How to Make Beeswax Leather Conditioner & Shoe Polish

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This recipe creates a beeswax balm that both conditions and polishes leather, such as boots, purses, and other items. As an avid thrift store shopper, I have seen so many pairs of perfectly good leather boots given away by their owners because of some scratches and wear. Little did they know that a little high quality leather conditioners and shoe polish goes a long way!

I’m happy to rescue these boots, fix them up, and find them good homes (see my post about online resale). Yet, I’d also be happy to see people keep their well-loved boots and give them a new life with a nice touch up! Nothings says sustainable living like repairing a perfectly good item rather than buying something new.

This recipe for this beeswax shoe polish and leather conditioner was created after a few trials to find the right blend. It builds off of our favorite recipe for beeswax furniture polish.

Leather Conditioner Ingredients

This recipe for homemade beeswax shoe polish and leather conditioner can be used on almost any leather product – boots, shoes, bags, etc. (just make sure to test a small section first). It makes use of four key ingredients that each serve a different purpose:

• 2T Shea butter (conditions the leather)
• 2T Sweet Almond Oil (adds moisture back into dry leather)
• 1/4 cup Mineral Oil (adds shine)
• 1/4 cup Beeswax (protects the leather)

Supplies

You need just a few simple tools to put together this beeswax shoe polish and leather conditioner, some of which you will already have. The recipe makes approximately 6 oz. of polish (three 2 oz. tins worth) and can be doubled easily to fill 6 tins.

• Measuring cups (liquid and solid);
• A double boiler;
• An old spoon or wooden skewer for stirring
• Containers for your finished product (we recommend these 2 oz screw top tins from Amazon, but you can also refill old shoe polish tins or put the polish in small glass mason jars).

Instructions for Making Beeswax Shoe Polish & Leather Conditioner

The process for making this shoe polish and leather conditioner is actually quite easy.

1. Fill the bottom of your double boiler with water and place on the stovetop over medium heat;
2. Add shea butter and beeswax to the top of the double boiler and melt, stirring occasionally;
3. Once shea butter and beeswax are fully melted and incorporated, add mineral oil and sweet almond oil; stir to combine and leave over heat until they are well incorporated;
4. Remove the top pan from your double boiler, dry off any water particles on the bottom, then pour out gently into containers;
5. Allow containers to fully cool – at least 5 hours or overnight in a cool location (basement, unheated garage, etc.);
6. Place covers on containers and label (check out these instructions for making your own homemade labels!).

How to use Beeswax Shoe Polish & Leather Conditioner

We call this polish and conditioner for a good reason – it does both! The shea butter and sweet almond oil condition your leather to nourish it and bring it back to life. The mineral oil adds shine (like a polish). And after all of that great treatment, the beeswax helps protect your leather from the elements.

Yes, this polish and conditioner can be used on shoes, but it can also be used on bags and other leather goods. Just be sure to test first before applying to your entire article.

Application is simple:

• Be sure the item you will condition and polish is clean;
• Apply polish in circles, being sure to rub into seams, stitches, and creases well;
• Remove or rub in any excess polish;
• Allow item to dry completely before using/wearing;
• Repeat every few months, or more often with items you use regularly.

Carrie Williams Howe

Blogger & Homesteader at The Happy Hive

Carrie Williams Howe is an educational leader by day and an aspiring homesteader by night and weekend. She lives on a small homestead in Vermont with her husband, two children, and a rambunctious border collie. She is a Founder and Editor of Homestead How-To and also blogs about her family's homestead life at The Happy Hive.