Some people seem to love shoes, yet do not care for them. Good leather shoes are expensive. Give them the respect they deserve, and they will last much longer.
What needs to be done to keep shoes spick and span?
1. Shoe Care - Polishing Shoes After use
Essentially, there are two categories of shoe polish, wax and silicone. Wax is superior to silicone. Wax shoe polish yields a deep shine. Wax is also better at preventing wet from damaging the shoes. Silicone shoe polish merely provides a surface shine that is quick to apply.
Shoe specialists say that a common fault in shoe care is the application of too much polish, and the removal of too little. A painless way of avoiding this is to use the same brush for applying wax, and buffing it off. It may seem bizarre, but it is a remarkable inducement to use less polish.
Some brands of polish buff up more easily if burnished immediately after waxing. Other brands are better if the wax is left to dry for a few hours. Unfortunately, it is a question of testing to see which method works best.
If shoe polish becomes inflexible,or cracked, place the container over boiling water. It will soon restore the wax to its original condition.
Be aware that certain polishes include toxic substances.
Some substances may be volatile. Make sure the room is well ventilated when using shoe polish.
Some toxic substances may be absorbed into the skin. Take precautions to avoid contact.
2. Shoe Care - Restoring Salt Stained Shoes
When wintery roads are salted, unsightly white blemishes can emerge on footwear. The stains can be tricky to remove, and the remedy precarious. Despite this, salt stains look so unpleasant that it can be worth a shot.
Blend one part mild washing up liquid, one part white spirit, and four parts water.
Mix well to make an emulsion.
Using a clean cloth, rub the emulsion around the complete shoe. Give extra attention to the salt line.
Carefully rinse the shoe then gently dry it.
Reapply polish to the shoe when it is thoroughly dry.
Emulsion used in this way, takes away the polish and, with a bit of luck, the stain along with it.
3. Shoe Care - Curing Squeaky Shoes
Squeaking is frequent caused by layers of leather sole rubbing together. This is especially true with men's shoes. Lubricating the soles with linseed oil, should put a stop to the squeak. Used in this way, linseed oil also has the advantage of prolonging the life of soles. However, until the linseed oil has dried, walking on carpets should be avoided.
If a woman's shoes squeak, it often shows that the metal brace component of the sole has become slack. Repairing requires skilled restoration.
4. Shoe Care - Solving Shoes that Stink
For those who suffer smelly shoes, help is at hand in the kitchen store. Bicarbonate of soda has a remarkable capacity to eliminate odours.
Scatter a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the offending footwear.
Jiggle the shoes, so that the entire inside is covered.
Leave them for six to eight hours. After this time, even the rankest shoes should come up smelling sweet.
To prevent smelly feet, try soaking feet in soapy water with a dash of bleach.
For your information, bicarbonate of soda is also known as baking soda, and sodium bicarbonate.
5. Shoe Care - Storing Shoes
Hoarding shoes, especially at the bottom of a cupboard, is probably the worst thing that can be done to them. Dust causes deterioration in shoes. Shoe retailers actually give an ideal container with each pair of shoes. Why not use it. If shoes are polished after using, and stored in the box they were supplied in, they will stay in good condition for years.
Be warned, if shoes are kept in a plastic bag, they can acquire mildew blotches that are almost impossible to get rid of.
Conclusion
Caring for shoes can extend their life. Wax polish is better for shoes than silicone polish. Salt stains can sometimes be removed, but the outcome is uncertain. Smelly shoes, and squeaky soles, can be treated, but women's shoes that squeak may need specialist repairs. The best way to store shoes are in the boxes they were supplied in.
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Jacqui Vincent is the owner of MyBabyShoes.com.au, Australia's leading online supplier of Girls Shoes. http://www.mybabyshoes.com.au
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