http://www.care2.com/greenliving/safe-shoe-polish-ask-annie.html
Safe Shoe Polish? Ask Annie
Dear Annie,
I am trying to live as free of toxic materials as possible, both for my health and the planet, but I am stumped by shoe polish. What can I use that works and that is safe? –Mel, WA
Dear Mel,
A few years ago I was looking at my new, beautiful, purple clogs, wondering the same thing, especially because they were purple! One thing is that you aren’t going to find any safe products on the market, even if they are plant-based, at least that I can find. (Please let me know if you do.)
The plant-based shoe polishes are made with plant terpines and these are volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), even if natural. Standard shoe polishes can contain naptha, synthetic dyes, and petroleum solvents. The store where I bought my clogs had no purple dyes–toxic or non-toxic–and they just recommended a shine, not a polish. While a shine cleans off the dirt, the faded color isn’t helped. (Make a homemade shine by putting juice from ½ squeezed lemon in a bowl and add a few drops of jojoba or olive oil.)
As to a real polish, DIY is the only way to go that holds up. And before you despair, check out this great folk formula for making fabulous shoe polish, and any color that you want. This DIY formula will shine, waterproof, and restore leather boots, shoes, pocketbooks, and more.
Basic Shoe Polish Formula
2 ounces oil (less oil for a thicker polish)
½ ounce beeswax
½ to 1 teaspoon natural Earth pigment*
Combine the oil and beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat until the beeswax is melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the pigment, adding more for a darker color. Makes ½ cup, just about what you’d buy in the store! Store in a small jar.
*Natural Earth pigments are now readily available on the Internet. Here are some sources that I like: Earth Pigments and BioShield Pigments.
related stories
-
(1 comment)
-
(3 comments)
-
annie
(13 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
4 comments
add your comment »This just reminded me of something I hadn't thought of in years--lipstick for shoe polish (I had used brown lipstick on boots years ago).
I finally have a use for the black balm I ended up with during my first mascara experiments! Thanks!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
On a tv program about natural products they recommended using the inside of banana skin to clean shoes.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I think that using beeswax is fine, if you buy locally. I know plenty of bee keepers who sell not only honey, but other bee products. In supporting them, you are helping them earn a living keeping the bees.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
There are veggie wax options which can be used here as opposed to bees. The reason it's added is because regular waxes are petroleum based, and not only bad environmentally, they can give off toxicities and carcinogens. Beeswax is already nice, and not toxic, but bees are endangered and the only way I've found to acquire it is to kill some of them. Some companies are better, Burts, probably the likes of Clarks & Ambrosia too. But new discoveries have also shown, FINALLY, a common link in Colony Collapse Disorder, a virus. YAY! We can finally try to cure it! But the reason they've gotten it is because they're weak. Not just pesticides, but being overworked and many other things. It's not just one thing which has led to this. We ask too much of this and the consequences, if you don't care for the bees--which is really too bad for you--are life threatening to almost all crops, strongly & negatively affecting most species--even us. Let's not be greedy or ignorant. Don't trust me, research what I say for yourself. And then act wisely, responsible, and with a conscious for well being for all. Great waxes are soy, macadamia (or macwax) etc. Good luck and thanks for your time.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: