One of the most used by all rescue operations is undoubtedly shoes personal protection, be it for industry, the urban environment or the mountain. This is clearly part of the EPI of any operator and not only protects the foot from bruises, sprains or fall objects, but also the cold, snow or water, giving us comfort and security in every mission. In this brief article we would like to pass some · Tips ¨ to keep in mind the next time you need to clean and refurbish your shoes to your next mission.
How I can take care of my boots properly?
dirt and moisture have little effect on the leather boots if they are well maintained. The type of care can extend the useful life of the boots because the leather is a natural raw material that needs to be careful. Leather original is a natural material and the skin, it breathes, but having lost their sebaceous glands (which gave him a mixture of fats, cholesterol, protein and electrolytes that provided flexibility and prevented this from drying), is It must now be maintained artificially so that it does not dry out, crack and lose their properties. To maintain the unique qualities of leather,
regularly proper care is vital. The photograph shows the boot after hard use in the open. Wet boots and leather are covered with dirt.
1 - First remove the templates and cords
At
TAS bo be allowed air to circulate properly and dry after each use. It is good to remove the insoles and laces, then let them dry completely open the boot. The template absorbs much moisture, which will dissipate and dry out much faster outside the boot. This is important to remember during extended missions for several days. In an ideal environment, the leather boots should dry for 24 hours before being used again. If required, the templates and cords can be washed separately by hand or washing machine. Once dry is recommended templates, with some deodorant rosearlas feet and / or fungicide or disinfectant to prevent the accumulation of possible fungus or odor. 2 - Removing the dirt from the leather boots
Once the templates and cords have been removed, the dirt should be removed from leather. For heavily soiled boots suggest a specific cleaner for shoes, which will remove even more dirt resistant. For normal levels of dirt, a soft brush under warm running water is sufficient. When using cleaning products (bread, soap, detergents, etc.), Then be sure to impregnate the leather with a protector / waterproofing, as the pores after washing leather stay open (closes impregnation again.) Again, remember the laces removed, so that during subsequent cleaning and soaking, we can access hard to reach hidden places (especially the tongue).
3 - Remove dirt with warm leather
Brush b
otes in depth so that the leather can breathe again and revive their properties. See how water is immediately absorbed by the leather. The mild soap and warm water is often a good substitute for specialized cleaning products and can also be used to clean stencils. Now the leather is in a state without protection. 4 - To protect the skin of water, should be waterproofed
clean boots still have "pores" and absorb more water due to the application of cleaning products for washing. To "close" the pores of the leather back, a special spray ( Nikwax , etc.) Impregnation must first be applied while still wet.
leather impregnation prevents absorption of water, but the leather retains its properties even breathing. Smooth leather or waxed are easier care for the nubuck or suede and more resistant to water and dirt.
5 - to apply cream or wax regularly to maintain and protect the leather
A
at once the boots have been impregnated with a waterproof spray should also regularly receive a hand cream or emulsion Wax and these be rubbed or polished in them (with a brush), especially when they have a steep or prolonged exposure to water. The water with dirt, dragged some of the properties of leather. If these substances are not replaced in an artificial way, the leather is dried and eventually becomes brittle (The leather boot would be irreparable and the tough leather is not flexible and pull against the seam), which is why a cream or wax is advisable to re-hydrate. or Using
No hair dryer to generate some heat, can enhance the absorption of the cream into the leather. The only genuine leather holds its shape and remains flexible and resilient when more products are being used for the care of it. After the cream or wax is applied, the boots should have enough time to dry.
Never put the boots to dry on a radiator near the oven, on a windshield of a car, in the trunk, etc.. The wet leather is "Burn" (it becomes brittle and shrinks) with ease. This often results in irreparable tears on the surface, particularly where wrinkles are formed when walking (folds). The hooks and rivets are also involved in this bad effect by contributing to the tension in the footwear and damage if it is dried artificially. It is best to leave the shoes away from sources of heat or sun in a well ventilated area.
6 - Using creams
nubuck and suede boots n
obuck and suede that have had wide use, should also be washed with water and then treated so they will not dry out. Here also recommend using a cream or wax-based liquid , which can be applied with a sponge. This type of creams are more liquid and less prone to clogged pores and texture of leather creams with a high wax content. The leather lining, must also be maintained with a lotion or moisturizer, as it suffers an aggressive foot perspiration due to the salts it contains, which dry out, harden and become brittle to the inner lining. If the lining is Gore-Tex, this requires no special care other than washing with conventional soap and water, because if it is dirty, the impermeable membrane will lose its effect. 7 - The use of fats and oils
fats, and especially oil, make the leather is very flexible and virtually waterproof, but the structure of the boot is compromised if the pores of the leather is closed, which means it is no longer respirable (the effect rubber boot ¨ ¨), with a consequent greater internal condensation.
8 - Maintain the appearance of nubuck and suede
A visual effects or aesthetic
, please note that the surface of nubuck and suede leather becomes smooth and shiny (darker) when used cream. Use a soft brush to rub the wax cream thoroughly. Brushing also generates heat, that helps with the absorption of the cream into the leather, leaving it less bright and with a texture similar to the original. Before applying these products, always test in a hidden area of \u200b\u200bthe shoe (ie tab) to see if the texture is pleasing. a wire suede brush can be used to lift the skin of the chamois again (that was blocked by wax application) but never have exactly the same appearance when it was new. This is not necessary in smooth leather.
The image clearly shows the difference between the surface planed and not planed. Once
q ue the wax has been absorbed by the leather boots again should be treated with a waterproofing agent ( Scotchgard, Nikwax , etc.). The waterproofing agent will not have full effect until 24 hours after it is applied. Using (2-3 weeks) the waterproofing also loses some of its effect. The ideal is to try the boots one day before use. leather impregnation retains ownership of the leather to breathe. The leather does not absorb water only, but also be less prone to dirt itself is sticking to it. In addition, the wax layer also prevents sharp stones or rock walls, during a trekking or climbing damage the leather. Dry scalp on the other hand is easier to crack and damage faster.
- Testing procedure care
real leather boots are If
well waxed and treated water will form droplets as shown in the picture. This means that the leather is well protected. If the boots are successful in this test, then you can congratulate itself on the proper care you have given to the leather. Remember that the type of care you give them your boots can significantly prolong their useful life. - Storing boots
The best place to keep the leather boots in a bag or shoe box in a dry and well ventilated. A wooden mold will help maintain its shape during storage and prevent folds in the leather. Never store wet boots in damp rooms or in the car. These may be mold, mildew and even rot the leather.
If your boots are still wet, we recommend placing newspaper inside, specifically the toe especially. The paper absorbs moisture and helps keep the shape. The newspaper should be changed every day until the boots are dry.
The use of spray disinfectant, deodorant and foot spray fungicides is recommended to prevent growth of fungi and especially smell. Pedic not use powder as it accumulates in the inner folds of the boot gets wet and carries dirt and odor.
dry hides, tend to make squeaky noises when touching each other. To avoid this, apply the cream more intensively at the points of friction.
acids, gasoline and liquid manure attack especially the soles materials and adhesives used in them. Avoid contact with them and if necessary, immediately wash the conventional formal footwear. In the case of contact with bodily fluids (eg: blood, saliva, vomit, etc..) Perform a total immersion of footwear in a mixture of warm clear water, placing approx. 30 drops or preferably Espadol diiodo ( chloroxylenol ) c/10 liters of water and proceed with a full immersion of the product for a period of 30/40 minutes, before starting the wash cycle above normal.
If you normally provides such care for leather boots, they will give many years of faithful service.
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