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How To Clean Patent Leather – Properly and Easily

By: Author Dan Concord

You’ve got it all planned out — the perfect outfit for a big party, but when you pull out your favorite patent leather shoes, they’re dirty! Don’t worry; this is not a complicated fix. I will discuss how to clean patent leather properly and easily.

Cleaning patent leather is removing dirt and debris without damaging the material and maintaining it’s glossy finish. Patent leather can be cleaned with a soft brush, microfiber towels, or a liquid leather cleaner. Maintain the gloss with a patent leather conditioner and a soft cloth.

Do you have some patent leather shoes that have scuffs or need cleaning? Are you looking for a way to clean patent leather without damaging the glossy finish? Let’s look at how to clean patent leather efficiently.

What Is Cleaning Patent Leather?

Cleaning patent leather is removing dirt, debris, and stains without damaging the material’s glossy finish. It’s a good idea to check patent leather items before each use and clean them as needed. There are a few easy ways to clean patent leather to help remove dirt, scuffs, and fingerprints to keep it looking new and maintain its shine.

What We’ll Explore

  • Clearing up Myths & Misconceptions
  • Reasons You Might Choose to Clean Patent Leather
  • Variations or Styles of Cleaning Patent Leather
  • Cleaning Patent Leather Overview Table
  • Skill Level of Cleaning Patent Leather
  • Tools and Supplies Needed for Cleaning Patent Leather
  • How to Clean Patent Leather Step by Step
  • How to Get Better at Cleaning Patent Leather
  • My Personal Research on Cleaning Patent Leather
  • Helpful Insights on Cleaning Patent Leather
  • Key Takeaways
A Pair of Blue Patent Leather Shoes - How To Clean Patent Leather - Liberty Leather Goods
A Pair of Blue Patent Leather Shoes

Clearing Up Myths & Misconceptions

One myth about cleaning patent leather is that vinegar or acetone are safe to use. This is untrue because they are harsh acids that can cause damage to patent leather. Another myth is that oils like olive or vegetable can be used to shine patent leather. This is false because they may improve the shine but can build up and dull that glossy finish. 

Another misconception about patent leather is that it is waterproof. One might think it is because of that polished shine, but just like any other leather, it is water-resistant and not waterproof. Even leather with a water-resistant coating can absorb water through microscopic pores in the surface coating and through the stitch holes, cracks, and worn areas. Once absorbed, the damage will remain and accumulate.

Reasons You Might Choose To Clean Patent Leather

Patent leather can be challenging to keep clean, depending on whether it’s shoes or a bag. Everyday use can lead to dirt and grime, which are good reasons to clean it. Other reasons why you might choose to clean patent leather include the following:

  1. Scuffs
  2. Stains
  3. Smudges
  4. Unpleasant smells
  5. Fingerprints

Variations or Styles of Cleaning Patent Leather

Patent leather is a special leather that has a thick coating of polyurethane (PU) to give it that characteristic shine. However, cleaning patent leather is very similar to cleaning other leathers, with several variations to getting it done.

  1. Soft brush
  2. Patent leather cleaner
  3. Microfiber towel or old t-shirt for removing fingerprints

Cleaning Patent Leather Overview Table

Area of PreparationDetails
TechniqueCleaning Patent Leather
Overall Level of Skill (1–5)2
Time to Complete (minutes/hours)30 minutes to 1 hour
Workspace NeededMinimal
Skills NeededBasic leather care
Tools and Supplies NeededA soft-bristled brush, microfiber towels or old t-shirts, cotton-tipped applicators, and patent leather cleaner and conditioner.
Key Helpful TipAvoid getting patent leather too wet.
How To Clean Patent Leather Characteristics

Skill Level of Cleaning Patent Leather

Cleaning patent leather doesn’t require much skill, but basic leather care knowledge is a plus. It is always best to test any products in an inconspicuous area to see if any color change or staining occurs. The most challenging part of cleaning patent leather is getting just the right shine without scuffs or fingerprints. 

According to researchers Ceren, Hande, Altan, and Candas, patent leather is higher in performance when it comes to permeability to water vapor than other leathers, thanks to its finish. However, it is still a leather product, so it should be treated carefully, avoiding using too much water. 

