Tips on Polishing Shoes

Always Remove Shoelaces Before Polishing

Rather than buy new pairs of shoes, clean and polish your old ones regularly. You don't need to pay money to have your shoes polished professionally. With just a few simple supplies, you can clean, wax and shine your shoes yourself. There is nothing quite like a good cleaning and polishing to give an old pair of shoes a fresh new look.

Things You'll Need

• Pair of shoes Old newspapers Shoe polish Shoe cream Nailbrush Old toothbrush Rubber based glue Pencil eraser Shoetree Sponge Rag Two shoe brushes Soft cloths (flannel or cotton) for final buffing

Instructions

1. First, clean your shoes thoroughly. After removing shoelaces, take a clean damp rag or sponge and wipe off any dirt, dust or mud. For caked-in dirt and mud, use an old nailbrush and water to eradicate all stubborn muck.

2. Repair any nicks and scratches. Before applying shoe cream, make needed repairs with a thin layer of rubber-based glue, using protective gloves to protect your hands. Wipe off excess glue with a pencil eraser. Do not apply cream until both shoes are completely dry.

3. Prepare to apply shoe cream. First, lay down old newspapers to protect flooring. Make sure to match shoe cream with the color of the shoes. Then, using a soft brush, apply shoe cream, using small circular strokes. Work back and forth, continuing in a spherical motion. Make sure to cover the whole surface of the shoe, including sides. Be certain the shoe cream is thoroughly soaked into the surface of the shoes. Leave overnight, as this will condition the leather.

4. Apply wax polish. Take a soft cloth (either cotton or flannel) and lightly apply with circular strokes, again, working your way all around the shoes. For tiny creases, use an old soft toothbrush. Let the wax air-dry naturally. The longer you leave your shoes to completely dry, the better.

5. Wax off excessive polish. With a horsehair brush, buff shoes and shine. Use brisk motions, going back and forth. Take a spray bottle of water and lightly mist with water for a "high shine." Work your buffing cloth back and forth in swift motions, buffing all areas of the shoes.

6. Clean hands thoroughly with gritty abrasive soap, degreaser or solvent.
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Tips & Warnings

• Store shoes on a shoe horn so they'll last longer between polishing sessions. Polish shoes about once a month if you wear them regularly.

• When air drying the wax, do not place in front of a heat source (such as a radiator). Keep all waxing and polishing supplies in a shoebox, stored away from pets and small children.