How to protect shoes from dirt and stains with simple tools that can be found in a locker at home

  • Dec 13, 2020

Shoes are an important component of the image, by which you can evaluate a person and even determine his character. Unkempt shoes can speak of absent-mindedness and dreaminess, cleaned to a shine - of practicality and attention to all details. Be that as it may, in beautiful and neat shoes we feel more confident and calm. Simple penny means will help to keep its presentable appearance after daily tests with dirt and reagents. You don't need to go far, because they are already at home.

1. Wax candle from getting wet rag shoes

Dry your shoes thoroughly to melt the wax and form a film.
Dry your shoes thoroughly to melt the wax and form a film.

Textile sneakers and slip-ons are comfortable and versatile shoes in the wardrobe of active people. But, alas, they will not save you from getting wet in rainy weather. The problem is easily solved with a wax candle and a hair dryer. First, you need to consistently, centimeter by centimeter, rub the entire surface with a piece of wax, not missing the joints between the fabric and the sole.

When all the material has been processed, turn on the hairdryer and dry the shoes thoroughly. The wax should completely melt and create a water-repellent layer.

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2. Plastic ties instead of laces

Sneakers with ties - not only practical, but also original
Sneakers with ties - not only practical, but also original

With frequent lacing and heavy loads, the eyelets on old sneakers can break out "with meat", after which they cannot be restored. With the help of plastic ties with clips, you can forever save yourself from the tedious procedure of tying your shoelaces.

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Insert the cable tie into the holes and secure with the clip at the desired distance. Do the same with each row, then cut off the tails with wire cutters. The procedure is best done directly on the leg to adjust the fit.

3. Toothpaste for Snow White Sneakers

It is recommended to use a bleaching paste for cleaning shoes.
It is recommended to use a bleaching paste for cleaning shoes.

To remove old stubborn stains on white shoes, you need regular, dye-free toothpaste. Moisten the entire surface with warm water, squeeze out a small amount of paste and carefully brush the contaminated areas, including the sole, with a toothbrush. For leather and suede shoes, it is better to use a household sponge or tightly twisted nylon stocking.

Leave a thin layer of the paste to dry completely, then rinse with water and blot with a tissue. Place clean sneakers in a warm place (but not hot on the battery!) Until completely dry. After this procedure, not only the stains will disappear, but the scuffs on the white sole will also become less noticeable.

4. "Resuscitation" of leather shoes with nail polish remover and petroleum jelly

This is how the shoes look after applying Vaseline
This is how the shoes look after applying Vaseline

This recipe will help you quickly revive old leather shoes before an important event. Dampen a cotton pad with nail polish remover, treat all scuffs and scratches on the shoes with it, and leave to dry completely.

Petroleum jelly will be needed to set the results in place - it will provide the fresh glossy look typical of new shoes. With a small amount of petroleum jelly (about the size of a pea), rub the entire surface of the boots with a cotton swab. Blot shoes lightly with a clean, damp cloth to remove excess product. Thanks to this recipe, the perfect boot is guaranteed even in rainy weather.

5. School eraser for cleaning suede shoes

Eraser helps remove even stubborn stains on suede
Eraser helps remove even stubborn stains on suede

For the care of suede and nubuck shoes, ordinary office erasers are suitable. They easily deal with scratches, remove dirt and dust from the fleecy surface, while maintaining the integrity and velvety of the material. With smooth movements without pressure, wipe your boots with an eraser in places of dirt. Use a soft brush to remove the rubber pillars.

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A nail file also works well on suede stains, but unlike an eraser, it is more aggressive and should only be used as a last resort.

6. Fresh tea bag

Tea bag keeps shoes fresh all day
Tea bag keeps shoes fresh all day

To eliminate unpleasant odors, put a tea bag in each shoe overnight. If possible, leave them there for 3-4 days to consolidate the effect. Tea has antibacterial properties and absorbs unwanted odors, keeping you feeling fresh throughout the day.

New or used black and green tea bags can be used to combat this problem.

7. Drying shoes quickly with cat litter

It is better to use a silica gel filler to dry your shoes.
It is better to use a silica gel filler to dry your shoes.

Cat litter contains shavings or synthetic absorbent components that absorb not only moisture, but also odor. Fillers with silica gel content do the best with this task.

Pour the cat litter into a tight sock and place in your shoe. The filler should fit as tightly as possible to the walls of the shoe so that the moisture is absorbed as soon as possible. This method allows you to dry even very wet shoes within 4-5 hours without deformation and fading.

8. How to smooth folds and folds

Creases can be smoothed out on almost any shoe
Creases can be smoothed out on almost any shoe

You can get rid of "age wrinkles" on old shoes in 5 minutes. Stuff the damaged boot tightly with socks, rags, or newspaper. Dampen a small towel in hot water, place in a fold and iron with an iron.

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Two or three minutes of such exposure will be enough. It will not be possible to completely return the shoe to its original appearance, but after the procedure it will look much better. This technique works with textile sneakers, sneakers, shoes made of smooth, textured and perforated leather.

9. Anti-squeak baby powder

Baby powder is an inexpensive and effective remedy for shoe squeak
Baby powder is an inexpensive and effective remedy for shoe squeak

Squeaking noise when walking is a common defect in cheap shoes. But this problem can be solved with improvised means. Remove the insoles from your shoes and treat the backs with talcum powder or baby powder.

Pour a little product inside the shoe and distribute it evenly over the entire surface, then put the insole back. The powder acts as a buffer, preventing friction and intrusive squeaking when walking.