How to Clean Nubuck

Co-authored by Ryan Santos

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 Approved

Nubuck is a type of leather made from cowhide. Like suede, it is sanded to create a nap. But while suede is made from the inside of the hide, nubuck is made from the outside, which is stronger and more durable. It is very vulnerable to soiling and staining, and must be cleaned and protected with tools and products that are specifically designed to care for suede and nubuck. It can also be sanded with a rough stone to remove stains when all else fails.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Brushing Away Dirt and Grime

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1
Wipe your nubuck item with a nubuck cloth. This type of cloth is specially designed for cleaning nubuck. Nubuck cleaner is typically integrated within its fibers. Wipe with this regularly to remove light soiling and shiny spots. This prevents grime from building up.
- Wipe in several directions, using circular motions to clean all sides of the nap.
- If cleaning shoes, make sure to remove the laces before starting.
- We'll cover how to deal with tougher stains in a later section.
2
Brush the surface with a nubuck brush. Use a circular motion, taking care not to spend more than a few seconds on any area, as this could damage the nap. This will clear the nubuck of dirt and grime.
- You can find nubuck brushes at most retailers who sell nubuck items. Alternatively, you can also purchase them online through websites like Amazon.
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3
Clean a particularly soiled area with a nubuck cleaner. These cleaners come in liquid and aerosol form, and are formulated for use on nubuck. Spray the cleaner onto a nubuck cloth and wipe the entirety of the surface. Finish by brushing the nap to remove any residue.
- Nubuck cleaners can be acquired from the same stores where you buy your nubuck items, such as your shoes and boots. Otherwise, you can find them online at various general retailers, like Amazon or Wal-Mart.
4
Wipe your nubuck routinely and apply a protectant. Regular wiping with a nubuck cloth will prevent you from having to resort to leather degreaser and leather cleaner. You should also apply a spray protectant at least every 6 months. Spray the item, then allow time for the nubuck to thoroughly dry before using or wearing it.
- The best time to spray this protectant is after cleaning your nubuck surface.
- Make sure to lift the nap before you apply protectant.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dealing with Tougher Stains

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1
Start by wiping the stain with a nubuck cloth. No matter the substance that caused the stain, it’s crucial to wipe away whatever excess you can. For lighter stains, this might be sufficient.
- A nubuck cloth is specially designed for cleaning nubuck surfaces; nubuck cleaner is usually integrated in the cloth fibers.
2
Use leather degreaser and leather cleaner to loosen oily stains. These types of stains are usually found on jacket collars and upholstery headrests. Leather degreaser typically comes in aerosol form. Spray it onto the stain, and let it stand for about an hour.
- The leather degreaser will turn to a powder as it stands, soaking up the oil stain.
- Rub the powdery residue away with a sponge and leather cleaner.
- If the stain remains, repeat this process.^{[1]
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It’s important to start cleaning the stain as quickly as possible before it sets, usually in the first 6 hours. Ink lifter is a greasy substance that typically comes in a tube, much like lip balm.^{[2]
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Research source} Rub the substance over the ink stain until it is completely covered. Then use a nubuck cloth and leather cleaner to wipe away whatever remains of the stain.^{[3]
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Brush as you dry the nubuck. This will keep any remaining stains from setting. Brushing the nap will remove any residue, keeping the surface clean.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sanding off the Toughest Stains

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1
Use a suede block or sandpaper to sand a nubuck surface. As nubuck is created by sanding cowhide, it can withstand sanding for cleaning purposes. For the toughest stains, rub them vigorously with sandpaper or a block until the stain is removed. If you only need to clean a specific stain, only sand that particular spot.
- Make sure the block is clean before starting to sand the nubuck.
If stains have settled in your nubuck surface, or it’s soiled all over, you’ll want to sand it completely. Run a block or sandpaper over its entire surface until the stains are removed. The nubuck will look practically brand new.
As you sand the nubuck, you’ll be creating a fine dust composed of the leather and whatever grime it contained. Brush it away to keep your nubuck clear and clean.

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Question

Can I clean nubuck with water?

Ryan Santos
Cleaning Expert
Ryan Santos is a Cleaning Expert and the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning in Washington D.C. Ryan has over five years of experience in the cleaning industry and his team has extensive knowledge of apartment, commercial, and home cleaning services. He and his team also write blog posts and share cleaning tips based on their in-field experience. Spekless Cleaning is rated as the top cleaning company in Washington D.C.

Ryan Santos

Cleaning Expert

Expert Answer

You can, but it's important to be really careful to not ruin the fabric. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and dip a soft cloth into the solution. Gently rub the surface of the nubuck. Be sure to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the nubuck first.

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Question

How do you get gum out of nubuck?

Ryan Santos
Cleaning Expert
Ryan Santos is a Cleaning Expert and the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning in Washington D.C. Ryan has over five years of experience in the cleaning industry and his team has extensive knowledge of apartment, commercial, and home cleaning services. He and his team also write blog posts and share cleaning tips based on their in-field experience. Spekless Cleaning is rated as the top cleaning company in Washington D.C.

Ryan Santos

Cleaning Expert

Expert Answer

It's easy, but you'll need a specific product called cleaning gum eraser, which can be found at most shoe stores. Just rub it over the nubuck surface to remove dirt and grime.

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Question

How do I condition new hiking boots made of nubuck and goretex? Do I need to get the leather wet before applying the waterproofing product?

Community Answer

You don't need to wet nubuck before using a waterproofing product. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before using the product.

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Tips

Consider buying a brush that has wire bristles in the center and nylon bristles surrounding them. Use the nylon bristles for gentle brushing on soft nubuck and the wire bristles when you need more vigorous brushing to clean hard nubuck items like hiking boots.

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Warnings

Be careful with the napping brush. You can destroy nubuck nap if you brush too hard or too long in any one area.

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Never attempt to clean nubuck with water.

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