CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF LEATHER SHOES AND BAGS
Whether they are made of suede or leather, Canali shoes and bags have been crafted according to the Italian artisan tradition. It is important for us to know that whoever owns them has all the information they need to take care of them and preserve them over time. A few instructions are all you need to do this in the best possible way. Let's find out how.
Brushing
Canali products are already treated with waterproofing and specific products during manufacture, therefore, if you have any queries about using a product, we advise you to consult a shoemaker. Leather and suede shoes and bags are very delicate and should not be washed with a lot of water, either by hand or in the washing machine. However, cleaning them is possible… let's find out how! First, you can clean them by brushing.
For shoes, we recommend having several brushes: one for surface cleaning (made of natural rubber or brass with delicate bristles), one for deeper cleaning or stain removal (made of semi-rigid horsehair), and one for applying polish and for the final stage of polishing.
If you have lace-up shoes, remove the laces and brush them to remove dust.
Then, waterproof them with a special spray and move on to the actual cleaning appropriate for the type of shoe.For bags, it is also possible to use a slightly damp clean cloth and leave them to dry for a few minutes.
Cleaning of leather shoes and bags
If stains need to be removed, you need to use specific products, which must be tested first on a hidden spot on the bag or shoe, before proceeding on larger areas. Depending on the type of stain, apply a neutral cream or foam detergent for light dirt or a low-acid dry stain remover for more stubborn dirt. To do this, use a double-membrane or cotton cloth and rub with your index and middle fingers. On stains other than grease, you can also use a sponge or a clean cloth, slightly moistened with warm water, and let it air dry.
To instantly restore colour and shine to your shoes, get a wax, a covering cream in the colour of the shoe, or a self-polishing brush with beeswax and special oils that nourish and polish quickly. We strongly advise against using harsh products, such as hair dryers or direct heat sources, detergents, abrasives, acids, alcohol, ammonia or paints.
Storage
When the time comes to store away your shoes and bags to get ready for the next season, you need to take some precautions to avoid nasty surprises when you reuse them.
For shoes, we recommend that you use a shoe tree, to keep the shape and prevent uncomfortable creases from forming. For your boots, an inflatable boot stretcher can be inserted to keep them in shape. At this point, before putting your shoes or bags away, brush and clean them thoroughly.
As for your bags, if possible, avoid leaving them hanging by their handles and storing them with belongings inside because they could become deformed. However, if you don't have a wardrobe big enough to keep them separate or on dedicated shelves, there are special hooks on the market that help you to save space.
To prevent them from getting damaged, place your shoes and bags in a dust bag first, then inside the box that you purchased them in. If these are no longer available, replace the dust bag with a pillowcase and use one of the special boxes available on the market. To prevent mould growth, add a sachet of silica gel.
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