If your shoe polish has dried out, don't throw it away. The cream can be restored using improvised means

You can increase the service life of your shoes not only by careful use, but also by using special care products. However, what to do if the shoe polish has dried out and instead of a colored ointment it has become a hard fragment that has retained its coloring properties. As practice shows, all is not lost and, with some effort, this shoe care product can be given a “second life.”

Cream composition

When choosing shoe polish, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the material used to make the shoe. On the jar of cream, the manufacturer always indicates the purpose of the product: for natural, artificial or combination leather. A mistake in choosing products can lead to damage to your favorite pair of boots.

Products for smooth and natural leather often contain wax, which protects well from moisture and gives the material an aesthetic gloss. It can be natural (carnauba, bee) and mineral. Wax prevents leather from cracking and eliminates small cracks and scratches.

Products intended for the care of winter shoes often include oils that prevent the harmful effects of saline solutions and low temperatures, and organic solvents.The second group promotes more efficient absorption of oils and paint into the upper layers of leather products.

The list of elements included in shoe polish may also include:

• silicone impregnations;
• lanolin;
• turpentine or turpentine;
• aniline and mineral paints

Knowing what your favorite skincare product consists of, it is easier to understand how it can be quickly and effectively restored.

Resuscitation methods

The reasons for shoe polish drying out are most often improper storage or expiration of the product. Rapid drying is often due to the presence of a large number of natural ingredients, which, as is known, have a short shelf life.

There are several ways to solve the problem: from heating the cream to diluting it with hot water and other substances.

Heat

The easiest and fastest way to revive dried cream is to heat it in a water bath.

To do this you need:

• transfer the care product into a small metal or glass container;
• pour water into the pan and bring everything to a boil;
• Place the container with the cream on top and wait until the dried cream begins to melt.

As the mixture melts, it is recommended to stir it gently. To do this, you can use a toothpick, match or cotton swab.

Supplements

It is not recommended to dilute the cream with water. This will worsen its protective properties and consistency. As additional additives you can use:

• petrolatum;
• lanolin;
• vegetable oil;
• glycerol;
• turpentine.

Petrolatum

The simplest medical ointment, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. It costs mere pennies, but at the same time it perfectly softens any leather surface.Vaseline softens shoe leather well and prevents cracking.

Lanolin

A natural wax obtained by washing sheep's wool. Just like Vaseline, it prevents cracks and masks minor scratches and abrasions. Lanolin has good water-resistant qualities and even cleansing properties. For example, products containing lanolin are used to clean horse saddles.

Natural oils

Vegetable oil (castor, sunflower, flaxseed) attracts with its water-repellent properties. Gives shoes shine and gloss.

Glycerol

This substance is used to soften the skin. Glycerin removes the “oak leather” effect and also perfectly softens it, which is why it is often used for breaking in shoes.

Turpentine

Conifer essential oil is most often added to industrial shoe polishes. When applied, it creates a durable water-repellent layer. Turpentine is often diluted with beeswax and linseed oil, producing an excellent waterproof impregnation at home.

All substances must be added in small portions. This method allows you to control the consistency of the cream. After introducing the necessary components, the entire mass is thoroughly stirred, poured back into the cream jar and left until it hardens.

It is not recommended to cool the cream quickly, otherwise it will lead to uneven hardening.

A few more tricks

One of the easiest ways to revive dried cream is to mix it with a fresh, colorless skincare product. Colorless balms and creams are suitable for any type of leather shoes. If the cream has dried out too much, it can be preheated in a microwave oven or in a water bath.

Many people recommend using regular milk as a supplement. A few drops of this product will make the composition soft again. This advice is especially relevant for products intended for the care of light-colored shoes.

Resuscitating dried shoe polish will help you avoid unnecessary household expenses. Most of the components necessary for restoration are literally at hand, and the “revival” procedure itself will take only a few minutes.