There are a few easy ways to clean patent leather to help remove dirt, scuffs, and fingerprints to keep it looking new and maintain its shine.

Tools and Supplies Needed for Cleaning Patent Leather

Cleaning patent leather can be a little more involved than regular leather due to its glossy appearance. Many of the tools and supplies needed are already in the home, with a few additional pieces. Here are the tools and supplies that may be required for cleaning patent leather:

  1. Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
  2. Microfiber towels or old T-shirts
  3. Cotton-tipped applicators
  4. Patent leather cleaner
  5. Patent leather conditioner
  6. Hair dryer on a cool setting

How To Clean Patent Leather Step by Step

  1. Use a soft-bristled brush, lint-free cloth, or a leather wipe to dry dust off any dry dirt or debris.
  2. Test any liquid cleaners in an inconspicuous place for color changes or damage.
  3. If no unwanted changes occur, apply a leather cleaner approved for patent leather, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  4. Allow to air dry or dry with a hair dryer on a cool setting pointed across the leather and not directly at it. 
  5. If patent leather cleaning needs to be repeated, allow it to dry between cleanings and only repeat once. Anything that remains may be permanent or require a professional leather cleaner. 
  6. Apply a patent leather conditioner using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt.
  7. Enjoy!

How To Get Better at Cleaning Patent Leather

Improving one’s technique at cleaning patent leather takes practice. Get into the habit of checking over patent leather items each time they are used and clean as needed. The most common are fingerprints which can be cleaned off with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. 

Try different patent leather products and cleaning methods, but always follow any manufacturer’s instructions. Some products work better than others, and always test new products in an inconspicuous spot to hide any potential damage. If mistakes occur, learn from them and keep cleaning patent leather to get better at it!

Check out this helpful video from Expert Village Leaf Group as they demonstrate how to clean patent leather shoes.

My Personal Research on Cleaning Patent Leather

Many patent leather products are available and come at different prices. To better understand how you might like to clean patent leather, I have compiled a list of some commonly used products specific to patent leather and their price ranges.

Patent Leather Cleaning ProductCost
Patent leather cleaner$3–$49
Patent leather conditioner$12–$25
Leather care kit$13–$60
Microfiber towels$10–$15 for 3
Leather Cleaning brush$3.99–$179
Common Patent Leather Cleaning Products

Helpful Insights On Cleaning Patent Leather

How do you clean patent leather naturally?

Patent leather can be cleaned naturally with several things around the home. For example, a toothbrush or vacuum cleaner attachment with a soft-bristled brush can remove dirt and stuck-on soil, and old t-shirts can buff out scratches and scuffs.

Does Vaseline clean patent leather?

While Vaseline can get rid of tough stains on patent leather, it can slowly cause unseen damage that is delayed or gradual. However, Vaseline can be applied to a cotton-tipped swab and rubbed on the patent leather for 15–20 seconds. Wipe the area clean with an old t-shirt or microfiber towel.

What is the best cleaner for patent leather?

The best cleaner for patent leather is a liquid leather cleaner approved for patent leather. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or, in general, dampen a microfiber towel or old t-shirt in the soap mixture and wipe all over the patent leather. Wipe any excess soap and water with a clean microfiber towel or old t-shirt. 

Can you clean patent leather with vinegar?

Vinegar can be diluted in water to clean leather; however, it’s not recommended for cleaning patent leather. Vinegar is a harsh acid and can damage the patent coating on the leather. A leather cleaner specifically for patent leather is a safer alternative.

Key Takeaways

  1. A patent leather cleaner is the best and easiest method for cleaning patent leather.
  2. Patent leather is notorious for picking up scuffs and fingerprints, so keep a soft cloth handy.
  3. Test any new cleaning products for patent leather in an inconspicuous spot for any color change or damage.

In Closing

Patent leather is fairly easy to clean with the right tools and products. Start with what is at home and learn about available products specific to patent leather. This process works for all, whether it’s shoes, a purse, or a bag. I hope the instructions are helpful and bring you success in cleaning your patent leather products effectively and easily.

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