How To Polish Vintage Leather Shoes

If you have shoes that have been around for a while, you need to know how to polish vintage leather shoes without damaging them. Caring for vintage leather is not too different from caring for new leather, you just have to spend a little extra time checking for flaws in case repairs are needed. While you can purchase leather care products, you can also save money by using some natural items found around the house to clean and polish vintage leather shoes. Just don't try to use these mixtures on suede or brushed leather because the oils will damage the textured leather hides.

To polish vintage leather shoes, you'll need:

• Medium bristle shoe brush
• Spray bottle
• One-fourth cup white distilled vinegar
• Half cup olive or linseed oil
• Two soft cloths (one for applying the cleaning polish and one for buffing the shoes to a glimmering shine)

1. Quickly scrub the shoe brush over the surface of the shoe leather. Pay extra attention to seams and to the area where the soles are attached to the leather uppers. This will remove any loose debris so you aren't smearing dirt around in the oily cleaning polish mixture.
2. Pour the oil and white vinegar into the spray bottle and put the cap on the bottle. Shake the bottle before each misting to keep the oil and vinegar mixed.
3. Spray the cleaning polish over the leather surface of your vintage shoes. Use the first soft cloth to spread the polish around and pick up any dirt you missed with the shoe brush. If there are scuffs on the shoe, spray on a little extra polish.
4. Buff the shoes with the second soft cloth. Use a small, circular wiping motion and firm pressure when buffing to get the best shine.

 Spending a little extra time and effort caring for vintage leather shoes, whether you purchase leather care items or make your own, will make them last longer.