Ask AI: How do you clean leather climbing shoes?

Here's how you can clean your leather climbing shoes: 1. Remove Loose Dirt: Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt from the outside of your shoes. 2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of a gentle dish soap or a cleaner designed for leather into a bowl of warm water. 3. Gently Clean: Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring out any excess water, and gently clean your leather climbing shoes. Focus on one area at a time, ensuring not to soak the leather. 4. Rinse: Use a fresh damp cloth to carefully wipe off the soap residue from the shoes. Make sure not to leave any soap on the leather as it can create stains. 5. Dry: Allow your shoes to air dry in a well-ventilated area, but not under direct sunlight, which can cause the leather to crack and fade. Do not use heat to speed up the drying process as it may also damage the leather. 6. Condition: Once the shoes are dry, use a leather conditioner to restore flexibility and softness to the leather. This step is important to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking after cleaning. 7. Store Properly: Always store your leather climbing shoes in a cool and dry place, as extreme temperatures and dampness can damage the leather over time. Use cedar shoe trees between wears to help preserve the shape and absorb any excess moisture. Remember that it's necessary to take care of leather climbing shoes regularly, not just when they're particularly dirty. This will help you keep them in good shape and increase their lifespan. It’s also worthwhile to check with your shoe manufacturer if they have specific guidelines for shoe care. Note: Always do a small patch test on a less visible surface before applying any cleaning solution or conditioner to the entire shoe to ensure it doesn't discolor or damage the leather.