Clean and polish these at least once a month. Take the shoe laces off first. Use a slightly damp cloth to remove any dirt, then condition them with a cream conditioner.

Yes, like hair, shoes need a conditioner to soften and moisturise them and prevent them from drying out and cracking. Rub on small amounts of conditioner with a soft clean cloth until the whole shoe is covered. Wait for five minutes and wipe any remaining conditioner off the shoe. Next, polish your shoes with a cream polish - use a soft clean cloth and apply the polish in small circular motions starting at the heel of the shoe.

Cream polish will cover any imperfections, scuffs and scratches. Let the polish dry and then buff the shoe with a clean soft cloth or with a shoe brush. If you don't have any polish, olive oil will do, and after buffing, take a small bit of vaseline, apply to the surface of the shoe and re-buff.

If you spend a lot of your time outside in wet conditions, it's best to waterproof those leather shoes after polishing by using a spray protectant. Do the polishing and waterproofing in a ventilated area such as a balcony.

Salt stains on leather shoes can be removed by mixing a cup of hot water with a tablespoon of white vinegar. Mix well and apply to the shoe with a soft cloth. Allow to air dry before conditioning.

Suede shoes:

Clean suede and patent leathers by rubbing stains with an ordinary pencil eraser/rubber. Then rub with a clean cloth/face cloth/kitchen cloth to remove shiny spots.

If the suede is still flattened or matted, hold the shoe five to eight centimetres above the spout of a steaming kettle for a few seconds, then brush it with a suede brush. You can then condition and waterproof them with the appropriate products.

Canvas shoes/trainers:

Take off the laces, shake off excess dirt by placing both hands inside the shoes and then clapping their soles together.

Fill a small bowl with some warm water, add a couple of drops of dish washer soap and soak the laces in the liquid while you get on with cleaning the rest of the shoes.

Over a sink, rinse your shoes with warm water. Next, make a thick paste using water and baking soda - you don't need much, about a cup's worth. Then add in a few drops of dishwashing soap.

Take an old toothbrush and scrub the surface of the shoes with your homemade paste. Rinse the shoes in the sink with warm water. Then stuff the inside of the shoes with some scrunched-up newspaper and leave outside to dry but away from direct sunlight.

Scrub your shoelaces with an old toothbrush, rinse and let them dry.

Smelly shoes:

Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes, leave until you are ready to wear them but don't forget to shake the soda out first.