Shoe Maintenance and Care

• shoe cleaner
  Remove winter salt stains from shoes by wiping with a cloth dampened in a vinegar solution. Use 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup (225ml) of water.    

• Lemon-fresh shoe polisher
  2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  
  Here's a fresh-smelling polish that's also an eco-friendly way to maintain great looking shoes. Place the olive oil and lemon juice in a small lidded jar and shake vigorously until combined well (double the formula if you're doing several pairs of shoes). Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and apply evenly to dry, dark leather shoes that are in need of a bit of polish. Let the polish soak in for a few minutes, then buff with a fresh, clean cloth. Repeat monthly, or as necessary.   

• shiny patent leather
  Patent leather will shine better if you wipe it with a soft cloth that has been moistened with distilled vinegar.    

• leather shoe cleaner
  1/2 cup (125ml) water
  1/2 cup (125ml) vinegar
  
  In winter, a quick walk through a slushy parking lot is likely to leave quite a bit of salt on your shoes and what may be good for melting ice can actually damage leather, if you allow the salt stains to build up over the season. To make an effective shoe cleaning solution, mix equal parts water and vinegar. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and dab it sparingly over the salt-streaked parts of your shoes. Repeat,a s necessary, until all the salt is removed, and then let them air dry. 

• automatic shoe freshener
  1 cup (220g) baking soda, divided
  
  If you or your loved ones are bothered by the smell of shoes after you've worn them, here's a great method for getting rid of the offensive odors. Take an old pair of clean cotton socks (no holes in the toes, please) and fill each one with 1/2 cup (110g) baking soda. Shake gently to make sure most of the powder inside. Place one sock in each shoe at the end of the day, and the baking soda will help absorb moisture and neutralize the odors. Replace every month. 

• leather shoe conditioner
  1 tablespoon (15ml) vinegar
  1 tablespoon (15ml) linseed oil
  
  For regular cleaning and conditioning, an equal mix of vinegar and linseed oil can help keep leather shoes soft and supple. Mix the two together in a small glass container. Apply to shoes with a soft cloth and buff lightly. Rags soaked in linseed oil are considered a fine hazard, so immediately soak them in water after use and never put them in the dryer.