I was the equalavant to a DI in the Navy, my ONLY job in evenings (while everyone else cleaned barraks) was to polish my boots. I once got my a** chewed out for helping with the cleaning.
It's been over 35 years since I did it, but I seem to remember water,rubbing alcohol and boot polish. Also very risky(if you burned the boot you were in big dudu) hold boot over a lighter flame
to melt the mess. I don't remember what cloth I used, but it was probably something supplied by the chief. Believe it or not his boots were not creased from walking and had the shine of
patent leather. He also wore custom made uniforms. I was very impressed by the custom made camel hair great coat. I learned a great deal from that man.