Shoe Care with Essential Oils

Shoes are made of all types of materials, and each type needs to be taken care of differently. Your running shoes probably need deodorizing, while your leather dress shoes need a polish. Most people don’t give a second thought to how they take care of their footwear, but it can be one of the best things you can do for your feet outside of buying completely new shoes.

Shoe Deodorizer
The everyday shoes we wear to exercise, play, and run errands in are bound to start smelling at some point. Rather than banish them outside or having to wash them in your washer, put essential oils to the task to give your shoes a refresh.

Ingredients
½ cup rubbing alcohol
20 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca) oil
20 drops Cypress oil
20 drops Lemon oil

Instructions

1. In a small spray bottle, add rubbing alcohol, Tea Tree, Cypress, and Lemon oils.
2. Close the bottle and shake well to combine.
3. Remove the shoe soles then spray the inside of smelly shoes. Let dry.
4. Enjoy the smell of clean shoes.

Leather Shoe Cleaner
Finished leather shoes need special care to maintain their smooth and clean surface. Care for your leather shoes on a regular basis with this easy cleaner.

Ingredients
½ cup warm water
¼ cup white vinegar
10 drops Eucalyptus oil

Instructions

1. Before you begin, wipe your shoes off with a slightly dampened cloth to remove surface dirt.
2. Combine water, vinegar, and Eucalyptus in a four ounce glass spray bottle.
3. Shake well and lightly spritz the surface of the leather. Using a soft cloth, like an old cotton t-shirt cut into squares, wipe off your shoes. Let dry.

Once your shoes are clean, you can follow this cleaner with our easy Leather Polish (also with Eucalyptus oil) for a finished shine. As always, before using the cleaner or polish, test them on a small patch of material to ensure that it does not damage your shoes. Do not use on suede or unfinished leather.

Tips: Other great oils to use here include Lavender or Cedarwood.