You can make your shoes look new and shiny by polishing them. However, if you apply the wrong color of polish, your shoes will look dirty and stained. Fortunately, the wrong color of polish can be removed using saddle soap and a brush or cloth. After that, you can polish it back easily.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Removing Old Polish
Step 1. Remove the shoelaces
Since you'll be removing the old polish with soap, the suds on the laces can change the color. Remove the laces before you begin the process, then put them back on after the shoes have been re-shinned and dry.
Step 2. Wipe the shoes with a soft, damp cloth
Just like when you apply soap to your skin, the soap will spread evenly if your shoes are damp. Do not get the shoes too wet because it can damage the leather.
Step 3. Rub a wet cloth on the saddle soap until it forms a lather
Saddle soap is commonly used as a cleanser and conditioner on a variety of leather types, and is ideal for cleaning shoes. Wipe the cloth in a circular motion to create a lot of froth.
- You may have to re-wet the cloth during this process to allow the soap to get enough water to create a lather.
- If you have a dauber brush, which is the small brush that usually comes with leather cleaning kits, you can use it to apply saddle soap instead of a cloth. Wet the brush, then spin it in the saddle soap, and rub it into the shoes.
Step 4. Apply saddle soap to the shoes in a circular motion
Try to get the soap into your skin so it can penetrate the old polish.
Step 5. Wipe the peel with a clean cloth
Do not let any soap still stick to the shoes because it can make the skin dry and dull. When you wipe off the suds, you'll see streaks of old polish sticking to the clean cloth.
Part 2 of 2: Reshining Shoes
Step 1. Spread the cloth or newsprint on the work surface
Shoe polish can stain things, and shoe polish can be difficult to remove if it sticks to certain surfaces. Prevent this from happening by placing an old newspaper or cloth/towel before you start the process.
Step 2. Use the right color of polish for the shoes
If you are still unsure about the right color, just use a neutral (colorless) polish. This will restore the shine to the shoe even if it won't cover blemishes or faded leather.
If you want to use a color polish, but you don't know which color to choose, visit a leather shoe store and ask the staff there for advice
Step 3. Apply a thin layer of conditioner to the shoes and let them sit for 10 to 20 minutes
You can apply leather conditioner using your hands or a cloth. Apply conditioner all over the shoe, and let it soak into the leather for at least 10 minutes.
- Shoe conditioner is very useful because it will moisturize the shoe leather to keep it in good shape for a long time.
- Leather conditioner can be found at a shoe store or leather store.
Step 4. Dip a clean, soft cloth in the polish and apply it to the shoes
You don't need a lot of polish, especially if the leather is a light color. Rub the shoes in a circular motion, then let the polish dry for 15 minutes.
If your shoes need more polish, apply a thin second coat before the first polish dries
Step 5. Scrub the shoes vigorously with a shoe brush
Once the polish is dry, scrub the shoes with a horsehair shoe brush. This will remove excess paint and make the shoes shine.
Many shoe polish kits come with a brush, although you may have to buy one at a shoe store anyway
Step 6. Shine on the toes and heels
You don't need to use spit to do this, but moisten a cotton swab or scouring pad and squeeze out the excess water. Apply a small amount of polish to a cotton swab, then rub it on the tips of your toes and heels in small circular motions. The longer you rub, the shinier the shoes will be.
