How to clean patent leather shoes. How to clean a patent leather bag at home? How to remove stains from patent leather

Every fashionista has a patent leather bag in her arsenal, because very often it is what complements a unique look. This could be an elegant clutch or an everyday model, the frequent use of which is likely to lead to contamination. But not every owner of this accessory knows how to clean patent leather bag correctly and safely. After all, there are a lot of subtleties.

Both natural and artificial leather are used to produce patent leather bags. First, so that it does not lose its softness and flexibility, it is primed with a special solution. The final stage of production is the application of varnish of the required color. The result is smooth skin with a mirror-like shine.

Bags made of this material can withstand various “tests”: bends, stretching, weather changes. But it is better to treat varnish products with care and precision in order to preserve the unique mirror shine and prevent the appearance of scuffs and cracks. It is also important to know the nuances of care and cleaning.

Features of caring for a varnish bag

  • Under no circumstances should you scrub a varnish bag with a brush, especially a hard one. This method may leave scratches on the shiny surface and cause it to lose its mirror-like shine. To wipe patent leather, use only a soft cloth.
  • Do not use shoe polish to clean the varnish surface, otherwise the bag will dull and lose its shine, and will also be more prone to stains.
  • To care for patent leather products, it is advisable to use special creams and sprays. Ideally, they contain glycerin or petroleum jelly. This will prevent drying out and cracking.
  • It is necessary to avoid contact of the bag with aggressive chemicals such as acids, alkalis, solvents, petroleum products, etc. They can damage the integrity of the top layer of patent leather.

Ways to clean a varnish bag at home

  1. If you need to remove difficult stains from the surface of the bag, use potato starch, which must be diluted with cool water to the consistency of thick sour cream. Then use a soft sponge and the resulting solution to remove the stain. Don't have starch on hand? No problem. Rub a slice of raw potato onto the stain.
  2. Lemon juice can remove ink marks from patent leather. To do this, take a soft cloth (you can use velvet), soak it in lemon juice and wipe the contaminated area.
  3. If the bag needs to be cleaned completely, including the lining, first wipe the varnish surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and small dirt. Then you need to turn the lining out and wash it, avoiding getting the detergent on the varnish. You can dry the bag only naturally, avoiding the use of heating devices.
  4. The following method will also help remove dirt. Mix 1.5 tablespoons of soda and 1 tablespoon of ammonia, then pour in 500 ml of water at room temperature and stir until dissolved. Clean the stains with a soft cloth soaked in the resulting solution.
  5. Mix one tablespoon each of alcohol, water and liquid soap. Apply the resulting solution to a cotton pad and wipe the bag.

How to add shine to a patent leather bag using available products

It often happens that after cleaning procedures, the bag loses its shine. There are several simple ways to restore it.

  • Method No1. Treat the varnish bag with a cotton pad or soft cloth soaked in milk. After the milk has dried, repeat the procedure, only instead of using a cotton pad with milk, use an onion cut in half. Finally, wipe the bag with a damp cloth.
  • Method No2. Apply castor oil to the surface of the bag. Time it for 15-20 minutes. After the specified time has passed, rub the bag until it shines. Remove any remaining oil with a dry cloth.
  • Method No3. Using a soft cloth or cotton pad, apply a thin layer of egg white to the bag.
  • Method No4. Wipe the tarnished surface of the varnish bag with fresh orange peel.

If, in addition to dirt, your varnish bag has an unpleasant odor, you can use one of two effective ways to get rid of it.

  • The first method is suitable for dark-colored bags. It involves putting some natural coffee on your bag and leaving it for a day.
  • The second method is more labor-intensive. You need to rinse the bag in the water in which the rice was washed, and then rinse it in a weak solution of vinegar.

As you can see, cleaning a varnish bag at home is not so difficult. Proper care makes it possible to enjoy using it for as long as possible!

Lacquered bags are present in fashion trends today and do not lose their relevance. Almost all designers add them to their lines, changing only the color, size and shape. Bags that are fashionable in 2015 attract attention with their original and interesting design; they are roomy, practical and at the same time neat and stylish. Another plus is that they are not difficult to clean. You can choose a model both for everyday life and for going out.

