Follow our simple step-by-step guide to clean and care for your old and new leather shoes, helping them last a lifetime.
At memery, we want your shoes and boots to endure for many years. Proper leather care is vital to achieving this. Regular maintenance keeps leather soft, flexible, and resistant to water and dirt, while also preserving its shiny, fresh look. Caring for your shoes protects them and extends their lifespan, promoting sustainability in leather products.
Memery Leather Care
We’ve created our own leather care product, Mink Oil Balm, designed to maintain the longevity and beauty of your leather shoes, boots, and soles. Using it regularly will keep your memery leather products in excellent condition for years. The balm is transparent, making it suitable for black, brown, and all other leather colours.
Caring for Leather Soles
Many of our footwear styles feature leather soles, reminiscent of traditional designs. Applying leather care regularly keeps them flexible and water-resistant, ensuring their durability and maintaining the classic quality of your shoes over time.
What You’ll Need
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A soft cloth or a leather brush
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Leather care balm
How to Use
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Clean the Leather
Gently remove dirt and debris with a soft cloth or brush. -
Apply the Balm
Use a clean cloth or sponge to apply a small amount of mink oil balm. Work it into the leather in circular motions, focusing on dry or cracked areas. Don’t forget the outer leather sole. -
Allow to Absorb
Let the balm soak into the leather for at least 30 minutes. For very dry leather, apply a second coat. -
Buff the Leather
Use a dry, clean cloth to buff the leather, removing excess balm and restoring its natural shine. -
Repeat as Needed
Reapply every few months, or as necessary, depending on use, to keep the leather in excellent condition.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Leather Shoes
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Dab the stain with a paper towel to remove excess oil. Do this as soon as possible and avoid rubbing.
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Cover the stain with baking powder or cornstarch to absorb the oil. Leave it for 30 minutes.
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Gently brush away the powder with a soft shoe brush or toothbrush.
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Repeat the steps as needed until satisfied.
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Restore the leather using leather care balm to replace natural oils and add a protective barrier.
How to Remove Scratches from Leather Shoes
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For light scratches, apply a thin layer of leather care balm. This replenishes the oils and wax in the leather.
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For deeper scratches, dab the area lightly with a cloth dipped in a small amount of white vinegar. Let it dry, then treat with leather care balm. Repeat as necessary.
A pair of my Emma oxfords in full grain leather treated with memery leather care
Mink Oil and Its History
Mink oil has been valued as a natural leather conditioner since the early 20th century, originally derived from the fur industry. Rich in oleic acid, it closely resembles the natural oils in human skin, making it highly effective for hydrating and conditioning leather.
Beyond moisturising, mink oil offers water resistance, protecting leather from moisture damage. This makes it particularly popular for outdoor leather goods like boots, jackets, and bags.
Ingredients:
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Mink Oil: 85%
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Beeswax: 5%
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Vaseline: 10%
Important: Avoid using mink oil on suede, such as Esther, Luise, Ida, or Ella styles. It is intended for leather and leather soles only.
How to Clean Suede Shoes
For suede care, check out our guide: How to Clean Suede Shoes.
