Does Your Spring Clean Checklist Include This?

What does your late winter to do list look like?  Is it similar to mine?
√   Do the dishes
√   Clean garage
√   Do the dishes 
√   Clean out closet and cluster clothes (click here for instructions)
√   Do the dishes 
√   Make bread
     Put on pants that button
√   Do the dishes
√   Organize linen closet
     Summerize boots 

Yes, washing dishes seems to be a common theme around here.  And I've learned from my sister, who has worked from home for years, that wearing pants that actually button is a good way to keep yourself honest and feeling good about yourself.  Since many of us have extra time to organize and spring clean, harnessing your energy on that vital accessory that can make or break your day seems natural.  After all, you may have searched hard to find the perfect pair of boots that are comfy, chic, and classy all rolled up in a soft buttery leather exterior.  You owe it to yourself to take good care of this investment that keeps paying you back.  Here's how to give those winter shoes a lovely summer vacation.   

1.    Clean them up. They may be covered with salt stains (yes, that’s what the white residue is), dirt, and muck. The salt stains can be removed with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a solution of water and vinegar. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water. Gently rub the mixture into the salt stains using a soft cloth or brush. Keep adding the mixture to your shoes to remove the stain.  This method will also strip your shoes of wax polish if you have buildup.  Once you've tackled all the salt stains, use a leather cleaner to clean any remaining spots.
2.    Deep Condition—specifically your leather boots—to be done immediately after you clean them. Camp Dry milk oil or Dr. Martens Balsam are great products to rehydrate the leather that may be way to dry for comfort.  
3.    Do they need to be repaired?  If your boots are worth repairing, don’t wait until the Fall, or for the first big snow to realize that you can't even wear your boots until you've taken them to the shoemaker.  Yes, my favorite shoe repair shop is open now with limited hours.  Apparently shoes are considered vital during a pandemic.  
4.    Keep them in shape.  Before putting your boots away, stuff them with either a shoe tree or acid free tissue paper so that their shape is maintained. Use foam swim noodles, cut to size, or boot shapers to help keep the boot's shaft standing upright. If moisture is a problem, using desiccants (silica gels) or cedar shoe trees is the best option to prevent dry rotting. The cedar absorbs the moisture and has anti-bacterial and deodorant properties. Not only will it keep the mold away, and any bugs that may attack your shoes, but your shoes will also smell nice. Since shoe trees last forever, and they are quite cheap, investing in a pair of cedar shoe trees might be the smartest investment you can make for your shoe care. Find shoe trees here. 
5.    Get them smelling good.  You can either purchase a shoe deodorizing spray, or fill a sachet with baking soda and put in your shoes.  
6.    Give them a summer vacation.  Storing boots upright on an open shelf is ideal, but you can also store them in their shoe box with acid free tissue paper.  If you are planning to store them together in a large box, make sure you lay the heaviest ones down first. Lay a cloth or old tee between every pair, or place them into a dust-bag.  Dust and sunlight can alter the color so it’s best to protect your investment from both.  Don’t store your shoes in a plastic shoe box as this will prevent natural air circulation and create the perfect environment for moisture that may lead to mold. 

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What's on your Spring to do list?  To get organized?  To get educated?  This is great time to zero in on what your personal style actual is.  Did you know that you can learn what your shape is and how to create the illusion of your ideal figure?  What your best colors are with tangible color swatches? How to be uniquely you, genuine and age appropriate in your clothing choices?  All done virtually!  Contact me here to get started.  ​

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