How to Make Dress Shoes Glossy

Professionally dressed men and women need dress shoes.

Dress shoes are a requirement for business professional attire. Many jobs require employees to present themselves in this attire, and you will also likely need to dress professionally when attending events, such as career fairs, seminars and interviews. To make a good impression, you need to appear neat and presentable from head to toe, including wearing shiny dress shoes. If your dress shoes are dull or dingy, make them look glossy again before heading out the door.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Bowl
• Cloths
• Polishing agent
• Shoe brush

Instructions

1. Pour 2 tbsp. of white vinegar into a bowl. Do not dilute the vinegar.

2. Dip the corner of a soft cloth into the vinegar. Squeeze the cloth with your fingers to remove excess vinegar.

3. Rub the dress shoes with the vinegar to remove any dirt or debris that is taking away the shine. Buff dry.

4. Add 1 tsp. of a polishing agent to the opposite side of the cloth. You can use a commercial leather shoe polish, or you can use a natural product, such as olive oil or pressed nut oil.

5. Apply the polishing agent to the dress shoes to help restore the shine and make them glossy again. Wait a few minutes.

6. Scrub the dress shoes gently with a natural bristle shoe brush.

7. Buff the dress shoes using a dry area of your cloth or a new cloth if necessary. Continue buffing until the glossy surface is completely restored.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid getting your leather dress shoes wet for long periods of time. This can take away the shine and cause welts that cannot be removed. If they are exposed to moisture, dry them immediately with a soft cloth.

References

• University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business: Dress for Success
• Mrs. Clean: Leather Cleaning
• Suit Yourself: Shoe Care Tips