Skip Channel4 main Navigation
Explore Channel4
Food
Homes
Film
4Car
News
See All
Logo
Home
Interviews
Photo gallery
Servants' handbook
The contract
Watch 4Broadband programmes online
Servants handbook Back to contents

Care of Shoes

Fabric
The care of fabric shoes is simple, but it must be applied frequently and diligently to do any good.
  • Spot clean, using a mild detergent and a soft brush
  • Rinse with warm water
  • Pat with a soft cloth or towel to remove excess moisture
  • Air dry
Leather
  • Brush shoes with a horsehair brush, since synthetic brushes tend to be wiry and can scratch shoes
  • Apply a small amount of cream polish to a soft cloth
  • Use a circular motion to rub the cream into the shoe. Begin at the toe, and work your way around the shoe
  • Then, fold the cloth up, and lightly buff each shoe
  • Shine with a clean soft cloth
Suede Shoes
  • Loosen dirt by rubbing the surface with a suede brush, and pat wax powder onto the shoes. Then use short, quick strokes to lift the nap and remove the dirt. Brush in the direction of the nap.
  • We suggest this method for reviving worn nap:
    - Put the kettle on to a full boil
    - When steam begins to rise, place your shoes in its path. Be careful not to burn yourself
    - Allow them time to dry
    - Then give them a good brushing
    - If your suede shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper as they dry to help them keep their shape


^ Top

Care of shoes
A bit of spit and polish

Channel 4 © 2009. Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of external websites.