POLOLO Tips
🧴 How to care for your shoes sustainably – so your favorite pieces stay beautiful for longer
Anyone who owns high-quality shoes wants to enjoy them for a long time – and that's easy with the right care. Sustainable shoe care means using resources carefully, relying on natural products, and thus significantly extending the lifespan of the shoes.
1️⃣ Ventilate and clean regularly
After wearing, air out the shoes thoroughly – ideally in a shady, dry place . Simply remove any loose dirt with a soft brush or a damp cloth. Please do not place them directly on a radiator – this will dry out the material.
2️⃣ Treat stains naturally
Leather shoes can be optimally cleaned with a cloth, a shoe brush, leather crepe paper, or a leather eraser . There are also special eco-friendly leather cleaners available. A little water (don't let the leather get too wet) is also sufficient to clean the shoes very well.
3️⃣ Leather Care
Our vegetable-tanned leathers need moisture and care – but please, no harsh chemicals! The best way to care for them is with a natural leather grease or leather cream based on beeswax or plant oils . This will keep the leather supple and water-repellent. Always apply a thin layer and allow it to absorb completely.
4️⃣ Waterproofing – but sustainably
Waterproofing treatments protect shoes by forming a water-repellent layer . This is especially important for winter shoes: waterproofing prevents moisture from penetrating the leather or fabric. It also makes it harder for dirt to adhere and helps colors stay vibrant for longer.
⚠️ Important for children's shoes: Small children often touch their shoes and then put them in their mouths. Therefore, always use environmentally friendly, safe waterproofing products ! It's best to apply the waterproofing in the evening so that the product can fully soak in and air out overnight.
5️⃣ Changing insoles
Insoles can be easily replaced as needed – this ensures hygiene and renewed comfort without having to replace the entire shoe. 👉 To our insoles
6️⃣ Fabric slippers are washable at POLOLO
For slippers made of textile (e.g., organic cotton or SEAQUAL® Yarn ), a wool wash cycle at 30°C can often help – please always follow the care instructions on the label.
🌵 How do you clean shoes made of cactus leather?
Cactus leather is an innovative, sustainable, and exceptionally easy-care material – completely free of animal products. Simply remove dirt with a little water or a mild soap solution . Wipe away any soap residue thoroughly and dry with a soft, white cloth.
| ✅ Recommended | Water, mild soap, soft brush, soft cloth |
| ❌ Avoid | Aggressive cleaners, oils, waxes, waterproofing spray for genuine leather, washing machine |
| ❌ Never dry on | Heating or direct sunlight damages the material and adhesive. |
🏔️ What exactly is suede?
In everyday language, "suede" usually refers to so-called velour leather – a type of leather with a soft, rough, and velvety surface. However, genuine suede actually comes from wild animals such as deer or stags – and is therefore very rare and valuable.
Suede, on the other hand, is usually made from the reverse side of cowhide. It looks very similar to genuine suede but mostly comes from farmed animals. The term "velour" comes from French and means "velvet" —fitting for the pleasant, velvety feel of this type of leather. In short: What we often call "suede" is, in most cases, high-quality suede.
🌱 Sustainable care for sustainable shoes
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Natural care |
💧
Eco-impregnation |
| (I.e.
Replacing insoles |
🧼
Washable textile shoes |
