Essential How-To’S For Shining Shoes

Faith — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 12:01:25 +0000

Today there are so many offices opting for casual workplace attire that formal dress shoes are being used less and less. Even an office, in which you expect people to be wearing suits, such as a bank, is opting for casual pants and polo shirts instead. Although there is nothing wrong with the whole world going casual, there are fewer and fewer people who are learning to shine dress shoes. There does come a time in everyone’s life that they will need to shine their shoes or pay someone else to do it for them. Often times a wedding, funeral, or even a church service will require dress attire. In these cases, wearing scuffed shoes is not an option. If you have enough time to find someone to do the task for you, by all means, go ahead. If you are running behind however and just need to get it done, check out this easy shoe shining process that will get the job done in less than ten minutes.
What You Need
The first thing you should always have on hand is a shoe shining kit. Now, this does not need to be an expensive kit that you purchase all together. You can purchase each piece and throw them all into an empty shoe box if you wish. It really doesn’t matter either way, but keeping everything together will cut down on time. Make sure that you have liquid polish with an applicator built-in, paste polish, a horsehair applicator, a horsehair brush, and buffing cloths. If you are rushed for time you will only need the liquid polish, the brush, and a buffing cloth. However it is great to take the time every now and then to try the paste polish.
The Process
The first thing you should do is to remove any dirt or debris from your shoes. You can do this with a moist towel or with a dry one; depending on how much dirt you have on your shoes. Remember that if you get your shoes too wet the polish will not take, so be sure to use a minimal amount of water. Allow the area to dry completely. If you are in a big hurry, don’t use water at all.
Next, you can grab the liquid polish and apply it as directed to your shoes. Be sure you have a matching color for each pair of dress shoes you own. Spread the polish all over your shoes, concentrating most on the toe and the heel of the shoe. Allow the shoe to dry as you move to the next shoe. Be sure you take the time to let this part of the process dry. Liquid shoe shiner dries very fast, so you won’t be waiting long.
When you are certain the shoes are dry, take your horsehair brush and start working with the first shoe. You will need to buff the shoe with the brush. Try to remove the entire “wet” areas until you get a little shine. Some people will actually stop here because they will think the shine is good enough. If you feel that the shine is good enough, then feel free to stop.
You can really get a good shine if you continue however. Next, take your buffing cloth, which can be an automotive towel or even an old t-shirt and get to work. This part works best if you put your shoe on first. Hold onto each end of your buffer and slide it along the shoe with a little pressure added throughout. Repeat this step until you get the best results.
Cautions
As you can see, it is very easy to shine shoes in no time. You can do this after wearing your shoes so that the next time you need them they will be ready, or you can wait to do it right before walking out the door. Whatever you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, never shine your shoes when you are wearing light colored clothing. It is best to do this before getting dressed. Shoe polish can easily transfer onto clothing and can be difficult to get off, if you are lucky enough to get it off at all. So, be sure to shine your shoes, wash your hands, and then get dressed. It would be a shame to have great looking shoes and a stained shirt.

Shoe Accessories - What Are They And Why We Need Them

Faith — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 17:19:05 +0000

Shoe accessories can do wonders for increasing the life span of a pair of shoes. Some shoe accessories needed for the maintenance of shoes are as include shoe polish, shoetree, shoe stretchers, and custom shoe bags.

Shoe polish is the most common item used for maintaining a wide variety of shoes. Shoe polish helps shine shoes, especially those made of authentic leather, such as dress shoes. With a little care and a few dabs of polish, you can make your most scuffed pair of shoes look like new. Another item that can be used for removing scuffs of shoes is household non-gel toothpaste. The abrasive texture of the paste helps remove the black marks that appear when a shoe ends up rubbing against a hard surface. Shoe polish is generally used to on shoes is to cover up any small scratches or groves that appear from wear and tear of the shoes. Regular polish and cleaning of shoes can prevent or postpone further damage to shoes. Learning to properly polish your shoes can prolong the life of the shoe. There are several articles available on the Internet that can help you learn the proper techniques of shoe polishing, if you need to know more about the process of shining shoes.

Another popular shoe accessory item is the shoetree. The shoetree is inserted inside the shoe when the shoe is not being worn, and helps keep the shape of the shoe. This can reduce the chance of the shoe shrinking or developing an odd shape, which would cause discomfort to your foot. The shoetree will help aid in storage of your shoes, as well. In fact, you can find shoe racks that hold several pairs of shoes at the same time. This serves as a shoetree and can aid in the proper storage of your shoes. Treating your shoes with care can dramatically increase the life of your shoes.

The shoe stretch is another accessory that can be used to help alter the shape of your shoe when necessary. Shoe stretchers can sometimes help provide a more comfort fit to your foot if you suffer from corn or bunion problems. They are not always a perfect solution to foot problems, but there is a purpose for the shoe stretchers. Just be careful not to over stretch the material of your shoe, or the shoe can tear or become too big.

A custom shoe bag is another hot item for the shoe enthusiast. These bags are perfect for storing your shoes when you travel or need a change of shoes after work or a day of activities. This is especially true if you are traveling more than an hour away from home or do not have time to change at home. You can bring along with your extra set of shoes in your stylish shoe bag. The shoe bag is waterproof, and it will prevent your shoes and your clothes from being damaged if they have been packed together. Shoe bags come in a variety of materials and are made to suit both the man and the woman.

Other items you may need for proper shoe care include soft polishing and buffing rags, storage shelves for proper long-term storage, and the names and phone numbers of repairmen that clean and repair shoes. When you take the time to care and store your shoes, you will be rewarded with shoes that last a long time.

If you are cleaning shoes that are made from any other material other than leather, such as canvas or denim, you may want to find the best method of shoe maintenance. Some shoes, such as those made from canvas, may be hand washed in cool water, or even on a gentle washing cycle. If you plan on putting your shoes in the washer, read the directions on the shoes carefully to avoid damage. Shoes usually cannot be placed in the dyer. Also, if you use any soap or cleaners at all to spot clean your shoes, find out whether the chemicals in the soap are safe for the shoe.

It may be possible to whiten a pair of shoes using a small amount of bleach. It is best to test a small area of the shoe first to check for damage. This is not recommended for higher end shoes, though. First, try using one of the many shoes cleaners and polishes. One more idea for shoe maintenance is to find the right tool to clean the mud out of the sole grooves in certain types of shoes. Walking shoes and hiking boots both have deep grooves that collect dirt and mud. Make sure that the tool you use does not damage the sole of your shoe.

» Shoe Accessories

Essential How-To’S For Shining Shoes

Shoe Accessories - What Are They And Why We Need Them