub the sandpaper or suede block over the stained area until the stain is removed. Ensure to use a light touch so that you do not damage the nubuck leather. After buffing the stain, brush off the residue with the nubuck brush.

Clean the Nubuck Footbed with Vinegar

Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl. Dampen a microfiber cloth into the solution and wipe the footbed with it. Make sure not to saturate the nubuck. Work on the particularly stained areas.

Let the Nubuck Sandals Air Dry

Once you have cleaned the nubuck sandals, let them air dry in a cool, ventilated area. Do not put the nubuck sandals in direct sunlight as this damage the leather.

You can also use a blow dryer to speed up the drying process. However, use the blow dryer on the cool setting and hold it about six inches away from the nubuck sandals.

Brush the Nap with a Nubuck Brush

After the nubuck sandals are dry, use a nubuck brush to restore the nap. Gently brush the nubuck in one direction and then brush it in the opposite direction.

Be sure to work in small sections so that you do not damage the nubuck. Do not brush the nubuck for too long, as this can damage the nap.

Apply a Nubuck Protectant Spray

After you have cleaned and brushed the nubuck sandals, apply a nubuck protectant spray. The nubuck spray will help to protect the leather from dirt, water, and stains.

Caring and Storing Tips

1. Brush your nubuck sandals regularly with a nubuck brush. This will help to remove any dirt or grime that is embedded in the nap of the leather.
2. When not in use, store your nubuck sandals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Do not store them in a moist place as it can lead to mildew and nubuck rot.
3. If your nubuck sandals get wet, let them air dry in a cool, ventilated area. Do not put the nubuck sandals in direct sunlight as this damage the leather.
4. Use a nubuck protectant spray on your nubuck sandals regularly. This will help to protect the nubuck leather from dirt, water, and stains.
5. Be sure to clean nubuck sandals regularly to keep them looking their best.

Products for Taking Care of Nubuck Sandals

1. Nubuck brush: A nubuck brush is a must-have for taking care of nubuck sandals. The nubuck brush will help to remove dirt and grime from the nap of the nubuck leather. It is made of a natural crepe that helps restore nubuck leather’s nap. Shacke and Angelus are two good choices for a nubuck brush.
2. Nubuck cleaner: A nubuck cleaner will help to clean the nubuck leather without damaging it. Nubuck cleaners usually come in a spray bottle and are easy to use. Bickmore and KIWI are two good choices for nubuck cleaner.
3. Nubuck cloth: A nubuck cloth is a soft cloth used to clean nubuck leather. The nubuck cloth will help to remove dirt and grime from the nubuck leather without damaging it. The Leather Master cleaning cloth is a popular choice.
4. Nubuck protectant spray: A nubuck protectant spray will help to protect the nubuck leather from dirt, water, and stains. The nubuck spray will also help extend the nubuck leather’s life. Nikwax is a good choice for nubuck protectant spray.
5. Nubuck conditioner: A nubuck conditioner will help to keep the nubuck leather soft and supple. The nubuck conditioner will also prevent the nubuck from drying and cracking. Care & Cool and Leather Honey are two good choices.

FAQs

How to clean nubuck birkenstocks?

The best way to clean nubuck Birkenstocks is to use a nubuck cleaner. Firstly, brush off the dirt and dust with a nubuck brush. Then, spray the nubuck cleaner on the nubuck cloth and then wipe the sandals with that cloth. 

Once your sandals are clean, let them air dry. Once the nubuck sandals are dry, brush them to restore the nap. Lastly, apply the protectant spray.

Can you clean nubuck with baby wipes?

No, you should not use baby wipes to clean the nubuck as it will damage the leather. Instead, use a nubuck cleaner and nubuck cloth to clean your nubuck shoes or sandals.

What happens if nubuck gets wet?

If nubuck gets wet, it is best to let it air dry in a shaded and ventilated area. Do not put the nubuck shoes or sandals in direct sunlight as this will damage the leather. Once the nubuck is dry, brush it to restore the nap. Lastly, apply the nubuck protectant spray.

Conclusion

There you have it – everything you need to know about how to clean nubuck sandals. Be sure to brush your nubuck sandals regularly with a nubuck brush. Also, remember to apply a nubuck protectant spray to help extend the life of your nubuck sandals.

Do not forget to check out our comprehensive guide on how to clean sandals.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.