What should you consider when choosing?

Of course, the most important criterion is quality. Ideally, the skin should be real. Then the accessory will serve you for a very long time and will not lose its original appearance. It is also important to make sure that the color of the bag is the same on all sides and that there are no stains or scuffs. Check that the seams, both internal and external, are of high quality.

If you need an accessory for special occasions, then feel free to choose a bright and catchy shade. Calm, “non-flashy” tones are more suitable for everyday life.

Give preference to black or beige colors - then you won’t have to rack your brains about how to combine a shiny leather bag with wardrobe items.

Today, two-tone patent leather bags are in fashion. They create a contrast in the image and attract interested glances. With such an accessory you will always be the center of attention. White looks chic, but it requires special care and is not suitable for private wear.

The model must be selected depending on what you need the bag for. Small romantic bags and clutches are suitable for going on a date or to a cafe with a friend. And briefcases and regular models are practical and roomy - you can go to the office with them and are not difficult to take care of.

What to combine with?

  1. First of all, it should look harmonious when paired with shoes. Patent models can be combined with leather or suede shoes. It doesn’t have to be shiny at all, otherwise the image will be overloaded with glamorous notes. A bag is enough to highlight your style.
  2. Wardrobe items and other accessories should be simple, not glossy. It is better to give preference to matte things. You can wear a patent leather bag with a formal suit, a skirt with a blouse or skinny trousers.

Features and secrets

Lacquered bags, fashionable in 2015, can transform your look beyond recognition. But in order to
To choose a lacquer bag, you need to know some of the subtleties of production. A special varnish is applied to natural or artificial leather to add shine. The surface can be matte, transparent, colored or decorated with sparkles and rhinestones - it depends on the type of varnish.

Bags made in this way do not tolerate low temperatures, so it is better to take them with you in the warm season.

Many women wonder how to identify a real patent leather bag. You need to evaluate the edge of the leather. Its surface should be soft, delicate and velvety - this distinguishes real leather from artificial leather.

You can determine the quality by the front side. If it is smooth, without dents, seals or damage, then this product is High Quality. Check that the varnish is applied in a thin layer and there should be no bubbles.

If all these criteria are taken into account when choosing a bag, the accessory will last for more than one season and will not become unusable immediately after purchase.

How to care?

If you know how to properly care for a varnish bag, the process will not cause you unnecessary trouble. It does not take much time and does not require much effort.

How to care for patent leather shoes? Patent leather shoes have always been considered elegant, and also perfectly emphasize a person’s taste. Today, patent leather shoes or boots can be seen on avid fashionistas and fashionistas. But, like any other material, varnish requires careful attention. Therefore, it is important to know how to take care of patent leather shoes at home, what rules need to be followed to properly care for the material so that it does not lose its aesthetic appearance.

In order for shoes covered with a varnish layer to last for several years without spoiling their appearance, they need to be cleaned after each wear, even if they look clean. After all, fine dust and dirt particles deteriorate the quality and appearance of the varnish layer, which means that if there is no cleaning, the shoes will gradually age and the appearance will deteriorate.

How to care for patent leather shoes:


When the shoes are completely cleaned and there are no streaks left on their surface, you can apply a special cream designed to care for seasonal shoes, which often have to deal with dirt. Such compositions will carefully polish the material, giving it a soft shine and additional protective qualities.

If such a cream is not available, polishing can be done with folk remedies.

For example, care for patent leather shoes is carried out with milk with a high percentage of fat content. Apply milk to a napkin, wipe the varnish coating with it, and then polish the shoes with a soft cloth. The process can be completed when there are no traces of moisture on the surface.

You can also wipe the surface with a small piece of onion - the vegetable will add shine to the varnished coating and also protect it from external negative influences.

If shoes get wet while walking outside or carelessly washed, it is important to remember that they should not be dried on a radiator or heater. In this case, you need to turn to the old method - stuff newspaper into your shoes and put them in a warm place.


