Reptile/Exotic Leather Care : eBay Guides

Reptile/Exotic Leather is made from exotic skins such as alligator, snake, lizard, ostrich, eel, etc.

Note: It is extremely important NOT to use products intended for mammal leather on Reptile/Exotic Leather. The scales and skin of Reptile/Exotic Leather are held together by membranes, and if the wrong product is used, it will greatly damage the leather. Products designed specifically for Reptile/Exotic Leather should be the ONLY products used for this leather type.

Care:

1. Clean your shoes with mild leather shampoo or mild cleaning foam, and use a good quality brush to remove loose surface dirt. It is easier to clean reptile/exotic leather shoes if while they are dry, but if your shoes are wet after cleaning, let them dry before you begin to condition them. While your shoes are drying, insert either a shoe/boot tree or paper, to keep your shoes in their original shape. Do NOT place shoes near heat while drying, as shoes may shrink. It is easier to clean reptile/exotic leather shoes while they are dry.

2. Care and Conditioning is very important to nourish the leather, and to keep it soft and supple. The product should be specifically formulated for reptile and exotic leather. Using products for smooth leather may leave a residue that will build up around the base of the scales and cause them to crack or fall off, or it might lead to discoloration. NEVER buff reptile/exotic leather with a shoe shine cloth, as the scales may come off. Instead, gently use a shoe/boot brush to remove dirt and grime.When applying shoe polish to reptile/exotic leather, it is highly recommended to use a wool dauber. DO NOT press hard on the reptile/exotic leather, when applying shoe polish, as scales may fall off. Gently apply the shoe polish to the shoe/boot, for optimum results.

3. Water-/Weatherproofing is very important if your shoes/boots are regularly exposed to rain, sunshine, etc. It is not necassary to water-/weatherproof your reptile/exotic boots/shoes, if you only wear them inside. If you only wear this type of leather inside, leather care is enough to keep them looking new. There are specially designed products specifically made for waterproofing and weatherproofing reptile/exotic leather. If your shoes are exposed to the elements, you should regularly water-/weatherproof them, in order to keep them looking new.