In order for the shoes to look like new and shine to a shine, it is not necessary to go to the cleaning service or buy expensive products. There are many simple and effective ways to return shoes to their original appearance using available means. Here are five popular methods to help you shine your shoes:
Use of shoe polish
Shoe cream is a classic method of skin care, which not only gives shine, but also cares for shoes.
What is needed:
- Shoe cream (to match the color of shoes or colorless)
- A soft cloth or brush
- Polishing cloth or brush
How to do:
- Clean the shoes from dirt and dust with a soft brush or rag.
- Apply a small amount of shoe polish to a cloth or soft brush.
- Spread the cream evenly over the surface of the shoe in circular motions.
- Allow the cream to absorb a little (several minutes).
- Polish the shoes with a clean, soft cloth or brush until they shine.
Advice: Choose a cream with wax, it will provide not only shine, but also additional protection against moisture and dirt.
Polishing milk
Milk is an affordable means of restoring the shine of leather, which effectively removes scuffs and gives shine to shoes.
What is needed:
- A small amount of milk
- Soft fabric
How to do:
- Wipe the shoes with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Apply some milk to a clean cloth.
- Carefully wipe the shoes with milk, applying it to the entire surface.
- After that, wipe the shoes with a dry cloth to get rid of excess milk.
- Allow the shoes to dry a little and polish them with a clean cloth.
Advice: This method is suitable for black, brown and other dark leather shoes, as milk can slightly emphasize the tone of the leather.
Glycerin for shine
Glycerin helps not only improve the shine of shoes, but also nourishes the skin, keeping it soft and elastic.
What is needed:
- Glycerin (can be bought at a pharmacy)
- Water
- A soft cloth
How to do:
- Dilute 1 part glycerin with 3 parts water in a bowl.
- Wet a soft cloth in the resulting solution.
- Wipe the shoes with the mixture, paying attention to the seams and details.
- Polish the shoes with a dry cloth for shine.
Advice: This method works especially well for smooth leather and can be used not only for shoes, but also for bags, belts and other leather accessories.
Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar can effectively clean shoes, removing dirt and leaving the leather shiny.
What is needed:
- 1 Art. spoon of baking soda
- 1 Art. spoon of vinegar
- 1 water bottle
- A soft cloth
How to do:
- Mix baking soda and vinegar with water to make a paste.
- Using a rag or sponge, carefully apply the paste to the shoes, paying attention to the soiled areas.
- Allow the mixture to dry a little (5-10 minutes), then wipe the shoes with a damp cloth to remove any remaining paste.
- Polish the shoes with a dry cloth for a shine.
Advice: This method is especially useful for light-colored shoes, as baking soda and vinegar can slightly lighten the leather and bring it back to life.
Do-it-yourself shoe shine (from petroleum jelly)
Vaseline is another inexpensive product that can be used to shine shoes, especially if you don't have leather cream on hand.
What is needed:
- Vaseline
- Soft fabric
How to do:
- Clean the shoes from dirt with a brush or rag.
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to a cloth and gently rub it into the leather of the shoe.
- Spread the vaseline over the entire surface, carefully rubbing into the seams and areas with abrasions.
- Let the shoes soak in a bit and then buff with a clean cloth to a shine.
Advice: Be careful with this method on light skin, as petroleum jelly can stain. It is most suitable for dark and black shoes.