How to Clean and Care for a Peshawari Chappal

By Zalmi · November 5, 2026

A Peshawari chappal lasts for years when you clean it gently, keep it dry and store it well. Leather and suede need different care, so check which upper your pair has before you start.

What you need

• A soft dry cotton cloth
• A soft brush (an old soft toothbrush works for stitching)
• A suede brush and a suede eraser, for suede pairs
• A neutral leather cream, for smooth leather pairs

Daily care for leather chappals

1. Knock off loose dust after wear and wipe the upper with a dry cloth.
2. Brush along the stitching to lift dust from the seams. This matters most on stitched designs such as Takidar chappals.
3. Once a month, rub a small amount of neutral leather cream into the upper with a cloth, let it sit for a few minutes and buff it off. This keeps the leather soft and stops it cracking.

How to clean suede chappals

Suede has a soft, raised surface that water and oil can mark. Clean it dry.

1. Brush the whole upper in one direction with a suede brush to lift dust and restore the nap.
2. Rub small marks gently with a suede eraser, then brush again.
3. Keep light colours away from mud and rain. A suede protector spray helps them stay clean longer.

See our suede Peshawari chappals for the colours that need this care.

If your chappal gets wet

• Blot off the water with a dry cloth. Do not rub.
• Stuff the pair loosely with newspaper to hold the shape and soak up moisture.
• Let it dry naturally at room temperature. Never put it in direct sun, near a heater or under a hair dryer, because heat makes leather hard and can crack it.
• When it is dry, condition smooth leather and brush suede.

How to store a Peshawari chappal

• Store it in a cool, dry and airy place, away from direct sunlight.
• Use a cloth bag or the original box, not a sealed plastic bag, so the leather can breathe.
• Keep the pair flat and do not stack heavy things on it, so the front keeps its shape.

Sole and strap care

Wipe the sole edges after wet or muddy days. A thick double sole, like the one on a Norozi chappal, takes heavy daily use well, while a Vibram sole chappal gives more grip on wet floors. If a strap or buckle comes loose, have it fixed early by a cobbler before the stitching around it tears.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Washing the chappal with soap and water
• Drying it in the sun or with a heater
• Using shoe polish with strong colour on suede
• Leaving it in a damp cupboard during the monsoon

Need help?

If you have a question about caring for a Zalmi chappal, message us on WhatsApp at 0341 9632080. Browse all Peshawari chappal styles.