What is the best thing to clean leather work boots with?

Quick Answer

The best products to clean leather work boots are leather cleaners and conditioners specifically formulated for leather boots. Look for gentle, pH-balanced cleaners that won’t strip the finish. Use a cleaner made for smooth leather or oil-tanned leather depending on your boots. Apply with a soft cloth and avoid excessive water. Condition regularly with a leather conditioner to keep the boots flexible and protected. Avoid using household cleaners, water alone, or products with harsh chemicals or abrasives.

What Are the Most Effective Products for Cleaning Leather Boots?

Leather boots require special care and cleaning products to keep the leather intact and conditioned. Here are some of the most effective options:

Leather Boot Cleaners

– Saddle soap – A traditional gentle cleaner for leather boots and tack. Good for removing dirt and conditioning.

– Leather boot creams – These are usually oil-based and also condition while gently cleaning. Brands like Saphir and Chamberlain’s make quality leather creams.

– Mild liquid cleaners – Some quality leather cleaners come in liquid form. Look for a gentle, pH-balanced formula with no harsh detergents or chemicals.

– Leather wipes – Pre-moistened wipes are an easy option for quick leather boot cleaning between more thorough cleanings.

Leather Conditioners

– Leather boot oil – Oils penetrate deeply to condition leather, keeping it flexible and protected. They also provide water resistance.

– Wax-based conditioners – These coat the exterior of leather with a protective wax layer while still allowing it to breathe. Popular options are Otter Wax and Obenauf’s LP.

– Leather creams – These moisturize and protect smooth leather while softening and preserving it. Creams absorb into the leather instead of sitting on the surface like waxes.

– Lanolin or beeswax – These natural conditioners are gentle and effective for keeping leather boots supple.

Other Cleaning Supplies

– Soft cloths – Use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to apply cleaners and buff boots. Old t-shirts work well.

– Horsehair brush – These natural bristle brushes help work cleaners into the leather.

– Toothbrush – For cleaning crevices, welts, and stitching on boots.

– Sponges – A slightly damp sponge can help wipe away dirt on boots.

What Home Remedies Can Be Used on Leather Boots?

While commercial leather cleaners and conditioners are ideal, you can use some basic household ingredients in a pinch:

Vinegar

A diluted vinegar solution will help clean leather and remove salt stains. Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part water and wipe down the boots with a soft cloth dampened in the solution. Avoid soaking the leather.

Baking Soda

The mild abrasiveness of baking soda can help lift dirt from leather. Make a paste with water and baking soda and gently rub it into dirty areas using a soft bristle brush. Rinse and wipe clean.

Coconut Oil

Rubbing a small amount of coconut oil into leather boots conditions the leather and provides a protective layer. Wipe away excess.

Olive Oil

Like coconut oil, olive oil penetrates and conditions leather. Dampen a cloth and rub a teaspoon of olive oil into dry boots.

Murphy Oil Soap

This plant-based soap has been used for decades to clean leather and wood. Dilute it in water and test on an inconspicuous area first before applying to the boots. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Glycerin Soap

Dampen a soft cloth in water, rub it on a glycerin soap bar, and gently clean the leather boots to condition as you clean. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Cleaning Leather Boots

Follow these steps to properly clean your leather boots:

Materials Needed

– Leather cleaner or saddle soap
– Leather conditioner or oil
– Soft cloths or sponges
– Toothbrush and/or cleaning brush
– Newspapers or towels

Instructions

1. Remove laces and inserts. This allows you to clean the boot fully inside and out.

2. Wipe away loose dirt with a dry cloth. Getting surface dirt off first prevents it grinding into the leather as you clean.

3. Apply your chosen leather cleaner to a soft cloth. Test on a small hidden area of the boot first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the leather.

4. Use gentle circular motions to work the cleaner into the leather all over the boot, including seams and stitching. Use a toothbrush or cleaning brush for hard to reach areas.

5. Rinse the boot with a just-damp cloth to remove all soap residue. Make sure not to soak the leather. Stuff boots with paper to help them hold their shape as they dry.

6. Allow boots to dry fully, ideally overnight. Leather needs time to completely dry out after cleaning.

7. Once dry, apply your chosen leather conditioner. Massage it into the boots with a soft cloth until absorbed. Wipe away any excess.

