If you don’t have a shoe or nail brush, you can use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and dust.
When you’re finished, rub the shoes down with a damp, clean cloth and allow them to air dry. [3] X Research source Don’t rub too hard with the nail polish remover, otherwise you may damage the finish.
Lemon essential oil (not olive oil, which can cause oil damage)[6] X Research source Mink oil[7] X Research source While saddle soap is often recommended as a conditioner for leather, the lye it contains can actually cause your leather to dry, crack, and deteriorate faster[8] X Research source
Wipe the soles off with a damp rag when you’re finished.
Dr. Martens recommends using only wax-based polishes, and just on their smooth leather products.
If your shoes are old and have never been polished, consider applying a second layer of polish. [13] X Research source When you’re finished, allow the polish to sit on the shoes for 10 to 20 minutes.
Dip your finger into a pot of clean water and allow a couple drops to fall onto a spot on the leather. Dip a cloth into your shoe polish and rub that spot using circular motions. Work in small areas at a time, applying water and working more polish into the leather with a cloth. It will likely take a couple hours to cover the entire boot or shoe, but you should notice the leather getting increasingly smooth. [15] X Research source
After removing any stubborn stains from your boots, proceed with regular cleaning to remove excess residues and cleaning products.
Take a clean rag and dip it in some mineral spirits. Rub the affected area with the rag, adding more mineral spirits as needed. Continue rubbing until the paint dissolves and comes off. [19] X Research source
Wipe the area with a clean damp cloth and allow it to dry.
