How to Clean Patent Leather Jordans

Patent-leather Air Jordans have been a highly coveted fashion accessory since the '80s and it takes a little bit of TLC to keep your Js looking fresh. The glossy finish on patent-leather sneakers is achieved through a process of layering plastic over a piece of fine-grade leather -- and it's part of why these kicks have a higher price tag. Extend the life of your patent-leather Jordans and keep them ready for the basketball court by cleaning and caring for the shoes like Mike would.

Wipe down the stitching on the outside of your Air Jordans with a shoe brush or an old, soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any dust or dirt.

Mix 1 teaspoon mild dish soap with 3 cups lukewarm water in a small bowl and stir the ingredients until the water suds. A mild soap contains no dyes or perfumes.

Dampen the corner of a clean cotton cloth with the soapy mixture and wipe off the entire patent-leather surface of your Jordans to remove any mud, dust, dirt or debris.

Dampen a separate cotton cloth with plain water and wipe off the soapy residue from your Jordans.

Wipe down the Jordans with a dry cotton cloth and allow them to completely air-dry at room temperature for two days.

Remove scuff marks by dampening a clean cotton cloth with mineral oil and working the mineral oil into the scuff marks until they're eliminated.

Wipe off any remaining mineral oil with a separate, clean cotton cloth.

Soak the corner of a cotton cloth with a leather conditioner formulated for use on patent leather. Using overlapping circles, work the leather conditioner into the patent leather.

Wipe down the patent leather with a separate, clean cotton cloth to remove any remaining leather conditioner.

Buff the patent leather with a lint-free cloth, using over-lapping circles and continuing until you've restored the shine to your patent-leather Jordans.