I have a question about patent leather.

According to my Martha Stewart book ("Homekeeping Handbook" 2006) patent is particularly susceptible to cracking and should not be allowed to get wet. She also recommends the following:

1. cleaning with soft cloth and solution of vinegar with water
2. if cracks appear, stretch on shoe shaper and treat with leather conditioner
3. always dry away from heat sources and take care not to scratch

Obviously I would try to prevent exposure to rain. But what about accidental water drops here and there? Or high humidity? I used to think that patent leather is actually better off because it's coated.

Ladies, what's your experience with patent leather? And how do you clean it?