Have you ever needed to polish a pair of shoes but don't have polish available? Don't worry, there are many ways you can replace it, with the benefit of knowing exactly what ingredients you are putting on your footwear. In emergencies, you can even use items normally found in the kitchen pantry, bathroom cabinet or refrigerator, such as olive oil, lemon, petroleum jelly or banana peel.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create a DIY Shoe Polish
Step 1. Prepare the necessary to dissolve the ingredients in a double boiler
Pour some water into a saucepan and place a metal bowl on top. Turn on the stove over medium heat to bring the water to a boil.
Step 2. Pour the olive oil and beeswax into the bowl
You will need 80ml of oil and 30g of white beeswax.
If you want your shoes to shine more than ever, try replacing half of the beeswax with carnauba wax, a plant wax made from a particular variety of palm
Step 3. Stir to incorporate the oil into the wax as it melts
As it heats up, the wax will begin to melt. When it is completely dissolved, stir to mix it evenly with the oil.
Step 4. You can add black or brown oxide if you wish
Use a coffee grinder or food processor to pulverize one and a half tablespoons of black or brown oxide. Once ready, add the powder to the oil and melted wax mixture, then mix patiently to make sure it spreads evenly through the polish. There should be no streaks or patches of more intense color left.
- Remember to clean the coffee grinder or food processor after use, otherwise you risk contaminating your food.
- If you don't have an electric robot available, you can try using a pestle and mortar. Also in this case don't forget to clean it well after processing!
- Add oxide only if it seems to you that the natural color of the shoes is a little faded and you want to spice it up. Of course they must be brown or black, otherwise they will get stained and become unusable.
Step 5. Pour the polish into a small container
It should be large enough to hold it all. The ideal is to use a glass jar or metal candle holder with a lid (such as those generally used for scented candles). If you don't have a large enough container, you can use several small ones.
Step 6. Wait for the polish to harden
It will take about 45-60 minutes. Once hardened, it will be ready to use! If you don't have time to wait, let it cool down to room temperature and, when it's lukewarm, place it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes (or as long as you need) so it quickly goes solid.
Step 7. Use shoe polish
First clean them with a damp cloth to remove dirt. At this point you can apply the polish with a dry and clean cloth; finally, polish them well. If necessary, wipe off excess polish with a second clean cloth. The trick to making your shoes even more shiny is to finish the job by buffing them with a shoe brush.
Method 2 of 2: Using the Available Items
Step 1. Use your wits to help you polish your shoes in emergency situations
Don't have shoe polish available? No problem: there are many elements that can replace it if necessary. Take a look at this section of the article and see if you have some of these ingredients available where you are. You don't need to use them all to be able to polish your shoes: just one of olive oil, petroleum jelly or banana peel is enough.
Step 2. Polish your shoes with olive oil
Walnut oil also allows you to obtain an excellent result. In the absence of anything else, you can also try using a different natural oil. In addition to polishing the leather of the footwear, the oil also offers a light natural protection from water. Start by spreading the oil on your shoes with a soft, clean cloth, let it sit for a few minutes or until the next day (depending on how much time you have available) and finally wipe off the excess product with a second clean cloth.
Step 3. Try mixing the oil with lemon juice to make the shoes even more shiny
The correct proportion is two parts of olive oil and one part of lemon juice. Rub the mixture into the surface of the shoes using a soft, clean cloth, let the ingredients sit for a few minutes, then polish them with a second clean cloth.
You can use either fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice. Avoid lemon-flavored drinks or lemonade as they also contain other ingredients that could stain or ruin your footwear
Step 4. Polish your shoes with petroleum jelly
All you have to do is pour a few drops on a soft, clean cloth to use to gently scrub your shoes. When finished, wipe off the excess petroleum jelly with another clean cloth.
Step 5. Use banana peel
This method is amazing because in addition to perfectly polishing your shoes, it allows you to enjoy an extra snack. Eat a banana or use it to make a delicious smoothie and keep the peel to rub the white inside on the surface of the shoes. When finished, polish them with a soft, clean cloth.
If you don't have the time or the desire to eat banana, cut it into small pieces and put it in the freezer. You can use it the following day to make a smoothie or banana bread
Advice
- You can try to use different types of oxides and pigments based on the color of the shoes.
- You should always test the polish in an inconspicuous corner of the shoes.
- You can buy beeswax at stores that sell home improvement items or online.
- Oxides can be found on sites that sell homemade soap products.
- Use a precision scale to measure quantities.
