Each Carel piece is unique, crafted with care and precision by our artisans. Identifying the material is key to selecting the right care routine. Our advice will help you preserve the quality of your piece and ensure it accompanies you for years to come. From the very first use, it will adapt to you and gradually bear the marks of your shared history.
Smooth and grained leather
Dusting
Before anything, gently clean your piece with a cloth to remove dust and impurities. This will help the leather absorb the following treatments more effectively. We recommend using a white cotton cloth to avoid any color transfer.
Cleaning
Apply a colorless cleansing milk in light circular motions using a clean white cloth. This will thoroughly clean the leather without altering it.
Waxing
Waxing enhances the visual appearance of the piece but does not extend its life. It can be applied without prior cleaning, but after 3 to 4 applications, a complete cleaning is recommended to avoid suffocating the leather.A darker polish will restore the original color, while a neutral polish works for all colors. Apply with a clean cloth in circular motions. Allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before taking any further steps.
Waterproofing
Spray a colorless waterproofing spray about 20 cm away to protect your shoes from moisture, especially in wet conditions.
Our advice
We recommend maintaining your design every six months.
Store your designs with tissue paper to absorb moisture and preserve their shape.
Avoid exposure to heat and intense light to prevent any damage to the leather.
Regularly buff your piece with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush to keep its shine.
If exposed to rain, let your design dry naturally before reapplying waterproofing spray.
Patent leather
Dusting
Before anything, gently clean your piece with a cloth to remove dust and impurities. This will help the leather absorb the following treatments more effectively. We recommend using a white cotton cloth to avoid any color transfer.
Nourishing the Leather
Apply a nourishing spray for patent leather or neutral oil (e.g., coconut oil) in circular motions using a clean cloth. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes.
Our advice
Avoid waxing and waterproofing to preserve the resistance and durability of the leather.
Regularly shine with a soft cloth to maintain the leather’s shine.
After exposure to rain, allow your piece to air-dry and use absorbent paper to maintain its shape.
Avoid direct exposure to heat or intense light, as it can damage the leather.
Store your shoes in separate bags to prevent color transfer.
Glazed leather
Dusting
Before anything, gently clean your piece with a cloth to remove dust and impurities. This will help the leather absorb the following treatments more effectively. We recommend using a white cotton cloth to avoid any color transfer.
Cleaning
Apply a colorless cleansing milk in light circular motions using a clean white cloth. This will thoroughly clean the leather without altering it.
Maintaining Shine
Use a cream specifically designed for glazed leather to nourish and restore its shine.
Gently massage it in to ensure it absorbs, then buff with a soft cloth or natural bristle brush to enhance the shine.
Our advice
Avoid direct exposure to heat or intense light, as this can damage the leather.
After exposure to rain, let your piece air-dry away from light.
Waterproof your piece every 4-5 uses.
Store your shoes in separate bags to prevent color transfer.
Suede leather
Fixing the Color
Before first use, apply a colorless spray 20 cm away from your design to set the color.
Dusting
After each use, gently brush your piece with a light brush or a special nubuck brush to remove impurities and preserve the color.
Reviving the Color
Revive the color using a revitalizing spray (colorless or darker). Spray from 20 cm away, let it dry for 15 minutes, and then brush it to even out the color.
Waterproofing
Spray a colorless waterproofing spray from 20 cm away over the entire product to protect the leather from moisture.
Our advice
Avoid direct exposure to heat or intense light, as this can damage the leather.
After exposure to rain, let your piece air-dry away from light.
Waterproof your piece every 4-5 uses.
Store your shoes in separate bags to prevent color transfer.
Laminated leather
Dusting
Before anything, gently clean your piece with a cloth to remove dust and impurities. This will help the leather absorb the following treatments more effectively. We recommend using a white cotton cloth to avoid any color transfer.
Reviving
To revive the color and mask small signs of wear, apply a matching color polish only to the affected area.
Our advice
Avoid waxing and waterproofing to prevent altering the strength and durability of the leather.
Avoid exposure to heat or intense light, as this can damage the leather and alter its appearance.
Protect your pieces from humidity and rain to preserve their appearance.
Store your shoes in a separate bag to avoid friction and color transfer.
Mirror leather
Dusting
Before anything, gently clean your piece with a cloth to remove dust and impurities. We recommend using a white cotton cloth to avoid any color transfer.
Reviving
To revive the mirror-like appearance of your piece, use circular movements with a soft cloth over the entire surface until you achieve the desired effect.
Our advice
Avoid waxing and waterproofing to prevent altering the strength and durability of the leather.
Avoid exposure to heat or intense light, as this can damage the leather and alter its appearance.
Protect your pieces from humidity and rain to preserve their appearance.
Store your shoes in a separate bag to avoid friction and color transfer.
jean, linen, cotton
Textiles
Dusting
Use a soft cloth or soft bristle brush to remove dust and impurities.
Cleaning
Lightly dampen a cloth with soapy water to clean the surface gently. Do not submerge your piece in water. Dry in the open air, away from direct sunlight.
Our advice
Avoid waxing and waterproofing to preserve the appearance and durability of the textile.
Protect your pieces from humidity and rain to maintain their appearance.
Avoid exposure to heat or intense light, as this can damage the textile and alter its appearance.
If exposed to rain, let your shoes air-dry.
Store your shoes in a separate bag to avoid friction and color transfer.
Appleskin
Dusting
Use a soft cotton cloth to remove dust and impurities. We recommend a white cloth to avoid color transfer.
Cleaning
Lightly dampen a cloth with water to clean the entire surface gently in circular movements. Do not immerse your piece in water.
Our advice
Appleskin is an easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance material. Avoid waxing and waterproofing to preserve the textile's appearance and durability.
Store with tissue paper to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
Avoid exposure to heat sources and strong light, as this can seriously damage the material, affecting its appearance and lifespan.
Store your shoes in a separate bag to prevent rubbing and color transfer.
Soles and heels
Some of our models feature smooth leather soles. A transparent plastic film is applied before they leave the workshop to protect the sole during trials, allowing you to test the model without risking damage to the sole.
Once the test is complete, we strongly recommend removing the protective film before using the model for the first time. If the film is not removed, prolonged rubbing can damage the sole and cause the plastic to melt.
Please note that failure to follow this instruction may result in us refusing any returns or compensation for damage.
Our advice
Insole
We recommend adding a protective pad to your insole after 2 or 3 uses. This step is essential to ensure your pair adapts to your gait and the sole softens.
Installation should be carried out by a professional, preferably a shoemaker.
Heel Cap
To enhance the durability of your heel, we recommend having a heel cap fitted by a shoemaker as soon as the first signs of wear appear.
If you have any further questions or requests regarding the maintenance of your product, please feel free to email us at bonjour@carel.fr. Our team will be happy to assist you.
