In the heavy monsoon-hit parts of southern Asia what could be worse than a pair of soggy and smelly leather shoes? Here's how you can care for these already wet and even completely soaked shoes. Allow the pair to dry a bit. Then wipe them clean and apply talcum powder liberally on the shoes. Now wrap the shoes individually in polythene/plastic bags and keep them aside for next use. Not only will this treatment help you protect the leather from permanent damage, but the talc will also help to keep the shoes smelling fine.

When your favourite pair of shoes get scuffed and refuses to take polish do not despair. Take a big piece of potato and rub the rough surface of the shoes well with it. Then apply shoe polish liberally on the surface before shining the shoes with a silken cloth. They will shine like a new pair.