Preloved heels are often crafted from delicate, aged materials that can become fragile over time. Always handle them with care, avoid unnecessary bending or pulling, especially around the straps, stitches, or embellishments.
General
Use soft brushes or cloths to remove surface dust. Avoid harsh cleaners, that is stay away from acids or chemicals by sticking to pH-neutral or material-specific products (e.g., suede erasers, leather balms) to clean the shoes without damage.
Store heels in a dry, climate-controlled environment. Moisture can cause leather to warp, glue to weaken, and mildew to form on fabrics.
Keep them in fabric dust bags or wrapped in tissue paper. Avoid plastic, which traps moisture, and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or cracking.
To maintain shape and prevent creasing, use shoe trees or shoe inserts. You can also stuff the toe and the body of the shoe with acid-free tissue paper or a soft cloth. Avoid using regular newspaper, as the ink can transfer and stain the lining.
For any structural damage, restoration should be done by a cobbler experienced in working with archival or delicate footwear. Avoid DIY fixes that could compromise the original design.
For stains, blot, don't rub, with a damp cloth. A mild dish soap and water solution can be used, but again, proceed with extreme caution and blot gently.
Leather
For proper cleaning, use a specialized leather cleaner to lift grime without stripping the material’s natural oils.
Use a cream or wax polish that matches your shoe color to maintain shine and cover scuffs. Buff thoroughly with a soft brush or cloth after the polish has dried.
Avoid humid environments and store in dust bags to prevent scratches.
Keep away from direct sunlight, heaters, and moisture sources, as these will dry out or damage the leather.
Leather can dry out over time, apply leather conditioner occasionally to restore moisture and prevent cracking. Gently rub it in using a clean cloth and let it absorb overnight.
Patent Leather
Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dust and smudges. For stubborn marks or dullness, use a patent leather cleaner or a touch of petroleum jelly to restore shine.
Don’t polish, instead, buff with a microfiber cloth to maintain its glossy finish. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. Avoid washing machines unless the care label explicitly says it's safe.
Suede
Caring for suede shoes requires a bit more attention since suede is more delicate than other materials like leather.
Brush off dirt using a suede brush. Always brush in one direction to lift the nap (the tiny fibers that give suede its texture).
If they get wet blot gently with a clean towel to absorb moisture. Suede can stain and become misshapen when wet. Let dry naturally (away from heat sources like heaters or (hair)dryers).
For scuffs and marks, gently rub with a suede eraser.
When necessary, apply suede protecting spray to repel water and stains. Make sure to test the spray on a small area first.