What is useful to do before sending winter shoes for storage

In order for winter shoes to serve for a long time, they need proper care. It includes regular shoe shine, airing and drying. Off-season storage also plays a no less important role in the care.

Storage preparation

A common mistake is to lightly wipe the shoes from dirt and lay randomly in boxes. From such a careless attitude, the skin is cracking, scratching and for the next season the shoe becomes unusable.

The main stages of preparation for storage:

1. Cleaning from dirt. From the sole, dirt can be washed off with soapy water and a brush. Genuine leather is cleaned with warm water, suede and textiles with special cleansers. For washing, it is not recommended to use hard brushes and rub the shoes hard so as not to scratch the surface. Wash laces and removable insoles.

2. Then drying for 2-3 days. Do it far from batteries and heaters. Shoes should dry naturally at room temperature.

3. Dried and clean shoes are carefully inspected for scuffs, scratches and defects. If the skin is jammed, it can be painted with special paints. If the heels are worn out or the lightning is broken - it is better to take it to the workshop.

When the winter shoe season abruptly sets in, one won’t have to worry that she’s not ready.

Some note the beneficial effects of castor oil on the skin. Genuine leather tends to age and shrink. Oil saturates it with moisture and extends its service life. After application, the shoes are left at room temperature, soak in the oil for 1-2 days.

4. Next, the boots and boots are lubricated with a special cream, an antibacterial spray can be applied to the inner surface.

5. After all the procedures, the shoes are ready for packaging and storage.

It is best to clean after each contamination. Then at the end of the season it will be enough to dry and get rid of dust and fresh spots. Preparation takes several days, but with the onset of cold weather it will solve many problems.

How to store shoes

It is best to store it in special shoe boxes. You can use the box in which it was sold or purchase special ones. Plastic containers will do, but with air holes. If there is enough space for a closed rack - shoes can be stored in it.

Boxes can be stored under the bed, in a sofa or closet.

The main condition is to keep away from heaters and sunlight. But low temperatures (below 14 degrees) will not be beneficial.

Shoes should not be stored in the open, in the attic, unheated veranda or basement. The difference in temperature, humidity and sun rays deform even the cleaned and prepared steam.

If the box, made of thick cardboard, has ventilation holes and closes tightly - it should not be thrown out. And to simplify the search for the right pair, when the season comes, you can write the name of the pair on the box.

Before putting a couple into a box, it is stuffed with newspaper and paper. This will help to avoid warping and crushing. Newspapers can be replaced with cloth bags of salt or soda. They absorb an unpleasant odor and protect against moisture. The box should be sized so that the pair does not pinch inside and does not deform.

Separately, each boot or boot should be put in a bag. Sometimes it is complete with shoes or you can sew it yourself. If this option does not fit, then old tights will do instead of the bag. Being in the case of steam, will not scratch each other.

When folding, make sure that the heel does not come into contact with the rest of the shoe. Lightly shaking the box and the heel will scratch the material.

High-booted boots need to be further strengthened. Often in shops shoe shafts made of plastic or foam are already inserted into the shoes. Another option is to store the boots in limbo in cabinets.

Before packaging in a box, varnished products can be treated with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or glycerin. Castor oil is not suitable for varnish.

Insects

Moth is a classic problem in many apartments and houses. She can be attracted by a coat, or maybe a fur trim on her boots. Ventilation in boxes and in the storage area will solve the problem with moths. And for reliability, in each box you can put a cotton pad with two drops of lavender oil. In addition, special sprays, tablets or plates are sold in stores that protect against moths.

The listed rules for shoe care and storage may seem complicated. But if you regularly clean, ventilate and dry your shoes, there will be no problems before storing. And by the next season, you don’t have to run around shopping in search of a good couple for the winter.