Monday 9 January 2012
Shoe Guru #1: Top 10 Tips on shoe care
The Shoe Guru's Top 10 Tips on shoe care
Tip #1 – Leather needs regular conditioning in dry environments in order to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Tip #2 - Use wooden shoe trees in leather shoes and boots and stuff empty handbags with tissue paper to retain their shape. The wood draws out inner moisture that may have accumulated after a long day.
Cedar Shoe Trees. They make your shoes smell good and are also adjustable to fit different sizes and even high heels!
Tip #3 - Do not store leather goods in plastic bags or other nonporous covers. Leather shoes are best stored in shoe boxes or cloth bags.
Tip #4 - Use a shoe horn - Always use a shoe horn when putting on your shoes, this saves the heel collar and counter from unnecessary wear
Tip #5 - Always get your shoes waxed or oiled so they repel water. The less water absorbed by leather (think walking through dew, in puddles etc.), the longer they will last as wet leather can stretch and shrink and become brittle once dry.
Water damaged leather shoes.
Tip #6 - Avoid heat – If your leather shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper. The paper will draw the moisture out. Let your shoes air dry at room temperature and always keep shoes away from direct heat. Never leave them to dry near a fire or heater as it will cook and stretch the leather and your shoes will become stiff and brittle. Refrain from leaving your shoes in a moist environment where they will stay wet for days as they can become mouldy. Apply leather conditioner regularly to maintain quality, flexibility and a longer lasting leather.
Tip #7 - Shoe Bags – Always use a cloth shoe bag when travelling. This way your clothes won’t get dirty and you can turn the bag inside out and use it as a polish cloth.
Tip #8 - When polishing your shoes, always use quality products. Many mainstream brand name products are kerosene based and might achieve a short term shine but will quickly dry out your leather shoes. The Shoe Guru recommends using a beeswax based product which is available at all Buffed stands.
Tip #9 - Boot zips getting stuck? - run a lead pencil down the zip and they will run smoothly again.
Tip #10 - If you're unsure of the right way to care for your shoes, visit your closest Buffed Franchisee for advice.
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