Dust that settles on the surface of the varnish significantly worsens its appearance. Therefore, lovers of such shoes should always carry a small piece of cloth or a dry napkin so that when the surface becomes dirty, they can immediately wipe it off, refreshing the shoes. During the day in dry weather, it is recommended to wipe the varnish surface 3-4 times, and during rain, snow or slush - 4-6 times. This will avoid deformation of the shoes, as well as improve their appearance and protective properties.

At home, be sure to wipe the varnish surface with a dry cloth to remove dirt and dust. If this is not done, small particles will gradually destroy the coating. It is especially important to clean your shoes before storing them, as otherwise they will quickly become unkempt. If the boots are too dirty, they are wiped with a piece of cotton wool or a sponge, because these materials retain dirt particles and also absorb moisture well.

When caring for patent leather, it is important to keep in mind that if the dirt on the shoes has not yet become hard, it can be removed with a swab lightly moistened with water. The surface is wiped without any pressure, as sand and earth can leave behind streaks and scratches.

  • thin paper;
  • newspaper;
  • soft fabric.

How to dry varnish-coated shoes properly? Shoes should be dried at room temperature not exceeding 22 degrees. At the same time, there should be no humidity in the room that will prevent them from drying out.


When answering the question of how to clean patent leather shoes, first you should pay attention to some rules for wearing them, which will make cleaning easier.

Shoes coated with a layer of varnish should not be worn during snow or rain, that is, when it is wet outside. Excessive amounts of liquid can cause the varnish to crack, stretch, or even deform the shoes. At the same time, moisture is dangerous both for the top layer and for the sole, which quickly disappears when very wet due to its characteristics.

Shoes should also be protected from sudden changes in temperature. You cannot wear boots or shoes if the temperature outside is more than -5 degrees. From severe frost, the top layer quickly becomes covered with cracks, which greatly deteriorate the appearance and quality of the shoes. Also, do not wear shoes at high temperatures of more than 35 degrees. In this case, the varnish surface may simply melt.

If you like to wear patent leather boots, it is recommended to put them on 10 minutes before leaving the apartment to go outside. After warming up in the warmth, the surface will take the shape of your foot and “lie” on it - after that you can safely leave the house without fear of your shoes stretching.

Unfortunately, the varnish layer cannot be restored, so it is recommended to follow all the rules of wearing and caring for the surface so as not to spoil your favorite boots.

A few more rules for caring for patent leather:

If you follow all the rules for caring for a glossy surface, it will remain well-groomed and shiny for a long time. The main thing is not to forget to carry out regular cleaning, which will preserve the appearance of patent leather shoes.

In order for shoes to please you with their appearance for a long time, and also to look great with any outfit, they need to be properly cared for.

The most valuable tips are:

An important rule It is believed that you should not wear light patent leather shoes in the cold season, and warm ones - when the temperature outside is above zero. This will lead to serious damage that will be difficult to repair.

We use natural products

To maintain the attractiveness of shoes, their shine, protective qualities and well-groomed appearance, it is recommended to regularly polish their top layer. This is especially often required if shoes are worn in unfavorable weather.

Polishing allows you to increase the resistance of the varnish to various destructive factors:

  1. As you know, polishing is carried out in several steps. First of all, the skin is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust, after which it is covered with a thin layer of olive oil. It is applied to the surface with a cotton pad or a piece of soft natural fabric.
  2. Then the film remains on the shoes for 15 minutes to absorb, after which the excess oil is removed with a well-absorbing napkin or woolen cloth.

Instead of oil you can use:

  • full fat milk;
  • castor oil;
  • egg white (for processing light-colored shoes);
  • turpentine;
  • coffee or strong tea (when polishing a dark coating);
  • glycerol;
  • petrolatum.

Polishing the top layer requires little effort, carefully treating areas where there are scratches or cracks. Don't forget about hard-to-reach places that also need polishing.

A patent leather bag is an elegant and sophisticated accessory. How to care for a lacquer bag so that it lasts a long time? Let's turn to healthy and uncomplicated recipes.

Lacquer bags

Natural or artificial leather

The naturalness of the skin is the main factor from which you need to start when choosing products and methods of care. There are several options for determining the authenticity of patent leather, which are always useful.

