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Polishing and Cleaning Tips
Exotic Skins: For skins such as crocodile, alligator, lizard, and snake, first wipe clean with a damp cloth. Apply reptile cleanser and allow 15 minutes for the treatment to absorb in the hide. For a high shine, sparingly apply a wax polish and buff with a horsehair brush. Apply edge dressing as needed.
TIPS AND TRICKS
PLACE your shoes on shoe trees in-between wearing's. Shoe trees will help to retain the shape and form of your shoes.
USE a soft cotton rag to wipe dirt from shoes in-between wearing's.
ALLOW shoes to air dry after cleaning, treating and polishing for the best finish and protection.
LEATHERS can be oiled after being cleaned and polished with mink oil or other leather preservatives.
PLACE shoes to be shined and all materials on top of several layers of newspapers before you begin to avoid spills and accidents.
SHOELACES should be removed from the shoe before cleaning or polishing.
MILDEW can be removed from leather shoes with a cup of rubbing alcohol and an equal amount of water. Sponge on, working into the leather, and allow to air dry. Then, clean, condition, and polish as usual.
SHOE ODOR can be treated with baking soda. Sprinkle a fine amount of baking soda inside shoe and allow to rest overnight. In the morning, shake out.
CEDAR BLOCKS can also be placed in leather shoes to help control and combat odor problems.
CLEAN leather shoes between polishing's with a damp cloth.
WATERPROOFING leather shoes not only helps to prevent moisture damage, but also protects against scuff marks and dirt and debris.
The practice of shining and polishing shoes has been around since the invention of foot coverings. Shining not only gives shoe an appealing glossy finish, but also preserves their workmanship and quality by moisturizing the leather, adding years to their life. Left untreated, leathers dry, crack, and fall apart.
HOW OFTEN
Good, quality leather shoes should be polished once a month to preserve their life if they're worn regularly. As you would clean your dry cleaning items or other specialty wearables, clean and polish shoes whenever necessary. If shoes are worn seldom, clean once per month and polish and shine only as needed
Good, quality leather shoes should be polished once a month to preserve their life if they're worn regularly. As you would clean your dry cleaning items or other specialty wearables, clean and polish shoes whenever necessary. If shoes are worn seldom, clean once per month and polish and shine only as needed
Guide created: 01/16/06 (updated 12/23/08)
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