Americans have a tendency to throw things out rather than taking care of them and expanding their shelf life. In 2017, the EPA found that over 11 million tons of textiles, including footwear, wound up in US landfills.
Rather than throwing out your shoes, why not find ways to keep them in good shape for longer?
To help you reduce your waste, we’re going to talk about how to clean dress shoes. Depending on how often you need to wear them, a good pair of dress shoes should last you for several years–but it’s important that they still look good!
Read on to learn a few simple steps you can take to keep your dress shoes looking brand new.
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Buying Good Shoes
Perhaps part of the constant turnover of apparel in America is the issue of fast fashion. More and more companies are using cheap materials and underpaid labor to churn out supposedly trendy apparel. They keep prices low so that you feel more comfortable opening your wallet every few weeks–and because none of it is built to last.
It’s time to start buying with quality in mind, and dress shoes are an important place to start!
Step 2: Brush Away the Debris
So you’re looking at a quality pair of dress shoes but they need some sprucing. To get started, you’re going to want a shoe brush with soft but sturdy bristles. Horsehair brushes tend to be your best bet.
Remove the laces from your dress shoes. To get a good grip on the shoe, go ahead and stick your hand down in the opening and hold it upside down. Use quick, gentle brushing motions to get rid of any dirt or debris that has been clinging to the shoes since the last time you wore them.
If you’re dealing with more stubborn scuffs and stains, grab a cloth and dampen it. The best material to use is microfiber, but an old t-shirt will do in a pinch. Use saddle soap or diluted white vinegar to firmly rub away the stain.
Step 3: Start Polishing
Get a wax or cream polish designed specifically for shoes. You can use either a brush or a cloth to apply the polish.
Dip your brush or cloth into the polish and apply it to the shoe using a circular motion. Once the polish has been massaged into the leather, use a clean cloth and the same circular motion to buff the shoe.
If you want a really sheen finish, it’s time to break out the old spit shine. (Don’t worry, you don’t need to use spit.) Dab a few drops of water onto the shoe and massage the water into the shoe with a clean cloth.
Learn How to Clean Dress Shoes to Cut Down on Waste
As long as you know how to clean dress shoes, you’ll be able to keep the same pair going for years! You can cut down on waste and no one will know your shoes aren’t brand new.
Looking for more ways to spruce up your wardrobe? Take a look at the rest of our content!
