How to take care of my CAVAL?Updated a month ago
Care Guide for Your CAVAL
To preserve the quality and durability of your CAVAL, here are all our tips for optimal care, depending on the materials and everyday wear.
1. Using Shoe Trees
Inserting wooden shoe trees into your sneakers after each use helps maintain their shape and absorb moisture. Prefer cedarwood shoe trees, known for their deodorizing and antifungal properties.
- Effect on Leather: Leather is a living material that stretches over time. Shoe trees help soften the leather while keeping its original shape, reducing creases.
- Effect on Overall Shape: Maintains the shape of the shoes, preventing them from deforming with use, which significantly extends the lifespan of your sneakers.
- Increased Comfort: By keeping the shoes well-shaped, your CAVAL will remain comfortable to wear day after day.
2. Waterproofing
Our sneakers are pre-treated to resist water, but regular maintenance with waterproofing spray is essential to maximize protection, especially for suede leather or delicate textiles.
How to reinforce waterproofing?
- Apply a layer of waterproofing spray every two months (or more often in case of frequent rain) to strengthen protection against moisture and stains. This is especially recommended for suede and nubuck materials, which are more sensitive to water.
Precautions to take:
- Avoid alcohol-based products, which can damage finishes and erase markings or logos.
- Always test on a small hidden area before treating the entire shoe to ensure the waterproof spray does not alter the material's color.
- Waterproof immediately after purchase, even if the sneakers are pre-treated. This step extends the initial protection.
3. Whitening
The bright white of your CAVAL sneakers is a defining feature, but it may fade over time. Here are the steps to restore it:
- White Leather and Textiles: Use a specific product, such as White Express or special white shoe polish for sneakers. These whitening products restore vibrant color while nourishing the material, preventing cracks.
- Frequency of Use: Apply every two months or as soon as the white starts to yellow or lose its brightness.
4. Cleaning
Regular cleaning keeps your CAVAL sneakers in optimal condition, especially after a rainy day or muddy outing. Follow these steps for each type of material:
- Surface Stains: Use a soft, slightly damp sponge to remove dirt.
- Soles: Scrub vigorously with a soft-bristle brush and a sponge soaked in soapy water to remove built-up residue.
- Laces: Machine washable — place them in a laundry bag for protection.
- Deep Cleaning of Sneakers: Use a specialized sneaker cleaning shampoo, such as our Made in France shampoo, designed for delicate materials like leather, suede, and textiles.
Warning: Never machine wash your CAVAL sneakers — the drum and water may irreparably damage the leather, technical materials, and adhesives used in their construction.
5. Specific Tips by Material
- Smooth Leather: Clean with a damp cloth, then apply a nourishing cream specific for leather to prevent it from drying out and cracking. Finish with a light brush for a perfect finish.
- Suede or Nubuck Leather: Use a special suede eraser or a soft brush to remove stains and marks. Avoid excessive moisture on these materials. After cleaning, reapply waterproofing spray to maintain protection against water and stains.
- Textiles: Use a damp sponge with a little mild soap. Gently scrub to avoid damaging the fibers. After cleaning, let air dry.
6. Storage
To preserve the quality of your CAVAL sneakers between uses:
- Store your sneakers away from direct sunlight and humidity, in a cool, dry place.
- Use dust bags or place your CAVAL back in their original box to prevent dust buildup.
- Insert shoe trees to maintain their shape, even during extended periods of non-use.
By following these tips, your CAVAL sneakers will remain not only immaculate but also comfortable and durable over time. If you have any further questions about sneaker care, feel free to contact us!