Nubuck leather is that soft, velvety type of leather that feels luxurious just to touch. But the thing is—it’s also high maintenance. You can’t treat it like regular leather.
Use the wrong cleaner, add too much water, or forget to protect it, and suddenly your fancy boots or bag look like they’ve been through a storm.
So let me show you how to take care of nubuck leather the right way. I’ll explain everything clearly and walk you through each step like I’m teaching a class.
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve made a few cleaning mistakes in the past (we’ve all been there), this nubuck leather treatment guide’s got you covered.
What Is Nubuck Leather?
Okay, let’s talk about one of the most underrated, touch-me-now materials out there—nubuck leather. If you’ve ever run your hand over something that feels buttery soft but still tough as nails underneath, that was probably nubuck.
The deal? Nubuck is made from the outermost layer of the hide—the strongest part—but it’s been gently sanded down to give it that velvety texture. It’s kind of like suede’s cooler, more durable sibling.
Suede is fuzzier and comes from the inside layer of the hide, which makes it softer but also easier to mess up.
Nubuck? It’s got the softness and the strength.
That’s why you’ll see it on premium boots, high-end bags, and jackets that look like they walked straight off a designer runway. It’s the kind of leather that makes you stop and go, “Wait—what is this?!” And once you’ve felt it, you’re hooked.
Recommended Read: Can You Use Mink Oil on Suede?
Why Nubuck Needs Special Care
Here’s the catch though—nubuck might look tough, but it’s a bit of a diva. And I say that with love.
Because it’s sanded and has that open, velvety surface, it’s super absorbent. Water, oil, dirt—you name it, nubuck will soak it up like a sponge. One wrong move and boom—your gorgeous boots now have a weird dark spot that doesn’t match the rest.
But honestly, that’s part of the thrill of owning nubuck. It demands attention, and when you give it the right kind of love (and the right tools), it stays looking rich and beautiful.
You can’t just grab a wet rag and start scrubbing. You’ve got to slow down, brush gently, and treat it with a little respect. Trust me—when you take care of nubuck the right way, it shows.
What You’ll Need – Nubuck Survival Kit
You don’t need a whole workshop, but you do need the right tools. Using the wrong ones can damage the nap or leave permanent stains.
Here’s what to get:
- Nubuck brush: Usually a combo of soft nylon and stiff brass bristles
- Nubuck eraser or cleaning block: For light marks or stains
- Specialized nubuck cleaner: The best rated nubuck leather cleaner comes in spray or foam form
- Microfiber cloth: For blotting and wiping
- Waterproofing spray: Specifically made for waterproofing nubuck leather or suede
If you’re caring for nubuck leather boots, it’s also smart to grab:
- Boot trees or paper stuffing (to hold shape)
- A dry, well-ventilated space for drying after cleaning
Recommended Read: Dyeing Suede Shoes in 5 Simple Steps
How to Clean Nubuck Leather – Step-by-Step
Alright, now we’re getting into the good part. Cleaning nubuck is easy once you know the right way to do it. The key is gentleness and patience to ensure the best treatment for nubuck leather.
Step 1: Dry Brushing – Your Regular Maintenance
This should become a habit, especially for shoes or bags that see daily use.
How to do it:
- Take your nubuck brush and brush the surface gently in one direction.
- The goal is to remove surface dust and keep the nap lifted (that fuzzy texture).
- If something looks matted or flattened, you can use short back-and-forth strokes, but go light.
Why it matters: Dirt that sits too long can grind into the leather and damage it over time. Regular brushing keeps your item looking fresh and smooth.
Step 2: Spot Clean With a Nubuck Eraser
Got a scuff or dark smudge? This is where the eraser comes in.
How to do it:
- Rub the eraser lightly over the spot in circular motions.
- Don’t press too hard—you want to lift the dirt, not damage the nap.
- Brush the area afterward to bring back the texture.
Note: This works well for dry stains or marks—like shoe scuffs, light dust, or minor dirt.
Step 3: Deep Clean for Heavier Dirt
Sometimes brushing and erasing isn’t enough, especially if the leather has seen some action.
