How to Shine Shoes With Natural Ingredients

Maintain your shoes with gentle, natural products.

Commercial shoe polish is messy and smelly, and less toxic versions just aren't readily available. There are a few tricks you can use to get a nice shine on your shoes and protect the leather from cracking and drying using natural ingredients. You can keep your shoes looking polished and professional without relying on harsh chemicals but it may take more frequent touch-ups and the level of protection against water is not as great.

Things You'll Need

• Banana peel
• Paper towels or rags
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice

Instructions

1. Wipe the dust off your shoes with a shoe brush or a rag. Wipe the inside of a banana peel all over the shoes. Use a rag or paper towel to buff in the banana and leave an instant shine on your leather shoes.

2. Clean and shine shoes with lemon juice and olive oil. Pour a teaspoon or two of olive oil into a bowl and squeeze in a few drop of lemon juice. Use a rag or cotton ball to apply the solution to the shoes, rubbing away dirt and salt. Rub with a dry, clean cloth to polish the shoes.

3. Protect leather shoes with a thin coat of olive oil or petroleum jelly. These products keep the leather soft and help prevent cracking.

References

• Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia: Shoe Cleaners and Conditioners