Shining your shoes keeps them shiny, clean and well taken care of.
One of the first things people notice about you is your shoes. Therefore, wanting a clean, well-manicured pair of shoes is only natural. Shoe shining is a traditional and classic way to keep your shoes looking shiny and clean. If you've never shined shoes before, the process can be a bit intimidating. Fortunately, a few secrets to the shoe shining process can make shining your shoes easy and effective.
Remove the Dirt
Removing as much dirt, mud and other grime as you can before you shine your shoes is quite beneficial, suggests the Butler Bureau website. Not only does the soil dirty the rag you use, but it also impedes the shining process. Before you shine your shoes, clean them using cold water; avoid water that is hot or warm. Use a scrub brush, sponge or rag to remove the soil from the shoe. If the soil is persistent, use a shoe cleaner that is free of acid or detergent. Saddle soap and soaps made for cleaning leather shoes typically work well. Dry the shoe, and begin polishing immediately.
Don't Forget the Arch and Stitching
When you think about shoe shining, you probably think about the top of the shoe. However, the bottom of the shoe needs some care as well. Apply a dab of polish to your polishing brush, and use it to apply polish to the arch area between the heel and the sole on the bottom of the shoe. Applying oil to this area will help protect the shoe. You do not need to apply the polish to the entire sole, just the arch area. Add a bit more polish to the brush, and scrub the area where the sole and shoe meet. Doing so will protect the stitching and help keep it strong. After you have rubbed the polish on the arch and sole area, apply the polish to the rest of the shoe using the brush.
Make Use of Spit
Believe it or not, saliva is an essential component of the shoe shining process. Spit on the toe of the shoe, and wrap the shoe rag around your index finger. Place the rag in the spit, and move it in small, circular motions around the shoe. Continue to add more spit to the shoe to keep it moist and to help work the polish into the shoe.
Choose the Right Polish
Choosing the right color polish can make all the difference when polishing shoes. According to the Ask Andy About Clothes website, taking the shoes with you to match the polish will likely ensure that you pick the polish that matches the color of the shoes best. In addition, cream or paste polish keeps leather moisturized and flexible and soaks into the leather to allow it to breathe. Wax polish shines leather better than cream does; however, it can cause the leather to dry out. Liquid polish shines shoes well but can dry and crack the leather.
Tags: shoe, shine, secrets, your shoes, shining process, shoe shining, about shoe, apply polish, arch area, bottom shoe, polish arch, polish shines