How to do it:
- Spray a small amount of nubuck cleaner onto a sponge or cloth (don’t apply it straight to the leather).
- Gently rub the leather in small circles, focusing on the dirtiest areas.
- Don’t over-saturate it—nubuck doesn’t like too much moisture.
- Let it air dry naturally. No heat, no sun, no blow dryers.
Pro tip: It may look patchy while drying. Totally normal. Once it’s dry, brush the surface to even it out again.
Can You Condition Nubuck?
Unlike regular leather, nubuck doesn’t like oils or creams. They’ll soak in, darken the leather, and ruin the finish.
If your nubuck feels dry or stiff, there are revitalizing sprays made specifically for it and work as the best conditioner for nubuck leather. But even then—test a small hidden spot first to make sure it won’t darken the leather.
These sprays are usually water-based and designed to refresh the nap without clogging or flattening it.
Traditional conditioners, on the other hand, are too heavy and will completely change the texture and appearance of nubuck.
How to Protect Nubuck Leather From Future Damage
Cleaning is important, but protecting it is just as crucial. You can save yourself a ton of trouble by doing this one step consistently.
Step 1: Waterproof It
You must apply a waterproofing spray before you wear or use your nubuck item outdoors.
Here’s how:
- Hold the can 6–8 inches away from the surface.
- Spray in light, even passes. Don’t drench it.
- Let it dry for at least 24 hours before using the item.
Do this every couple of weeks, especially for shoes, since they deal with more weather and grime.
Step 2: Store It Smart
How you store nubuck can make or break its condition.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight (prevents fading and drying out)
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Use breathable bags—not plastic
- Stuff shoes and bags with paper to hold their shape
Moisture and heat are your enemy here.
Special Caring for Nubuck Leather Boots
Let’s be real—nubuck boots go through a lot more than a bag or jacket. So they need a little extra care and consistency. However, you don’t need care products for efficient nubuck leather boot care.
Here’s how to treat them right:
- Brush after each wear to get rid of dirt and dust.
- Spot-clean quickly if you notice a stain. Cleaning nubuck leather walking boots should be a regular ritual.
- Use a waterproof spray before their first wear—and reapply often.
- Stuff with newspaper or use boot trees so they don’t get floppy.
- Let them air dry slowly if they get wet. Don’t try to rush it with heat or sun.
- Avoid walking in salt or heavy rain if you can. Nubuck doesn’t like that stuff.
Treat your boots like they cost twice as much, and they’ll last three times as long.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Alright, student—listen closely. Here’s what not to do:
❌ Don’t use regular leather polish or oils. They will ruin the texture.
❌ Don’t soak it with water to clean. Light moisture only.
❌ Don’t use dish soap, vinegar, or DIY cleaners—those are for countertops, not leather.
❌ Don’t dry it with heat. That causes cracking and hardening.
When to Get Professional Help
Alright, real talk: sometimes things go sideways. Maybe you spilled salad dressing on your nubuck bag (been there). Maybe your boots took on a salty winter sidewalk and came out looking like a science experiment. Don’t panic.
This is the moment when you call in the pros. And there’s no shame in that! Leather restoration experts have tricks and tools that we just don’t—like special dyes, machines, and deep-cleaning solutions made just for high-maintenance materials like nubuck.
If your piece was pricey, sentimental, or just too gorgeous to risk DIY-ing, send it to someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. Think of it like taking your car to a detailer instead of a car wash. Your leather will thank you—and come back looking reborn.
Nubuck Leather Treatment Made Easy
I’ll be honest—I’m kind of obsessed with nubuck. It’s one of those materials that feels special every time you wear or use it. Yeah, it’s a little high-maintenance, but it’s also totally worth it.
When you brush it out, keep it clean, and hit it with a good waterproof spray? Oh man, it looks like new every time. And that soft texture—ugh, I could go on. It’s just satisfying to care for something that rewards your effort with that much style.
So go ahead with your nubuck leather treatment treat endeavour. It might take a little extra time, but once you see how long it lasts (and how amazing it looks while aging), you’ll be just as hooked as I am.
