You love your leather shoes and want to keep them shiny for a long time.In harsh weather like snow and ice, it's important to clean your shoes regularly.It's a good idea to condition the leather every month and then polish it for that lovely sheen.Many modern shoes come with a protective layer, so you may want to waterproof your shoes.Store them in a way that will keep them pristine when you put them away.
Step 1: Remove dirt with a soft cloth.
Rub off as much dirt as you can with a dry cloth.Try to remove any mud and excess salt.
Step 2: The cleaner should be applied with a soft brush.
To rub the cleaner into the shoe, use an applicator top.Use a soft brush or cloth to rub it in if it doesn't have one.The brush or cloth can be used to make circles.When applying saddle soap, use a small amount of water.Smooth leather cleaner can be used for unfinished or finished leather.Smooth leather is any leather that is not textured.It's not considered "smooth" if it is a textured leather.Mild soap can be used with finished leather, such as a laundry detergent meant for fragile clothing.Chemicals that may damage your leather can be contained in sponges.
Step 3: Salt stains can be dealt with using water and vinegar.
2 parts water and 1 part vinegar.Rub the mixture into the salt stains with a soft cloth or brush.Adding the mixture to your shoes will remove the stain.There is a Salt stain on your shoes.If you have a wax polish build-up, this method will remove it from your shoes.
Step 4: You can dry your shoes at a room temperature.
Before you apply polish, conditioner, or weather proofer, make sure your shoes are dry.It's not a good idea to use heat as it can damage the leather.It is better to leave them alone for at least 15 minutes.
Step 5: The laces need to be removed from the shoes.
It is possible for the polish or conditioner to spread evenly across the shoe.Pull the laces out from the eyelets one by one until you separate the shoes.
Step 6: Take care of your shoes at least every 25 wears.
The leather needs to be hydrated.It can crack as it dries out.Rub the conditioner using small circular movements on a clean cloth.Once you conditioned the whole shoe, remove any excess conditioner.After you wear your shoes 5 to 10 times, you should make sure they are in good condition.Do it every 15 to 25 wears.
Step 7: You should apply a polish to your shoes once a month.
Use circles to add polish to a shoe.A soft cloth or horsehair brush is good for this task.Continue to apply the polish until you have covered the shoe.Any excess should be wiped off.More protection for your shoes can be provided by a wax-based polish.You should match the color of the polish to the shoes.If you think you have a good color, you can apply a little polish to see if it matches.
Step 8: If you want shiny shoes, try a spit shine.
If you want a spit shine, stretch a cloth over your fingers.It's a good idea to add a small amount of water.The wax already on your shoe will begin to harden if you Rub it over it.Rub the area until it shines, then continue with the rest of the shoe.A polishing lasts about a week.
Step 9: You can use a beeswax product to protect your shoes.
beeswax provides a good seal against the weather.Rub the product on the shoe using small circles.Let your shoes dry.It is a good idea to apply these products once a season.You can apply the product to the shoe with the applicator that comes with it.
Step 10: If you want a cheap option, use plain beeswax.
Put plain beeswax in a wax warmer and apply it to the boot.It will leave a thick, ugly layer, but you can melt it with a heat gun or blow dryer.Rub the boot with the brush after melting the wax with a heat gun or blow dryer.Prior to the creation of modern waterproofing pastes, beeswax was a common material.It is a good idea to apply wax once a season.
Step 11: Try a spray-on product that has a prettier finish.
Choose spray-on products for a prettier finish because they don't leave as thick a layer.The spray-on polish should be held about 6 to 8 inches away from the shoe.The product can be sprayed in a steady, even layer.Before you wear the shoes, make sure the product is dry.You'll need to apply these products several times throughout the season because they don't waterproof or last as long as beeswax products.
Step 12: Wear galoshes to protect your leather shoes.
If you live in a rainy climate where you have to walk a lot, then putting galoshes on over your shoes is your best bet.You will be able to avoid most of the salt.You can find a pair of galoshes in many styles and shapes.
Step 13: It's a good idea to give your shoes a break.
The leather absorbs water from sources like rain.It's a good idea to give your shoes a break between the days you wear them.If you prefer to wear leather everyday, try alternating pairs of shoes.
Step 14: You can put shoe trees when you're not wearing shoes.
If it's wet, leather can lose its shape.A shoe tree will help your shoe keep its shape by drawing out some of the water.The shoes are shaped like a human foot.Pick unfinished cedar inserts because plastic won't absorb the water.Newspaper won't keep the shoes in shape if it's put in place of a shoe tree.
Step 15: Before you store your shoes, have a professional clean them.
Before you store your shoes for the summer, make sure they are clean.If you don't take them out of storage, the stains will set in and be hard to clean.To make sure they're really clean, have them cleaned by a professional.
Step 16: You can keep your shoes in the fabric.
Leather needs air to be dry.If you put it in a plastic bag, it will dry out.You can choose a fabric bag.Most shoe boxes don't provide enough fresh air to keep leather dry.