Desert boots Alistair - Tan

Care guide for: your leather shoes

Owning a pair of quality leather shoes is an investment in your wardrobe. To ensure your shoes maintain their shine and comfort year after year, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for taking care of your shoes using our wide range of Garçon Cireur care products :

1. Regular cleaning

Above all, it is crucial to clean your shoes regularly to remove accumulated dust and dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush, ideally the horsehair ones that we offer on our site, to remove superficial debris. For a deeper clean, apply a specially formulated leather cleaner with a soft cloth, using circular motions.

2. Hydration

Leather, like skin, can dry out and lose its flexibility. Use a good leather cleaner every two to three months to nourish and moisturize the material. This will help prevent cracking and maintain the elasticity of the leather.

3. Protection from the elements

Water and salt can irreversibly damage leather. We recommend regularly applying a waterproofing product to protect it from bad weather. Be sure to test the product on a small, hidden area before applying it completely.

4. Polishing for lasting shine

To restore your shoes to their original shine, use shoe polish of the corresponding color. Apply the polish in small amounts with a chamois or palot brush, then buff with a polishing brush or clean cloth for a shiny finish.

5. Proper drying and storage

Avoid drying your shoes near a direct heat source like a radiator, as this can dry out and warp the leather. Let them air dry. To maintain the shape of shoes, use unvarnished cedar or beech shoe trees, which also absorb moisture and odors.

6. The secret is to alternate!

It is beneficial, even essential, to alternate shoes every day to allow the leather to breathe and recover moisture absorbed during the day. This will extend the life of your shoes.

By following these simple tips, you will maximize the life of your formal leather shoes and keep them in impeccable condition. A little care can make all the difference to your favorite shoes!

 

Care guide for: your suede shoes

Suede leather, known for its soft texture and velvety finish, requires special care to maintain its appearance and durability. Here are some tips for caring for your suede leather items:

1. Prior protection

Before wearing your suede shoes for the first time, it is crucial to treat them with a protective spray designed specifically for suede. This product helps repel water and prevent stains. Reapply the waterproofer regularly, especially if you wear the item frequently or in humid conditions.

2. Regular cleaning

For daily cleaning, use a special crepe brush with soft bristles or a suede eraser to remove dust and small dirt. Always brush in the direction of the fiber to avoid damaging the suede tablecloth.

3. Stain Removal

If there is a stain, try to act quickly. For dry spots, use a suede eraser or brush to gently scrub the affected area. For wet stains, first dab excess liquid with a clean cloth, then sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the stain. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb moisture, then brush gently. For more stubborn stains, use a specific suede cleaner.

4. Treating stubborn stains

For particularly dirty areas, you can use a small amount of warm water with a mild suede cleaner. Apply with a soft sponge, using gentle circular motions, then dab with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.

5. Drying

After cleaning, always let your suede shoes air dry. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or hairdryers, as they can cause the leather to shrink or harden. Once dry, gently brush the suede with a crepe brush to restore its velvety texture.

6. Proper storage

Store your suede leather shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid extremely humid locations. Finally, insert shoe trees to maintain their shape.

7. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun

Suede leather may fade if exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight. Store suede items out of direct sunlight when not in use.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life and beauty of your suede leather items, preserving their soft texture and elegant appearance.

 

Care guide for: your lisle socks

La Maison du Chausseur offers you a wide range of lisle thread socks , renowned for their fineness and durability but special care is necessary to maintain their quality and comfort. Here are some care tips suitable for these high-end socks:

1. Gentle wash

Wash your lisle socks in the machine using a delicate program. Cold or lukewarm water is ideal, as high temperatures can damage fibers and cause socks to shrink. Use a mild detergent to protect the texture and color of the socks.

2. Color separation

To avoid color transfer, wash your socks with items of similar colors. It is especially important to separate white or very light socks from dark colors to maintain their vibrancy.

3. Avoiding bleaches

Never use chlorine or bleaching agents which may be too harsh on Scottish thread. If you need to deal with stains, opt for a mild stain remover and test it on a hidden part of the sock first.

4. Natural drying

Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can shrink and damage the fibers. Instead, let your socks air dry. Lay them flat on a towel to maintain their shape and prevent stretching.

5. Optional ironing

Lisle socks generally don't need to be ironed, but if you prefer a very polished look, use a gentle iron with a little steam. Make sure not to press too hard so as not to crush the fibers.

6. Careful storage

Keep your lisle socks in a clean, dry drawer. Avoid crowding them or rolling them into a ball. Fold them gently to avoid pulling on the fibers and distorting the socks.

By following these tips, your lisle socks will remain comfortable, stylish and in good condition for many uses. This careful care can also extend the life of your socks, allowing you to take full advantage of their superior quality.

 

Care guide for: your slippers and charentaises

Most of our slippers are made with wool, a particularly delicate material! To preserve their quality and shape, it is best to limit washing to what is strictly necessary. Here are some tips for maintaining them with care:

1. Avoid washing them:

We recommend washing your slippers once a year at most. If you absolutely must wash them before then, use a protective net and opt for a cold water wash to minimize risks.

2. Choose the appropriate cycle:

When washing, set your machine to a delicate cycle no higher than 30 degrees Celsius and absolutely avoid using the dryer. Heat can damage wool fibers and accelerate their wear.

3. Ironing with care:

If ironing is necessary, use a low temperature (50°C) and only iron briefly, for a maximum of 15 seconds. Then let the slippers cool before repeating the operation if necessary.

Following these tips will help keep your wool slippers looking and feeling soft for a long time.