Never put a khussa in water or a washing machine. Clean leather with a barely damp cloth, brush velvet with a soft dry brush, dab marks on embroidery with a cotton bud, and store each pair stuffed with tissue in a breathable cloth bag. Handmade khussas use natural leather, glue and hand embroidery, and water is the main thing that damages all three.
Cleaning By Material
Leather Khussas, Kolhapuris And Kohatis
- Wipe off dust with a dry soft cloth.
- For marks, use a cloth that is only slightly damp, then let the shoe dry at room temperature.
- Once a month, rub in a small amount of colourless leather conditioner to stop cracking.
Velvet (Kadife) Khussas
- Brush gently in one direction with a soft, dry clothes brush or a clean toothbrush.
- Lift dust with a lint roller or a strip of tape.
- For a spill, blot immediately with a dry tissue. Do not rub, which flattens the pile.
Embroidery, Dabka, Beads And Stones
- Dab marks with a cotton bud barely moistened with water. Work around the threads, not over them.
- Spray perfume before putting your shoes on: alcohol dulls metallic zari and dabka.
- If a bead or thread comes loose, secure it with a dot of fabric glue straight away so the rest does not unravel.
Removing Smells
Sprinkle a little baking soda inside, leave overnight and tip it out in the morning. Let shoes air for a day between wears, and wear thin socks or footies in hot weather.
If Your Khussas Get Wet
- Blot off water with a towel.
- Stuff them with tissue paper to hold their shape and absorb moisture.
- Dry at room temperature, away from heaters, hair dryers and direct sun, which crack leather and loosen glue.
How To Store Khussas
- Stuff the toes with tissue to keep the shape.
- Keep each pair in its own cloth dust bag so beads do not scratch other shoes.
- Do not use plastic bags; leather needs to breathe.
- Keep white and ivory pairs out of sunlight to prevent yellowing.
- Add a silica gel sachet in humid months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash khussa shoes?
No. Water damages the leather, the glue and the embroidery. Spot-clean with a barely damp cloth and brush velvet dry instead.
How do I clean a white khussa?
Wipe gently with a barely damp white cloth, let it dry at room temperature and store it away from sunlight to stop yellowing.
How do I stop my khussas from smelling?
Leave baking soda inside overnight, air them for a day between wears and wear thin socks in hot weather.
How long do handmade khussas last?
With dry cleaning, proper storage and rest between wears, a good pair of handmade khussas lasts for years of occasional wear.
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