- How to polish patent leather: Spot-clean surface stains by lightly rubbing a cotton pad doused in nail polish remover over the affected area. Air-dry, then store the shoes in a cool, dry place.
- How to get a stain off suede: An emery board—the kind you'd use on your nails—does wonders. Start with a plain, not-too-rough board, and lightly rub the stain with a back-and-forth motion: It'll work on everything from red wine to rain spots.
- How to remove salt marks: Dip a soft cloth in a small dish of distilled white vinegar and wipe off the mark—this will work on any leather shoe or boot (but not fabric or suede). Just be sure to spot-test first!
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How-To (trick)
Shoe repair 101.
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More How-to: Tricks
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Easy Suede Repairs You Can Do at HomeWe asked Nick Valenti from B. Nelson Shoes in New York (one of our favorite repair shops) to share his tricks for keeping delicate pieces in top form. -
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