SHOE CARE AND CLEANING
Ozzaro’s Ultimate Guide to Shoe and Heel Care
At Ozzaro, we’re committed to not only providing you with luxurious and stylish footwear but also helping you keep them in top condition. Follow our expert tips to ensure your favorite heels and shoes last longer and stay as stunning as the day you bought them.
1. Daily Cleaning – Keep Your Shoes Looking Fresh
What You Need: A soft cotton cloth, a rubber brush, or a gentle bristle brush.
- Why Clean Regularly? Dirt, dust, and street grime collect on your shoes, leading to wear over time. Routine cleaning maintains the shoe’s original texture and brilliance.
- How to Clean: Use a cloth or brush to gently dust off dirt. For leather shoes, dampen a cloth slightly before wiping. For suede, use a special suede brush to gently lift away dirt without damaging the texture.
Ozzaro Tip: Always finish by buffing leather shoes with a microfiber cloth to restore their natural sheen.
2. Shield from Oil and Grease – Protect the Material
- Why It’s Crucial: Oils and grease can leave long-lasting stains on leather or fabric, impacting the material’s texture and durability.
- How to Avoid It: Keep your shoes away from oily or greasy surfaces. If you accidentally get oil on them, blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth—never rub, as it can push the oil deeper into the material.
Ozzaro Tip: Invest in a high-quality leather protector or waterproof spray to create a barrier against grease and liquid stains.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight – Prevent Fading and Cracking
- Why This Matters: Direct sunlight can cause shoes, especially leather ones, to fade and crack. UV rays dry out the material, making it brittle and prone to damage.
- How to Avoid It: Store shoes in a cool, shaded area. When drying them after cleaning, leave them in indirect sunlight for about 30 minutes to remove moisture and bacteria.
Ozzaro Tip: Use breathable dust bags for shoe storage to protect against dust and heat while allowing airflow.
4. Prevent Hard Impacts – Keep the Structure Intact
- Why It’s Important: Collisions with hard objects can damage the surface, deform the structure, and cause deep scratches or cracks in the leather.
- How to Avoid It: Store your shoes in padded spaces or individual boxes. When traveling, wrap them in cloth or store them in protective shoe bags to prevent knocks and scuffs.
Ozzaro Tip: Use shoe trees to help your shoes retain their shape and prevent creasing, especially for leather or high-end heels.
5. Ensure Ventilation – Prevent Mold and Odor
- Why Ventilation Is Vital: Excess moisture inside shoes can lead to unpleasant odors and mold growth, especially in humid environments.
- How to Ventilate: After wearing, leave your shoes in a well-ventilated area to dry out completely. Avoid storing them in sealed plastic containers for long periods, which can trap moisture.
Ozzaro Tip: Place silica gel packs in shoe storage spaces to absorb excess moisture, particularly during humid seasons.
Extra Care Tips from Ozzaro
- Heel Protection: Add rubber caps to your heels to extend their life, especially for frequent wear.
- Waterproofing: Use a waterproofing spray to protect shoes from rain and snow. For suede or nubuck shoes, use specialized sprays designed for delicate materials.
- Rotate Your Shoes: Give your shoes a rest between wears by rotating them with other pairs. This allows the materials time to recover and keeps them looking new longer.
- Professional Maintenance: Don’t hesitate to take your shoes to a cobbler for professional cleaning, sole replacement, or heel repairs. It can significantly extend the life of your investment.
By following these expert tips from Ozzaro, you’ll ensure your shoes not only look stunning but remain comfortable and durable for the long term. Step confidently, knowing that your shoes are cared for with the same precision and attention to detail that went into crafting them.