How to Make Shoe Polish

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Ever needed to polish your shoes but did not have any shoe polish on hand? Don't fret! You can make your own shoe polish at home! Best of all, you have complete control of the ingredients and will exactly what's in your little jar of shoe polish. If you don't any of the ingredients on hand, you can look around your home for simple items to polish your shoes with, such as olive oil or a banana peel.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making Shoe Polish from Scratch

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    Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of water. Place a heat-safe bowl on top. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
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    You will need about 2.8 ounces (79.38 grams) of olive oil and 1.1 ounce (31.18 grams) of white beeswax. [1]
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    As the beeswax heats up, it will start to melt. Once it melts completely, give it a stir so that it blends in with the olive oil. [3]
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    Use a coffee grinder or food processor to grind 1½ teaspoons of black or brown oxide. Stir the powdered oxide into the melted mixture. Keep stirring until the oxide has blended completely into the mixture, and no streaks, swirls, or specks remain. [5]
    • Remember to clean your coffee grinder or food processor well after this, or you risk contaminating your food.
    • If you don't have a coffee grinder, you can try using a pestle and mortar. Remember to clean it well!
    • You should only do this is you want to brighten the color of black or brown shoes. Do not add oxide if your shoes are a different color or they will stain.
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    Make sure that the container is large enough to hold all of your shoe polish. Tiny glass jars and candle tins work best. You can also pour it into several smaller containers as well.
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    This will take about 45 to 60 minutes. Once it hardens, it is ready to use! [6] If you are in a hurry, let it cool down to room temperature first, then stick it in the fridge or freezer for a couple of minutes, or until it turns solid.
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    Wipe your shoes down with a damp cloth first to remove any dirt. Apply the shoe polish with a clean, dry cloth and buff it in well. [7] Wipe off any extra polish with a clean cloth. For extra shine, buff the shoes afterwards with a buffing brush.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using What You Have

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    No shoe polish? No problem! There are lots of items that can work as shoe polish in a pinch. Take a look at this section, and see if you have the item on hand. You don't have to use all of the items in this section to polish your shoes.
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    Olive oil or walnut oil will would work the best, but you can experiment with other types of oils as well. Best of all, oil gives your shoes some natural water protection as well! Start by rubbing the oil onto your shoes with a soft cloth. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to overnight. Wipe any excess oil off with a clean cloth afterwards.
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    Mix together two olive oil and one part lemon juice. Rub the mixture onto your shoes with a soft cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff your shoes with a clean cloth. [9]
    • You can use bottled or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Avoid lemonade as it has other ingredients in it.
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    Simply scoop some up and rub it onto your shoes with a soft cloth. Wipe off any excess petroleum jelly when you are done.
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    This surprising item not only gives your shoe extra shine, but you get a tasty snack (or smoothie) out of it. Peel a banana, eat it, then rub your shoes with the inner (white) part of the peel. Wipe your shoes clean afterwards with a soft cloth. [10]
    • Don't feel like eating the banana? Cut it into smaller pieces and pop it into a freezer. Use it the next day in a smoothie. You can also bake it into banana bread.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Could I use powdered paint for the color?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Don't be afraid to mix it up. If it looks like it's staining, give it a chance and let it set. Then it will be perfect.
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  • Question
    Why is beeswax in shoe polish?
    Community Answer
    Beeswax is placed into shoe polish because it prevents the polish from staining. Additionally, it makes the glossy shine that appears on your shoes after polishing.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    What other additives can I use to add a shiny look to my shoe polish?
    Community Answer
    Surprisingly, hand sanitizer works really good. Pump about 3 pumps on a paper towel, then lather.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      • 1.1 ounces (31.18 grams) white beeswax
      • 2.8 ounces (79.38 grams) olive oil
      • 1½ teaspoons brown oxide or black oxide (optional)
      • Small saucepan
      • Heat-safe bowl
      • Stir stick or spoon
      • Coffee grinder, food processor, or pestle and mortar (optional, for oxide)
      • Candle tin or mini glass jar


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/home-crafts/super-simple-boot-polish/
      2. ↑ Trent Potter. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/home-crafts/super-simple-boot-polish/
      4. ↑ Trent Potter. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/home-crafts/super-simple-boot-polish/
      6. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/home-crafts/super-simple-boot-polish/
      7. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/home-crafts/super-simple-boot-polish/
      8. ↑ Trent Potter. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/live-grow/naturally-shine-shoes-polish
      1. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/live-grow/naturally-shine-shoes-polish

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make shoe polish from scratch, start by filling a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and placing a heat safe bowl on top to make a double boiler. Next, combine 2.8 ounces of olive oil and 1.1 ounce of white beeswax in a bowl, and stir the contents together as the beeswax melts. Once the mixture is completely blended with no streaks or swirls, pour it into a glass or metal container and let it sit for 45 to 60 minutes until it turns solid. To learn more, including how to polish your shoes with common household items, read on.

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      • Anonymous

        Jun 11, 2017

        "The ingredients looked simple and available, and the steps are really simple."
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