How to Effectively Polish Your Shoes

Nothing impresses people more than when your shoes are clean and shiny. Polishing shoes the right way not only makes them look good, but helps protect the leather and thus increase the life of your shoe--saving you money.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brown shoe polish-Kiwi
• Black shoe polish-Kiwi
• Clean cotton rag
• Shoe brush
• "Elbow Grease"

1. 
   Take care of your shoes for longer wear

   The first thing to do when you purchase your shoes, polish them. Many people make the mistake of only polishing their shoes when they get scuffed or dirty. Polishing acts as a great protectant and preserves shoe leather well.

2. 

   I find that Kiwi is the best polish on the market. Having brown and black shoe polish should be adequate for your shoe polishing needs. First, use the cotton rag to apply the matching shoe polish to your shoes. A polish applicator can be used if available. Rub in the polish in circular motions taking care to get down by where the shoe meets the sole. If your shoes have laces, it is helpful to remove the laces. After you have applied the polish to both shoes, let sit for a minimum of 10 minutes.

3. 

   Next, place your non-dominant hand in the shoe, and with the other hand, "buff" you shoe so that the polish has a nice luster. For added luster, "mist" shoes lightly with moisture using a spray bottle with water, and buff again. Repeat polishing of shoes on a regular basis and your shoes will look great for that next interview or date. They will last longer too!

4. 

   If you never polished shoes before or just used the "brush on" polish, you can purchase "shoe shine kits" complete with all you need.

[godfather25]

on 4/29/2009 Great article. I need to polish my shoes, thanks for the tips. 5*