Care instructions for shoes
Sustainable shoe care – keeping your favorite shoes beautiful for a long time
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.
1. Ventilate and clean regularly
After wearing, air the shoes thoroughly – ideally in a shady, dry place. Simply remove coarse dirt with a soft brush or a damp cloth. Please do not place them directly on a heater – this will dry out the material.
2. Treat stains naturally
Leather shoes can be cleaned optimally with a cloth, a shoe brush, a leather crepe, or a leather eraser. Some manufacturers also offer special eco-friendly leather cleaners. With a little water (don't let the leather get too wet), these products can clean the shoes very well.
3. Care for leather
Our vegetable-tanned leather needs moisture and care – but please avoid harsh chemicals! It's best to use a natural leather grease or a leather cream based on beeswax or vegetable oils. This will keep the leather supple and water-resistant. Always apply a thin layer and allow it to absorb well.
4. Waterproofing – but sustainably
Waterproofing protects shoes by forming a water-repellent layer on the material. This is especially important for winter shoes: The waterproofing prevents moisture from penetrating the leather or fabric, keeping feet dry and the shoes looking their best for longer.
The waterproofing also makes it harder for dirt to stick and easier to remove. The waterproofing also helps colors stay vibrant longer and prevent fading. Therefore, shoes should be waterproofed regularly—especially in bad weather.
A quick tip! Especially with small children, caution is required, as they often touch their feet and shoes – and then directly into their mouths. Therefore, especially for small children's shoes, it's essential to use environmentally friendly, safe waterproofing agents that do not contain any harmful substances.
It's best to waterproof your shoes in the evening so the product can fully absorb and air out overnight. This way, the shoes are ready for use the next day – safe for your children and protected from moisture and dirt.
5. Change insoles
Insoles can be easily replaced when needed – this ensures hygiene and new comfort without having to replace the entire shoe.
6. Fabric slippers are washable at POLOLO
For textile slippers (e.g. made from organic cotton or Seaqual® Yarn), a wool wash cycle at 30°C can often help – please always follow the care instructions.
7. How do you clean shoes made of “cactus leather”?
Cactus leather is an innovative, sustainable, and particularly easy-care material – completely free of animal ingredients. To ensure you can enjoy your shoes for a long time, it is usually sufficient to simply remove dirt with a little water or a mild soap solution. Make sure to thoroughly wipe away any soap residue and then dry the material with a soft, white cloth. To maintain their beautiful appearance, you should avoid aggressive cleaners and care products containing oil or wax – they could damage the surface. Waterproofing sprays for genuine leather are also not suitable, as cactus leather does not absorb oils and an oily film can form. It is best to use a soft brush for cleaning to avoid scratches. And as with all high-quality leather shoes, including cactus leather shoes, please do not wash in the washing machine and do not dry wet shoes on a radiator or in direct sunlight – this keeps the material flexible and the adhesive intact.
8. What exactly is suede?
In everyday life, “suede” usually refers to the so-called suede This term refers to a type of leather with a soft, rough, and velvety surface. In fact, genuine suede comes from wild animals such as deer or stags, making it very rare and valuable.
Suede, on the other hand, is usually obtained from the back of cow or pig leather. It looks very similar to real suede, but usually comes from farmed animals. The term “Velour” comes from French and means "Velvet" – matching the pleasant, velvety feel of this type of leather.
In short: what we often call “suede” is in most cases high-quality suede.
