How to Clean Dansko Clogs: Care by Leather Finish

To clean Dansko clogs, match the method to the exact leather finish. Box leather, Cabrio, patent, oiled leather and nubuck can have different care instructions, even within the same clog family. Check your pair's finish name before choosing water, soap or a care product.

How to clean each Dansko leather finish

These examples follow Dansko's instructions for the specific model and finish linked below. Use your own pair's care instructions if the finish differs.

Dansko clog cleaning methods by finish

Finish and example	Cleaning method
Smooth Box leather	For the Professional Black Box, lift surface dirt with a cloth or sponge dampened with soapy water. Keep the leather from becoming saturated.
Cabrio leather	The Professional Black Cabrio calls for a gentle wipe using a dry, soft cloth. Do not assume the Box leather method also applies to Cabrio.
Patent leather	For the Professional Black Patent, remove surface dirt with a clean cloth dampened with water. Soap and water can address tougher marks. Finish by drying with a soft cloth.
Oiled leather	For the Professional Black Oiled, use a cloth or sponge with soapy water, keeping it damp rather than soaking the leather. Dansko recommends its Oiled Leather Restorer for maintenance.
Burnished nubuck	The XP 2.0 Men's Black Burnished Nubuck allows a damp cloth for surface dirt. Dansko also recommends its Suede and Nubuck Protector Spray when the pair is new. Check the exact finish before using this method on another nubuck clog.

How often to clean your clogs

Dansko's clog-care guide recommends after-shift cleaning and daily or weekly upkeep. Follow your finish's method and brush debris from the outsole.

Conditioning: choose the product for your finish

Dansko's general leather-care advice is monthly conditioning, after cleaned leather dries. Confirm the conditioner suits your exact finish first.

Dansko's Leather Cream directions call for a thin coat on full-grain and rich leathers. Its Oiled Leather Restorer calls for a light coat on dark-colored leather and is named for the Professional Black Oiled. Check your pair's guidance before applying either to patent, Cabrio or another nubuck finish.

Let damp clogs dry naturally

Dansko advises air-drying at room temperature, away from heaters, hair dryers and direct sun.

Dansko cleaning questions

Can I use soap and water on every Dansko leather clog?

No. Dansko allows soapy damp cleaning for Professional Black Box and Black Oiled, but specifies a dry cloth for Black Cabrio. Follow the instructions for your exact finish.

Can I use a damp cloth on nubuck Dansko clogs?

Only when your exact pair's care instructions allow it. Dansko permits damp-cloth cleaning for the XP 2.0 Men's Black Burnished Nubuck; that instruction should not be applied to every nubuck finish.

How often should I clean work clogs?

Dansko recommends after-shift cleaning and daily or weekly upkeep, using the method for your finish.

How often should I condition Dansko leather clogs?

Dansko's general guidance is monthly leather conditioning. Confirm the conditioner suits your exact finish, then follow its directions.

Find your next pair of Dansko clogs

Shop Dansko at Feet Heart. For fit help, start with how Dansko clogs should fit, check the Dansko sizing guide, or compare styles in our Dansko clog guide.