How Do I Polish Shoes Using Cream?

Keep dress shoes dressy with regular use of shoe cream.

Shoe cream is an important part of every shoe shine kit. Shoe cream is made by a variety of manufacturers and it is used to keep shoes clean, the leather supple and conditioned, and the shoes nicely shined. Learning how to polish your own leather shoes with shoe cream will keep your favorite shoes looking new longer -- helping you avoid the temptation of the shoe store.

Things You'll Need

• Shoe cream
• Cloth
• Soft-bristled brush

Instructions

1. Remove shoe laces. Clean shoes thoroughly, with a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt and grime.

2. Apply the shoe cream of choice with a clean cloth, swirling it on all the leather areas of the shoe. Let it sit and dry while you clean and prepare the other shoe for its cream.

3. Buff the shoe lightly with a clean dry cloth after the cream polish is dry. This can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a half hour, depending on the brand of shoe cream.

4. After applying the cream and buffing both shoes, insert the laces back in the shoes.

5. Store the freshly shined shoes in a clean, dry closet, or a shoe box so they remain nicely shined and ready to be worn.

References

• Martha Stewart; Caring for Shoes; November 2006
• Good Housekeeping; Shoe Cleaning Guide; Heloise
• GQ Magazine; How to Polish Your Shoes; Fred Woodward; Aug. 4, 2009