Leather Shoe Care
Cleaning leather can be done at home with a couple of simple ingredients. Learn how to clean and shine your leather shoes easily, without any special tools, and cost-effectively.
Equipment
- clean cloth
Ingredients
Stain Remover
- Water
- Vinegar
- Clean cloth
Leather Conditioner
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or mink oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 3-5 drops lemon essential oil optional
Shoe Polish
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp of black or brown oxide optional
Instructions
Leather Stain Remover
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a small bowl.
- Dip a clean cloth into the solution.
- Gently scrub the stain with the wet cloth in a circular motion.
- Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
- Allow the shoes to air-dry before conditioning them.
Leather Conditioner Bar
- Melt the oil and beeswax in a small saucepan.
- Remove from heat, allow it to cool slightly, and add in lemon essential oil.
- Pour mixture into silicone mold.
- Once harden, about 4 hours, remove from molds.
- Rub the bar over the entire shoe, wipe off excess conditioner with a clean microfiber cloth.
Leather Polish
- Combine all ingredients in a shallow metal tin.
- Remove shoelaces.
- Work the polish into the leather using small circular motions with a microfiber cloth.
- Alternatively, you can use a horsehair brush to work the polish into the leather.
- Wipe off any excess oil.
- Buff with a clean, soft cloth.
Notes
The leather bars last forever! I still have some after making them 4 years ago.
However, I do not recommend storing the polish as it will spoil.