How to Clean Nubuck

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Nubuck is a type of leather made from cowhide. Like suede, it is sanded to create a nap. But while suede is made from the inside of the hide, nubuck is made from the outside, which is stronger and more durable. It is very vulnerable to soiling and staining, and must be cleaned and protected with tools and products that are specifically designed to care for suede and nubuck. It can also be sanded with a rough stone to remove stains when all else fails.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Brushing Away Dirt and Grime

PDF download Download Article
  1. This type of cloth is specially designed for cleaning nubuck. Nubuck cleaner is typically integrated within its fibers. Wipe with this regularly to remove light soiling and shiny spots. This prevents grime from building up.
    • Wipe in several directions, using circular motions to clean all sides of the nap.
    • If cleaning shoes, make sure to remove the laces before starting.
    • We'll cover how to deal with tougher stains in a later section.
  2. Use a circular motion, taking care not to spend more than a few seconds on any area, as this could damage the nap. This will clear the nubuck of dirt and grime.
    • You can find nubuck brushes at most retailers who sell nubuck items. Alternatively, you can also purchase them online through websites like Amazon.
    Advertisement
  3. These cleaners come in liquid and aerosol form, and are formulated for use on nubuck. Spray the cleaner onto a nubuck cloth and wipe the entirety of the surface. Finish by brushing the nap to remove any residue.
    • Nubuck cleaners can be acquired from the same stores where you buy your nubuck items, such as your shoes and boots. Otherwise, you can find them online at various general retailers, like Amazon or Wal-Mart.
  4. Regular wiping with a nubuck cloth will prevent you from having to resort to leather degreaser and leather cleaner. You should also apply a spray protectant at least every 6 months. Spray the item, then allow time for the nubuck to thoroughly dry before using or wearing it.
    • The best time to spray this protectant is after cleaning your nubuck surface.
    • Make sure to lift the nap before you apply protectant.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Dealing with Tougher Stains

PDF download Download Article
  1. No matter the substance that caused the stain, it’s crucial to wipe away whatever excess you can. For lighter stains, this might be sufficient.
    • A nubuck cloth is specially designed for cleaning nubuck surfaces; nubuck cleaner is usually integrated in the cloth fibers.
  2. These types of stains are usually found on jacket collars and upholstery headrests. Leather degreaser typically comes in aerosol form. Spray it onto the stain, and let it stand for about an hour.
    • The leather degreaser will turn to a powder as it stands, soaking up the oil stain.
    • Rub the powdery residue away with a sponge and leather cleaner.
    • If the stain remains, repeat this process. [1]
  3. It’s important to start cleaning the stain as quickly as possible before it sets, usually in the first 6 hours. Ink lifter is a greasy substance that typically comes in a tube, much like lip balm. [2] Rub the substance over the ink stain until it is completely covered. Then use a nubuck cloth and leather cleaner to wipe away whatever remains of the stain. [3]
  4. Brush as you dry the nubuck. This will keep any remaining stains from setting. Brushing the nap will remove any residue, keeping the surface clean.
    5. Advertisement


Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Sanding off the Toughest Stains

PDF download Download Article
  1. As nubuck is created by sanding cowhide, it can withstand sanding for cleaning purposes. For the toughest stains, rub them vigorously with sandpaper or a block until the stain is removed. If you only need to clean a specific stain, only sand that particular spot.
    • Make sure the block is clean before starting to sand the nubuck.
  2. If stains have settled in your nubuck surface, or it’s soiled all over, you’ll want to sand it completely. Run a block or sandpaper over its entire surface until the stains are removed. The nubuck will look practically brand new.
  3. As you sand the nubuck, you’ll be creating a fine dust composed of the leather and whatever grime it contained. Brush it away to keep your nubuck clear and clean.
    4. Advertisement

Video

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I clean nubuck with water?
    Ryan Santos
    Cleaning Expert
    Ryan Santos is a Cleaning Expert and the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning in Washington D.C. Ryan has over five years of experience in the cleaning industry and his team has extensive knowledge of apartment, commercial, and home cleaning services. He and his team also write blog posts and share cleaning tips based on their in-field experience. Spekless Cleaning is rated as the top cleaning company in Washington D.C.
    Ryan Santos
    Cleaning Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can, but it's important to be really careful to not ruin the fabric. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and dip a soft cloth into the solution. Gently rub the surface of the nubuck. Be sure to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the nubuck first.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do you get gum out of nubuck?
    Ryan Santos
    Cleaning Expert
    Ryan Santos is a Cleaning Expert and the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning in Washington D.C. Ryan has over five years of experience in the cleaning industry and his team has extensive knowledge of apartment, commercial, and home cleaning services. He and his team also write blog posts and share cleaning tips based on their in-field experience. Spekless Cleaning is rated as the top cleaning company in Washington D.C.
    Ryan Santos
    Cleaning Expert
    Expert Answer
    It's easy, but you'll need a specific product called cleaning gum eraser, which can be found at most shoe stores. Just rub it over the nubuck surface to remove dirt and grime.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do I condition new hiking boots made of nubuck and goretex? Do I need to get the leather wet before applying the waterproofing product?
    Community Answer
    You don't need to wet nubuck before using a waterproofing product. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before using the product.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 11
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      • Consider buying a brush that has wire bristles in the center and nylon bristles surrounding them. Use the nylon bristles for gentle brushing on soft nubuck and the wire bristles when you need more vigorous brushing to clean hard nubuck items like hiking boots.
        Thanks
        Helpful 25 Not Helpful 29
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Oil Out of Suede
      7 Safe and Effective Ways to Clean Suede (Plus, Care Tips)
      How to
      Clean Grease Stains on Leather
      How to
      Clean Leather Naturally
      How to
      Clean Patent Leather
      How to
      Clean a Leather Sofa
      How to
      Get Nail Polish off Leather: Scraping, Cleaning Products & More
      How to
      Remove Red Wine Stains from Leather
      How to
      Clean Blood Stains from Leather
      How to
      Restore Leather
      The Best Ways to Get Gum off of Leather Furniture, Car Seats, & More
      How to
      Wash Leather by Hand or In a Washing Machine
      What's the Best Oil to Soften Leather? Can You Use Olive Oil to Soften Leather?
      How to
      Clean Leather Car Seats
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about cleaning nubuck items, check out our in-depth interview with Ryan Santos .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PThXx4LVKAY
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21TX857MXeU
      3. ↑ http://www.leatherworldtech.com/Suede-Nubuck-Care-s/1883.htm ?

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean nubuck, apply leather degreaser or leather cleaner to any oily stains on the nubuck. Then, let the cleaner sit for 1 hour before rubbing it off with a sponge. To get ink stains off of nubuck, rub an ink lifter into the stain and then wipe it off with a cloth. For tough stains, you may need to use sand paper. Just rub the stains vigorously with the sandpaper until they come out. Because nubuck is sanded cowhide, it won't be damaged by the sandpaper. If you want to learn how to brush dirt off of your nubuck, keep reading the article!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 649,350 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Roberta Hallahan

        Sep 6, 2016

        "I bought steel-toed work boots, and decided to ride my motorcycle. The shifter left a black mark on the shoe, so I ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement