Interview guide
Care tips
Welcome to our care guide, where you'll find all the tips and tricks you need to care for your favorite clothes, shoes and accessories. At Germaine Collard,we understand the importance of extending the life of your favorite fashion items, which is why we've put together these invaluable tips to help you care for them properly.
Waterproof your shoes
Why you should waterproof your shoes? Waterproofing has the role of protecting your shoes against the elements and stains. What's more, waterproofing can extend the life of your shoes by protecting them from premature wear caused by water, dirt and other external elements. It can also make cleaning easier, as stains are less likely to penetrate deep into the material when it's waterproofed. This type of product is well suited for shoes and leather, suede or textile bags.
Why should you waterproof your shoes ?
Waterproofing your shoesis essential for several reasons:
Moisture protection: Waterproofing creates a protective barrier that prevents water and moisture from penetrating the leather. This is particularly important for leather shoes, as water can damage them by making them more vulnerable to warping, fading and mold formation.
Stain prevention: as well as repelling water, a waterproofing spray can also protect your shoes from stains caused by accidentally spilled liquids. This is particularly useful for shoeslight-colored or suede, which are more susceptible to stains.
Life extension: By protecting your shoes from moisture and stains, waterproofing can help extend their lifespan by keeping them looking new for longer. This saves you money in the long run by avoiding the need to replace your shoes prematurely.
Look maintenance: The shoeswaterproofed retain their original appearance longer, as they are less prone to fading, tarnishing and other weather damage. This allows you to maintain the stylish appearance of your shoes and wear them with confidence in all weather conditions.
Waterproof your shoes is a simple and effective way to protect them from water, moisture and stain damage, while extending their life and maintaining their appearance. It's a wise investment to preserve the beauty and integrity of your shoes for the long term.
How do I use my waterproofing?
If your shoesaren't new, clean them before waterproofing.
Once your shoes clean, from about 30 centimetres away, spray a thin layer of spray onto the outside of your shoes and leave to dry.
Which pair of shoes can be waterproofed?
Many types of shoes, including:
Shoes in leather: This includes shoes dress shoes, leather boots and leather sneakers. Waterproofing will help protect leather from water stains and fading.
Shoes suede or nubuck: Although these materials are more delicate than leather, they can also benefit from waterproofing to protect against water and dirt. It's important to use a waterproofing agent specially designed for suede or nubuck to avoid damaging the material.
Shoes Canvas: Canvas shoes, such as canvas sneakers or lightweight sports shoes, can also be waterproofed to protect them from moisture and dirt.
Rubber boots: Although rubber is already waterproof by nature, using a waterproofing product can help extend their life and maintain their appearance.
Shoes hiking and outdoor: These shoes are often exposed to harsh weather conditions, so it's important to waterproof them to protect against water, mud and other outdoor elements.
In general, most types of shoescan benefit from waterproofing, but it's important to always follow the manufacturer's specific recommendations and use products designed for your footwear's material type.
How do I care for my pair of shoes ?
Each material has its own specific care requirements. Find out below how to care for your pair according to their material.
Care for your shoesleather
A natural material, leather is a wise choice for your shoes. However, to keep your shoes leather in good condition it's essential to look after them.
Each type of leather requires specific care:
For smooth leathers, we recommend using a shoe polish slightly darker than the shade of the leather to mask wear marks. Apply it with circular movements after slightly moistening the cloth. Then polish with a soft cloth for a flawless finish.
Oily leathersrequire less maintenance, but it's essential to nourish them with special greases or lanolin to maintain their suppleness and original appearance.
As for varnished leathers, the aim is to preserve their shine. Use special or silicone-based sprays to protect them, and avoid waxes or waterproofing. Shine them with a wet cloth and a little white vinegar for a dazzling shine.
Invest in quality maintenance products, such as shoe polish, waterproofing sprays and specific cleaners for each type of material. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal results and regularly maintain your items to keep them in perfect condition. At Germaine Collard we have the ideal products to care for your leather pieces. Discover our care products in our tab maintenance and cleaning.
Use a nourishing cream slightly lighter than the leather color of your shoes.
Before applying this cream, scrub your shoes with a brush to remove any dust.
Then apply the nourishing cream with a cloth, using light circular movements.
Let dry for a few minutes, then scrub your shoes with a soft brush.
The shoe polish:
Choose a shoe polish suited to your shoe (to its leather type and color).
Using a cloth, apply the shoe polish using light circular movements to make the product penetrate.
Let dry for a few minutes.
Then polish your shoes using a polishing brush or cotton cloth.
Maintain your shoes in suede and nubuck
To keep your shoes in suede, nubuck, ... in their original appearance, they need to be maintained.
For nubucks, suede leathers and suede leather crusts, avoid conventional shoe polish. Instead, use a suede brush or eraser to remove dirt, then apply a renovating spray to revive colors and protect the leather. To do this, we recommend brushing your shoes regularly with a crepe brush and always brush in the direction of the fibers.
If some stains persist, use a nubuck eraser.
Maintaining your shoescanvas
The shoesin canvas require no special care apart from waterproofing.
Some people don't hesitate to use their washing machine to clean them. However, it isn't really advisable to do this as the canvas can lose its original shape, the glue can get damaged, ...
To get the stains out of your shoes canvas, we recommend using a new sponge soaked in water with a little mild soap.
Rub the stain, rinse with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
How do I care for my bags and accessoriesleather?
In our shoe store you'll find plenty of leather goods. Clean your handbagsleather with a specific product and use a leather protector to prevent scratches and discoloration. Polish your silver jewelry with a soft cloth and avoid contact with harsh chemicals. For leather belts, use a conditioner to preserve their suppleness and shine.
How to care for my clothing ?
Wash your clothing delicates in cold water with a mild detergent to preserve their original color and shape. For clothing made of wool or cashmere, opt for hand washing or dry cleaning to avoid damage. Iron your clothing inside out to avoid iron marks on delicate fabrics.
By following these care tips, you'll be able to preserve the quality and appearance of your clothing, shoes and accessories favorites for years to come. Care for your fashion items with love and they'll repay you by remaining stylish and timeless season after season.
Free shipping and returns
If you buy shoes online from Germaine Collard, take advantage of our free returns policy. This allows you to try the shoes on at home and return them if they don't fit, ensuring you get the best shoes for you.
Choosing your shoes at Germaine Collard
Choosing the right shoes is an essential process to ensure the comfort and health of your feet. At Germaine Collard, we are committed to providing you with an exceptional shopping experience, whether in our shoe store or on our online site. Take the time to measure your feet properly, consult our size guides, and try on shoes at the end of the day to find the perfect fit. The best shoes are those that fit perfectly and offer optimal support. Visit Germaine Collard today to discover our vast selection and benefit from expert advice on choosing the right shoes.