How to Make Shoe Shine

Commercial shoe shines often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, as well as the health of those who are sensitive to such substances. Making your own shoe shine is an inexpensive, green alternative to store-bought liquid. There are a couple of different ways to make shoe shine, both of which use everyday household items. These shoe shines can be used on any dress shoes that would require commercial shoe shine.

Things You'll Need

• Banana
• Soft cotton cloth
• Lemon
• Small mesh strainer
• Small bowl
• Olive oil

Instructions

Banana Peel Shoe Shine

1. Peel a banana and either set aside or eat the fruit.

2. Rub the white inner part of the peel on the surface of the shoe, making sure to focus closely on any areas that are particularly dirty or dull.

3. Buff the shoe with a soft, dry cloth, removing all banana residue from the surface of the leather.

Lemon Juice Shoe Shine

1. Slice a lemon in half. Squeeze the lemon halves through a small mesh strainer into a bowl, making sure to catch all the pulp and seeds in the sieve.

2. Add 1/8 tsp. of olive oil to the lemon juice and stir to combine.

3. Apply the lemon juice mixture to the outer part of the dress shoe with a soft rag.

4. Polish the shoe with a soft, dry cloth until it gleams.

References

• Safe Shoe Polish? Ask Annie
• Farmers' Almanac