Snake, alligator, stingray, ostrich and eel are examples of exotic leather. With the proper care and treatment, exotic leathers tend to outlast and are more flexible than cow leather products. Taking care of belts, shoes, purses, boots and other items made of exotic leather is easy. A heavy cleaning is sometimes necessary if you encounter a lot of mud or dirt while wearing shoes made of exotic leather, but for the most part, with just a bit of routine maintenance, these items will be a part of your wardrobe for years to come.

Instructions

Wipe off your exotic leather item periodically with a slightly damp, soft cloth. You may need to do this only every two or three months if it is an item such as a wallet or purse, but shoes and boots may need wiping after every time you wear them. Dust and dirt can build up in the creases of your shoes and will eventually cut through the leather as if it were sandpaper. It is important to prevent this wear and tear with regular wiping.

Brush off any dirt or mud with a shoe brush, and then wipe down the leather with the damp cloth.

Use a leather conditioner on your exotic leather accessories while still damp from the cloth. There are conditioners made specifically for exotic leathers. It is better to apply a few thin layers and to buff it off in between, instead of using one thick layer, since exotic leathers don’t absorb conditioner quickly. If the item is snakeskin, you need to apply the conditioner by rubbing it against the scales and then finish by rubbing down the scales (snakeskin ages fast if you let it dry out).

Buff the leather conditioner once it is dry.  You can buff the leather with a soft, lint-free cloth, or use a machine designed to polish and buff footwear if you are cleaning boots or shoes.

Apply a boot cream to exotic leather boots or shoes. Choose a color that is one or two shades darker than the exotic leather if the item is old, as this will restore the original color. Choose the same shade if the leather item is new.

Remove stubborn stains or spots by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and rub it into the stain. Work quickly so the item will not become saturated. A pencil eraser also works well for small spots.

Be sure and take a look at our selection of Reptile and Exotic boots and shoes at Arrowsmith Shoes!

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