I use outworn socks, stockings any kind of outworn cotton fabric, t-shirts etc.

 

It-shirts

Same here. I go through T-shirts pretty quickly, and have accumulated way more shoe rags than I need.

 

Flannel dust bag

The flannel dust bag that comes with some shoes works well. Otherwise, anything flannel (old shirt, pajamas, etc) works well. Recycle something! No need to buy anything.

 

Perhaps I'm the only one that didn't know/realize this, but I was recently told the flannel "wrap" that comes in the box (as opposed to the shoe bag) with most AE seconds, indeed, is a buffing cloth.

It's getting to the point that I now have a few of them laying around, and perhaps you do as well, Jan. :icon_smile_big:

 

I use worn dress shirts that I just can't bear to throw out. But cutting them into strips is OK to buff shoes is OK........in a recycling kinda way.

 

I had a thread a while back on the Detailers Paradise Monster Fluffy microfiber towel. It works terrific on shoes.

 

I had a thread a while back on the Detailers Paradise Monster Fluffy microfiber towel. It works terrific on shoes.

This one? https://askandyaboutclothes.com/community/showthread.php?t=57529

 

Yes, thanks medwards. Sorry my pics are down. I screwed up my .mac renewal somehow.

 

Same here. I go through T-shirts pretty quickly, and have accumulated way more shoe rags than I need.

That's what I use when my T-Shirts get old and raggedy.

 

I always take the ones from hotel rooms.

 

Buffing cloths only cost a few dollars, and the material is specifically selected for polishing. Why would you skimp on that? They last forever and are washable.
Anything designed to make polishing faster and easier is beneficial. It is a tiresome, but necessary, chore.

 

What am I doing wrong with my buffing cloth? Mine gets saturated with shoe poish to the point it is useless even when washed. I apply the polish, then use the buffing cloth to remove. Am I using too much polish? And at which point would I use a horsehair brush?

 

Bob;

Apply the polish, use the horsehair brush to remove any excess polish, and achieve the final shine with your buffing cloth...your buffing cloths will last longer.

 

Buffing cloths only cost a few dollars, and the material is specifically selected for polishing. Why would you skimp on that? They last forever and are washable.
Anything designed to make polishing faster and easier is beneficial. It is a tiresome, but necessary, chore.

I would be impressed if anyone, anywhere, could quantify the benefit of buying buffing cloths. Any soft rag will do.

This is the 21st century for you -- every possible item that can be packaged and sold, particularly at a markup, will be.

 

Perhaps I'm the only one that didn't know/realize this, but I was recently told the flannel "wrap" that comes in the box (as opposed to the shoe bag) with most AE seconds, indeed, is a buffing cloth.

It's getting to the point that I now have a few of them laying around, and perhaps you do as well, Jan. :icon_smile_big:

I'm not so sure that the flannel "wrap" is intended to be a buffing cloth. I thought that might be the case, but when I inquired at the Cabazon outlet whether that was its purpose, I was counseled against using for that on the ground that the maroon dye in the cloth might cause discoloration of the shoes.

 

I use old t-shirts or any ripped/worn/worthless cotton, and old silk ties.

 

I'm not so sure that the flannel "wrap" is intended to be a buffing cloth. I thought that might be the case, but when I inquired at the Cabazon outlet whether that was its purpose, I was counseled against using for that on the ground that the maroon dye in the cloth might cause discoloration of the shoes.

FWIW, it was Doug at the Burlington FS that made this claim.

 

Some old flannel shoe bags do the trick but they tend to lint. I have old microfibers left over from detailing which work a bit better.

 

I've had problems in the past with purpose-made polishing cloths shedding enormous amounts of lint, some of which always seems to get mixed in with the polish (go figure), so I would opt for used, well-washed soft cotton (as mentioned, T-shirts are great) or the above-mentioned micro-fiber detailing towels.

 

I had a thread a while back on the Detailers Paradise Monster Fluffy microfiber towel. It works terrific on shoes.

+1 on car microfiber towels or whatever they're called. They do give a very deep shine.

 

every year when my undershirts start getting a tint of yellow from all the wear and washing, i use them as rags around the home in the kitchen, for the car, and for the shoes to buff.

i can use one standard sized tshirt for shoes for approximately 4-5 months.s

 

Provided one feels compelled to get buffing cloth, where can one do that for a good price? Whatever the merits of getting buffing cloth, it is not sane to pay JL $25 for one.

 

I bought some polishing cloths (automotive section) at National Wholesale Liquidatorsfor $2.99. Comes in a bunch of 5. They work like a charm. You should be able to get them at any automotive supplier.
​

 

last year, after a thread on the issue, I started to use old nylons, and got the best result that I have ever had. the down side - you need to wear gloves.

 

If you're going to a fabric store - flannel, as undyed and plain as you can find.
In the Marine Corps we considered the cloth diaper the ultimate for spit shine (just a brush for buffing), but those are harder find than a bucket of prop wash these days.