(Fashion)

Genius Ways To Clean Clothing And Accessories With Common Household Items

by Kristi Mikesky

Taking care of your clothing and accessories is a tedious and arduous process—there’s much to consider with each individual piece, especially if it involves the help of a professional. Luckily there are a few simple tricks you can employ to routinely spruce up key pieces in your closet, made all the more simple given the hero item in each is something you likely already own. Here are four cleaning products that you’re probably not using to their full potential—now’s the time to let them work their magic on your wardrobes.

Adam Katz Sinding

Clean Kicks (And More)

Because Stan Smiths look far better when they're pristine—take a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to your white leather (or otherwise non-porous) sneakers to buff away scuffs and blemishes.

To keep your patent pieces nice and shiny, spritz a small amount of Windex into a washcloth or paper towel and lightly wipe clean.

To gently clean your fine jewelry—namely engagement rings, heirloom pieces or anything with a micropave setting—drop two original Alka-Seltzer tablets into a glass of water, let the jewelry soak for one minute then remove and pat dry.

To revive your tired, weather-worn leather boots, use petroleum jelly as a buffing "gloss"—to simultaneously remove small scuffs and add allover luster— by working it into upper part of the shoe. Wipe away excess with a clean towel.