Shoes naturally get more dirt and grime on them than anything else we wear. They touch all the things we never would want to put our hands on – bathroom floors, stair wells, and anywhere and everywhere we walk! Learning how to take care of your shoes will increase the life and look of your shoe as well as help carry less germs back into your home (and into your carpet.)

Here’s a snapshot of my favorite shoe care tips:

1. Did you know shoes made from patent leather can easily be cleaned with vinegar? To give your patent leather shoes a new shine, rub it with soft cloth moistened with vinegar.

2. Black leather and tan leather materials can be cleaned by applying a few drops of lemon juice to a rag and using this to clean your shoe.

3. Furniture polish can be used to polish more than just furniture. Spray onto your shoes and then wipe away with a dry towel to get that classic buff shine.

4. If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from the inside of your shoe, take a pinch of seas alt and throw it into your shoe. Do this for 1-2 nights.

5. To combat odor, you should try putting a pinch of baking soda into your shoes. Baking soda, like sea salt, will reduce moisture and thus help reduce and control unwanted shoe smells.

6. A paste made from baking soda is also great for removing scuff marks.

7. Casual sneakers with a rubber body – like running shoes, tennis shoes, etc – easily collect dirt that can be removed using baking soda yet again! Simply put baking soda on a sponge and scrub to remove dirt from the rubber exterior, bottom, and sides.

8. If you’re in a bind and need your shoes to shine, reach for the bottle of hand lotion you might have in your purse. Rub a small drop onto each shoe for a quick little shine.

By DeAngelo Sage, Wardrobe Closet Editor and Shoe Connoisseur.