  • Tactile sensations. Touch the surface of the bag and hold your palm for about 10 seconds. Natural leather will become warm, artificial leather will remain cold. The artificial surface will moisturize the skin of your hands, leaving a foggy spot.
  • Thickness of outer folds. For natural products it is greater, since the leather is thicker than artificial materials.
  • Absence or presence of wrinkles or folds when squeezed. There should be no traces left on a natural product.

Expensive bags always have a label attached, a sample of the material from which it is made. It is designed so that the buyer can be convinced of the naturalness of the product. This piece is also used as a tester when choosing care products.

How to clean a varnish bag

You can use special ready-made products for cleaning varnish products, sold in specialized stores.

For those who do not want to spend money on them, there are several affordable and simple recipes that involve the use of natural ingredients:

  • For 0.5 liters of water, add 1.5 large spoons of soda and 1 large spoon of ammonia. Wait until the soda dissolves, rub the bag with the resulting solution, then lubricate it with Vaseline or glycerin.
  • If you notice cracks in the varnish, lubricate the product with Vaseline or glycerin, then with beaten egg white. Take a soft piece of velvet or baize fabric and polish the surface.
  • Stains on the surface are removed by cutting an onion or raw potato. Fresh ink stains can be easily removed from a varnished surface using lemon juice.
  • Milk mixed with chicken protein will help revive a white patent leather bag.
  • Periodically lubricate the product with castor oil, petroleum jelly or glycerin. This will prevent the skin from drying out and give it a beautiful natural shine.
  • It is enough to wipe a varnish bag made from a substitute with a delicate soap solution. Then dry with a napkin.

Natural lacquer bags are more demanding to use. They do not tolerate moisture well, so it is not advisable to expose them to rain.

Patent leather shoes, and especially patent leather pumps, are always luxurious, elegant and solemn. Of course, such shoes are completely unsuitable for everyday wear and we do not advise you to buy such options in order to wear them on an everyday basis. But as shoes for events, this is simply a super option. Unfortunately, like any other shoe, patent leather shoes can deteriorate, wear out and get dirty. At the same time, standard cleaning methods will not work here: you need to approach the matter with certain knowledge so as not to damage the surface and make your shoes completely unsuitable for further wear. So, we will tell you about the main methods of cleaning patent leather shoes, as well as what you absolutely should not do.

How to clean patent leather shoes? Basic methods

  • First, you can clean patent leather shoes using a special product - you can find this in the hardware departments of supermarkets or specialized shoe stores. They are usually sold in liquid or spray form. You can also buy a special polish for patent leather shoes.
  • If the contamination is not severe, soak a cotton swab in water and wipe the surface of the shoes. You can also use wet wipes, just be sure to wipe your shoes dry with a paper towel or a soft, clean cloth.
  • If you are dealing with specific black streaks that may appear as a result of shoe friction, or due to other factors, then you can try using a regular office eraser. Try to gently wipe away dirt with it, but do not use too much force and use the softest eraser. Usually, this way you can easily get rid of the black stripes.
  • If the dirt is more severe, try cleaning patent leather shoes with a cotton swab soaked in milk. After this, additionally wipe the shoes with a cotton swab soaked in water to avoid milk deposits. Wipe the surface dry.
  • If the contamination is serious enough, then you can use the services of professionals. In specialized shoe workshops, you can easily order the service of shoe dyeing, varnishing and surface restoration. It may not be cheap, but it's definitely cheaper than buying a new pair.
  • From time to time, soften the surface by applying Vaseline or vegetable oil. 15 minutes after application, the composition must be washed off.

Mistakes in caring for patent leather shoes: what should you never do?

  • If you want your patent leather shoes to last you as long as possible, then you should also avoid a number of common mistakes. We will also tell you about them.
  • Never use brushes to care for patent leather shoes. They can seriously scratch the surface.
  • Observe temperature conditions. You should not wear patent leather shoes either in too much heat or in the cold; you also do not need to use patent leather shoes.
  • Never use classic creams for regular leather on patent leather shoes. So you will forever lose that beautiful glossy shine.

As you can see, caring for patent leather shoes is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. We hope that with our tips you can easily clean your patent leather shoes!

Related publications