This Easy Vaseline Hack Works Wonders on Your Shoes

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.

Disclosure: Upstyle may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 


Shining shoes doesn’t always require expensive shoe polish. If you’re looking for an easy and budget-friendly way to restore your shoes' shine, try this easy Vaseline hack.


Petroleum jelly works by moisturizing and adding a subtle shine to leather surfaces.


Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shine your shoes using Vaseline.

Black boots - image via Canva

Tools and materials:

1. Clean your shoes

Before applying Vaseline, remove any dirt or dust from your shoes. Use a damp cloth with mild soap and water to wipe them clean. Give the shoes time to dry completely before moving onto the next step. 

Jason Markk Shoe & Sneaker Care, Shoe Cleaning, Cleans & Conditions Footwear

When I saw how good this worked, I went to town on all my shoes. I cleaned at least nine pairs and the bottle is still more than 90% full. - Amazon customer

2. Apply Vaseline

Take a small amount of Vaseline on your fingertip or a soft cloth. Apply a thin, even layer over the surface of the shoes. Focus on scuffed or dull areas, as Vaseline can help restore their shine.

Vaseline - image via Amazon

3. Work it in

Using a circular motion, gently rub the Vaseline into the leather. This helps it absorb properly, ensuring a smoother and shinier finish.


For harder-to-reach areas, such as seams and creases, use a cotton swab to apply the Vaseline precisely.

4. Buff the shoes

After letting the Vaseline sit for about 5–10 minutes, take a clean cloth and buff the shoes. Use firm but gentle strokes to create a polished look. If you have a shoe brush, use it for an extra glossy finish.

Shoe Brush, Boot Brush, 2 Pieces Horse Hair Brush for Leather

This 2-piece horsehair shoe brush set is fantastic for cleaning and maintaining my leather shoes and boots. The brushes are made with high-quality horsehair, making them gentle on the leather while effectively removing dirt and dust. - Reza M.

5. Wipe off the excess

If any excess Vaseline remains, wipe it off with a dry cloth. This will prevent the shoes from feeling greasy while maintaining their shine.

Leather shoes and purse - image via Canva

Extra tips:

  • Vaseline works best on leather and faux leather shoes. Avoid using it on suede or fabric materials.
  • If your shoes have deep scuff marks, apply a bit more Vaseline and let it sit for longer before buffing.
  • Repeat this process as needed to maintain the shine and condition of your shoes.
  • Try this hack on your purses too!

Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly 100ml

Easy Vaseline hack for your shoes

Using Vaseline to shine shoes is a quick, cost-effective, and convenient alternative to traditional shoe polish.


It not only restores shine but also adds moisture to the leather, preventing cracks and dryness.


What do you think of this easy shoe cleaning hack? Comment down below. 

The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 5 comments
  • Ele147863914 Ele147863914 on Mar 08, 2025
    why not do linseed oil?
    • Goo135702571 Goo135702571 on Mar 09, 2025
      most people have Vaseline in there house- not so much have linseed oil.
  • Srb131667553 Srb131667553 on Mar 09, 2025
    I came upon the idea of rubbing vaseline on my shoes by myself, & niw read that it is something that people do all the time! It really does work!
Next