Nubuck's soft, velvety nap looks stunning on a pair of boots or dress shoes. If you'd like to keep the leather looking like new, give your shoes a bit of special care. Nubuck is much like suede -- it's a snap to brush off dirt and restore the nap to its former beauty. Even if your shoes are white, stains are no match for a sprinkle of cornmeal or the rub of an eraser. Nubuck is slightly more delicate than suede, so clean it carefully to avoid scratching the fine leather.
Step 1
Brush your nubuck shoes with a suede brush to remove dirt and restore the nap. When brushing, use gentle strokes in one direction. Don't press down hard.
Step 2
Sprinkle oil stains with a dash of cornmeal or talcum powder. Rub the powder in well with your fingers or a suede brush, but do not push down hard when rubbing. Allow the powder to set for a few hours, then brush it off. If the stain remains, repeat the process.
Step 3
Scrape off hardened debris and mud with the edge of a nail file. Use small, gentle strokes to avoid damaging the leather.
Step 4
Get rid of dried stains by rubbing them with a white rubber eraser. Use small, circular rubbing motions until the mark disappears. Avoid pressing down hard when rubbing with the eraser.
Step 5
Blot shoes well with a towel if they get soaking wet. Once you've soaked up as much water as possible, let them dry. Don't place the shoes near a heat source such as a furnace or oven -- it's too hot for the leather and can cause damage. When the shoes are dry, gently brush them with a suede brush to restore the nap.