Each leather is crafted differently by our artisans, making every piece unique and requiring specific care. Our care advice will help you preserve your shoes in the best possible condition so they can accompany you for years to come.
From the very first wear, your piece will adapt to you, and its first signs of life will gradually appear.
Identifying the type of leather is essential to choosing the right care routine for your Carel piece.
Each pair is pre-treated in our workshops to be ready to wear. Once acquired, we recommend wearing them three to four times before starting a maintenance routine.
Care steps
Preparing
First, dust off your item and remove any impurities that may have appeared in the first few days. For each step, we recommend using a white cotton cloth to prevent color transfer. This step is essential, as it clears the pores and creases of the leather, preparing it for the next stages.
Cleaning
When ready to clean, we recommend using a colorless cleansing milk. Apply the milk in a circular motion with a clean cotton cloth, covering the leather parts of the item.
Waxing
Waxing is optional; while it enhances the appearance of your item, it does not extend its lifespan. Waxing can be done without prior cleaning, but after 3 or 4 applications, we recommend a thorough cleaning to prevent suffocating the leather. A darker wax will enhance the original color, but a neutral shade can also be used. Apply the polish with a cloth in a circular motion. Allow a minimum rest period of 15 minutes before proceeding to the next stage.
Waterproofing
The final step is to waterproof the leather to protect it from rainy weather. We recommend using a colorless spray to prevent damaging the leather’s color. Hold the spray about 7-8 inches away from the item and apply it evenly across the entire surface.
Our advice
Maintenance should be performed every 6 months.
We recommend placing tissue paper inside to absorb moisture and help maintain the original shape of your piece.
Avoid exposure to heat sources and direct sunlight, as these can damage the leather and reduce its appearance and lifespan.
You can regularly polish the leather using a soft cloth or a soft-bristle brush.
If your item gets wet in the rain, allow it to dry in open air before reapplying the waterproofing.
Care steps
Preparing
First, your item should be dusted and free of any impurities that may have accumulated over the first few days. For each step, we recommend using a cotton cloth, preferably white, to avoid any color transfer. This is important to ensure that the pores and wrinkles of your leather are cleared of impurities, preparing it for the following steps.
Cleaning
The varnish needs regular nourishment. You can use a varnish nourishing spray or, alternatively, apply a small amount of neutral, colorless oil (such as coconut oil). Both methods should be applied in a circular motion using a clean cloth and left for a few minutes. This step helps restore the shine of your patent leather.
Our advice
Patent leather is an easy-care material that doesn’t require polishing or waterproofing, as these could alter its lifespan and durability.
Avoid exposure to heat sources and strong light, as they can seriously damage the patent leather and affect its appearance.
While patent leather is resistant to rain, it’s important to let it dry in open air before storing. We recommend using absorbent paper or newspaper to absorb moisture and help maintain the shape of your item.
You can regularly polish the leather with a soft cloth, approximately every 6 months.
To avoid color transfer, we suggest placing each shoe in a separate bag to prevent the materials from touching.
Care steps
Brushing
Unlike other types of leather, velour should be brushed after each use to maintain its original, vibrant color. Before the first use, you can apply a colorless protective spray to the shoe to set the color.
Cleaning
To clean your item, we advise you to use a light or special nubuck brush to remove impurities and dust that could seep into the hairs of your leather.
Revitalizing
To restore the color, we recommend using a colorless or darker color-renewing spray. Apply it after dusting, holding the spray about 20 cm away from the surface, and cover the entire area. Allow it to dry for about 15 minutes before brushing again for even color consistency.
Waterproofing
The last step is to waterproof the leather so that it is protected in rainy weather. We advise you to use a colorless spray so as not to damage the color of your leather. About 7,8 inches away from your item, apply the waterproofing evenly over the entire surface.
Our advice
Avoid exposure to heat sources and strong light, as they can seriously damage the leather and reduce its appearance and lifespan.
In rainy weather, we recommend drying your item in a dry, shaded area. You can proceed with the waterproofing step after every 5 uses.
To prevent color transfer, place each shoe in a separate bag to avoid contact between materials.
For added durability, use tissue paper to help maintain the original shape of your item.
Mirror leather
Care steps
Cleaning
First, your item should be dusted and free of any impurities that may have accumulated over the first few days. For each step, we recommend using a cotton cloth, preferably white, to avoid any color transfer. This cleaning step is essential as it will clear the pores and wrinkles of your leather from impurities, preparing it for the next steps. Complete cleaning of your item can be done with a cloth.
Reviving
To restore the mirror-like shine of your item, use a soft cloth and make circular motions over the entire surface until you achieve the desired result.
Our advice
Mirror leather is a delicate yet easy-to-maintain material. It does not require waxing or waterproofing, as these could damage the leather’s lifespan and durability.
Avoid exposure to heat sources and strong light, as they can significantly affect the leather and reduce its appearance and lifespan.
We recommend placing each shoe in a separate bag to prevent the materials from touching and avoid color transfer.
Mirror leather is sensitive to rain and humidity, as these can alter the reflective finish.
Laminated leather
Care steps
Cleaning
First, your item should be dusted and free of any impurities that may have accumulated over the first few days. For each step, we recommend using a cotton cloth, preferably white, to avoid any color transfer. This cleaning step is essential as it will clear the pores and wrinkles of your leather from impurities, preparing it for the next steps.
Revitalizing
To restore the color and conceal small imperfections, you can apply a polish of the same or similar color, but only on the affected areas.
Our advice
Laminated leather is a delicate material that requires minimal maintenance.
Avoid exposure to heat sources and strong light.
This material does not need waterproofing, as it could damage its color and durability.
We recommend placing each shoe in a separate bag to prevent contact between the materials, avoiding color transfer and potential damage.
Laminated leather is sensitive to rain and humidity, as these can alter the appearance of the laminate.
Appleskin
Care steps
Preparing
Firstly, your item must be dusted and removed of all impurities that may have arisen after the first few days of wear. During each step we advise you to use a cotton cloth, preferably white, to avoid any color transfer.
Cleaning
In order to clean the item, we advise you to lightly moisten your fabric with water to obtain better results. Using a circular motion, clean the entire surface in a delicate manner.
Our advice
Appleskin is an easy-care material that requires minimal maintenance.
Waxing or waterproofing should be avoided, as these can damage the appearance and lifespan of your item.
Avoid exposure to heat sources and strong light, as these can seriously damage the Appleskin and reduce its appearance and durability.
We recommend placing each shoe in a separate bag to prevent contact between the materials and avoid color transfer.
For added durability, use tissue paper to help maintain the original shape of your item.
Our advice
Soles
After 2 or 3 uses, we recommend adding a sole protector. This step is essential to allow your shoes to adapt to your gait and help soften the sole.
For best results, the installation should be done by a professional, preferably a cobbler.
Heel cap
To enhance the durability of your heel, we recommend having a toe 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.
