How to Protect White Leather Shoes

White nursing shoes are a must-have in every nurse’s wardrobe. White is always a classic, thus white leather shoes will go well with your nursing uniform. However, whether you are a private nurse, ER nurse, obstetric nurse, or student nurse, your shoes will inevitably get dirty. No matter how careful you may be when at work, no one is immune to the blood spillage, drugs, chemicals, body fluids, and other spills that frequently occur within the hospital. Nevertheless, fear of spills and other elements should not prevent you from putting on your sleek white leather shoes. This is because you can protect your footwear as well as get rid of any stains with some easy steps.

See also: Why Do Nurses Wear White Shoes?

Table of Contents

Step 1: Pre-treat your shoes

Once you have removed your brand new shoes from the box, the first you should do is pre-treat them using water and stain repellent. Start with a stain repellent to keep your white shoes looking their best. Shake the container thoroughly to ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed. After that, spray a thin, smooth layer on every part of the shoe. Do the same on the other pair. If your shoes have laces, be sure to apply the stain repellent on them as well. Also, remember to use only stain repellent for leather as the wrong product can ruin your shoes rather than protecting them.

After the stain repellent has thoroughly dried, you can add an extra layer of protection to your shoes with the aid of a water repellent. Give the container a thorough shaking to mix up the solution properly. Next, spray the whole footwear in a fine, even layer. Do the same on the other pair and leave it to dry out before you wear them. This second step may not be necessary if your stain repellent also functions as a water repellent.

Bear in mind that a one-time application is not sufficient. Therefore, make sure you repeat the procedure every few weeks to prevent stains from ruining your shoes.

Step 2: Cleaning Your White Leather Shoes

As mentioned earlier, regardless of how careful you might be at the workplace, white shoes tend to collect every bit of dirt, grass, and water within their path. Happily, leather is one of the simplest materials to clean, and cleaning white leather shoes is not as intimidating as you might think. Learning this skill will help you keep your shoes looking new regardless of what you put them through.

See also: Best Leather Shoes for Nurses

Simple steps to clean your white leather shoes

Use the Magic Eraser Hack

Get a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, wet and wring it out leaving it damp but not wet. Use the magic eraser to scrub off all the visible grime and dirt on your white nursing shoes, including those on the shoes’ soles. If the cleaning process leaves foam crumbles on your shoes, be sure to wipe them away. The worst enemy of leather is moisture, therefore, make sure the shoes are completely dried out and aired before you wear them. To help your shoes maintain their shape as well as soak up residual moisture, place wadded paper towels within the shoes while they dry.

Use Soap

Get a white sponge or cloth, wet and lather it up using bar soap (Ivory soap is preferable). Next, apply the soap onto the upper section of the footwear to get rid of stains. Do this using a mild, scrubbing motion. After the scrubbing is completed, get a damp clean cloth and use it to wipe off excess residue and soap. Lastly, get another clean, dry cloth and use it to dry your shoes.

Use Vinegar plus Olive Oil

You will need the following materials for this process: Vinegar (¼ cup), olive oil (1/2 cup, spray bottle (medium size). Pour the vinegar and olive oil into the spray bottle and shake strongly to mix.

Shake the mixture continuously as you use because it will separate if the bottle sits undisturbed for some time.
Apply the solution by spraying on your shoes ensuring you leave a good coating over the entire surface of the shoe.
If there are areas with dirt or discoloration, be sure to apply more solution on such areas.
Let the solution sit on your shoes for six minutes. This is to allow the solution infuse into the leather to extract all the dirt and stains embedded within the material.
Use a dry, clean cloth to wipe off the solution. The stain should come off with the vinegar solution as you wipe it off. It is best to use a microfiber cloth or a supple cotton fabric for this to prevent scratching your shoes. The wiping should continue until the solution has thoroughly seeped into the leather and your shoes are completely dry.

Clean Your Shoelaces

After giving your white leather shoes a thorough cleaning, it is a good idea to also clean your shoelaces. One simple way to get your shoelaces sparkly clean is to wash with warm soapy water. Get a small bowl and fill it with warm, soapy water. Put your shoelaces into the water and leave it to soak for 8 minutes and then scrub them clean.

You should consider purchasing new shoelaces if they tattered or torn, and you want them to look brand new.

Additional Tips

Do not attempt to polish dirty or grimy shoes. If you do, the dirt might seep into the leather and ruin your shoes.
Clean your shoes on a regular basis and be sure to use a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush for this
Avoid wearing leather shoes in wet weather because if the leather gets wet, it will shrink.

Aside from the methods described above, if you want to keep your white leather shoes looking new for years to come, the secret is to moisturize them regularly. Leather can be likened to human skin, and it requires adequate care now and again. If you constantly moisturize your white nursing shoes using a top-quality leather conditioner, you will give them a pleasant, light sparkle and they will feel pleasing to the touch as well.