How to Shine Leather Shoes in 8 Easy Steps at Home

The shoes are made of leather. Leather shoes, from boots to sneakers, available in a variety of styles and are ideal for wet days. However, no matter how long they last or how great they seem, they can become worn and unsightly with time. And you don’t want that, do you? Knowing how to clean and polish leather shoes will keep them looking beautiful for years. Simply follow the steps below with Teeanime.

What you need

The following are the best ordinary leather shoes. However, if your shoes are suede, be sure to read our How to Clean Suede and Nubuck Shoes blog because they require specific care and normal leather treatments may destroy them.

• A shoe cleaning brush to remove loose dirt & to get dirt between grooves off
• A special brush to apply Combi Foam (soft side)
• Combi Foam in combination with the soft side of our special brush to easily get rid of salt and water stains
• Shoe polish to shine your shoes and to enhance colour
• Shoe protector spray to protect your shoes against dirt and rain
• A soft cloth

The quickest approach to remove minor dirt and stains from your leather shoes is with soap and water. However, they may not be effective on severe stains or scuff marks. Instead, use products designed specifically to remove these stains. This type of product is available at your local MISTER MINIT store.

Instructions to clean your leather shoes at home

Before you begin, place sheets of newspaper or a towel on the surface you will be working on to facilitate cleanup and avoid potential harm. Once you’ve decided, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the laces from your shoes

Removing the laces keeps water and polish from getting on them. However, they may require a wash from time to time. If they’re filthy, throw them in the washing machine or replace them with another pair.

2. Brush off dirt and debris

Dirt can weaken the fibres of your leather footwear, resulting in (unrepairable) cracks, therefore use a cleaning shoe brush to remove any loose dirt, mud, or salt from the shoe’s leather surfaces. When cleaning, pay close attention to scuffs and scrapes to avoid damage. Brushing off dirt after wearing your leather shoes will make it easier to buff and shine them afterwards.

3. Use soap to remove tough stains

Wipe the external surfaces of the leather shoe with a towel or a soft shoe brush dampened with water and a little soap. You may also apply our Combi Foam to the shoe by shaking the can and rubbing it in small circles with the soft side of our unique brush. It can also be used to clean dirt from between grooves. Take care not to get the leather too damp. It is preferable to repeat the process with less water and soap rather than using too much all at once.

Dab on difficult stains or scuff marks to remove them. If they still won’t come out, begin lightly rubbing the stain with a bit of pressure.

4. Wipe off soap

Once all of the stains have been removed, wipe away the soap or Combi Foam with a dry towel and wait until they are dry enough to begin polishing. This could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. You can also insert shoe stretchers into your leather shoes to help keep their form.

5. Use polish and rub them in with a shoe brush

Using a clean, soft cloth and a clear or similar colored polish, apply the polish in a circular motion throughout the whole shoe. This will prevent the leather shoe from stains, nourish it, and make the color more vibrant. But be cautious of any stitching that is a different color!

Test the polish on your forehand in an inconspicuous spot to ensure it does not discolor.

6. Shine the shoes

Allow the polish to soak for a few minutes when you’re finished. After that, use a new clean soft cloth or a buffing brush to polish the shoe properly with short yet steady swipes.

7. Let dry

Allow your shoes and boots to air dry. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight (or a heater), since this might cause discolouration or cracks in the leather.

8. Spray in with protector spray

After cleaning and shining your leather shoes, spray them with an excellent protection spray from a distance of 30 cm. This treatment will soften, suppleness, and waterproof your shoes. Make sure to do this at least four times a year, more if you live in a rainy area. Isn’t it better to prevent than to treat?

But keep in mind…

It is really simple to clean and shine your leather shoes. There is only one important factor that can be problematic at times: timing. If you want to extend the life of your leather shoes, we recommend that you clean them as soon as they become filthy. Only then can you avoid permanent filth and stains.