8. Allow the conditioner to sit for several hours or overnight. Buff with a clean cloth to shine.

9. Replace laces, inserts, and wear! Condition regularly to maintain softness and durability.

Tips for Caring for Leather Boots

Caring for your leather boots properly helps extends their life and keep them looking their best:

– Clean and condition boots regularly, not just when they are dirty. This prevents buildup of grime and keeps leather supple.

– Rotate boots so you aren’t wearing the same pair two days in a row. Allow them a day to fully dry out between wears.

– Use cedar shoe trees to help boots keep their shape when storing.

– Remove salt stains quickly with a damp cloth. Salt can dry and damage leather.

– Let boots air dry away from direct heat like radiators or fireplaces. The rapid drying can cause cracking.

– Use a protective spray when wearing boots in rain or snow. Sprays add water resistance while still allowing breathability.

– Store leather boots with a little wadded paper inside to absorb moisture and hold the shape.

– Use a horsehair shine brush to buff boots to a natural luster after cleaning and conditioning.

– Apply a protective wax layer to work or hiking boots for added water and scuff resistance.

What Household Products Should You NOT Use on Leather?

Some common household cleaners and chemicals should be avoided when cleaning leather boots:

Water Alone

While you need a little water to dampen cloths, avoid soaking leather boots in water. This strips oils from the leather leaving it dry and prone to cracking.

Dish Soap

The degreasing agents in dish soaps like Dawn can remove essential oils from leather, causing it to dry out. Use only mild, leather-specific soaps.

Household Cleaners

Avoid laundry detergent, multipurpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and other household chemicals. Only use cleaners specifically formulated for leather.

Solvents

Steer clear of solvents like alcohol, acetone, turpentine, and spot removers. The harsh chemicals damage leather.

Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

Full-strength vinegar and peroxide can be too harsh for leather. Dilute heavily or avoid completely.

Oils and Grease

While oils can condition leather, things like cooking oils, grease, and petroleum jelly may leave residue or discolor boots. Stick to specialist leather oils.

Heat

Never attempt to dry leather boots using heat like a clothes dryer, radiator, or hair dryer. High heat causes irreparable damage.

How to Remove Salt Stains from Leather Boots

Salt stains are common on leather boots worn in the winter months. Salt can dry and deteriorate the leather if allowed to linger. Follow these steps to effectively remove salt stains:

Materials Needed

– Warm water
– Sponge or soft cloth
– Glycerin soap or mild leather cleaner
– Soft towel

Instructions

1. Dampen the leather with warm water applied with a sponge or cloth. Avoid excessive water that can soak into the leather – you want just enough to dissolve the salt.

2. Rub gently with glycerin soap or specially formulated leather cleaner like saddle soap. This helps lift the salt deposits.

3. Rinse the boot carefully with your damp sponge or cloth to remove all traces of salt and soap residue.

4. Wipe excess moisture with a soft towel, being careful not to rub aggressively or soak the leather. Stuff with paper towels to aid drying.

5. Allow boots to air dry fully, away from direct heat. When dry, follow up by conditioning the leather which will restore oils that may have been stripped out by the salt.

6. For stubborn salt stains you may need to repeat this cleaning process 2-3 times. Test any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot first to prevent discoloration. Persistent stains may require professional cleaning.

How to Clean Suede and Nubuck Leather Boots

Suede and nubuck leather requires a much more gentle approach than smooth leather when cleaning. Here are some tips:

– Use a suede brush to lift surface dirt and restore nap. Brush gently in one direction.

– Clean with a suede cleaner and soft brush. Apply foam cleaner and gently brush it into the suede.

– Use an art gum eraser to lift stubborn dirt. Gently rub in a circular motion.

– Allow suede boots to dry fully after cleaning before wearing again to avoid water stains.

– Use a suede protector spray to repel dirt and stains on suede boots. Allow to fully dry before wearing.

– For oil stains, sprinkle corn starch or talc on the spot and allow it to sit overnight to absorb grease, then brush away.

– Avoid using heat to dry suede boots or exposing them to direct sunlight which can fade the color.

– Take suede boots to a professional cleaner for deeper cleaning to avoid damaging the delicate material.

How to Shine and Polish Leather Boots

Achieve a professional shine on leather boots with these techniques:

Materials Needed

– Horsehair shine brush
– Leather polish in desired color
– Clean soft cloths
– Toothbrush

Instructions

1. Prep the boots by cleaning thoroughly first with your leather cleaner of choice following the steps above. Rinse away all soap residue.

2. Allow boots to dry fully before polishing. Damp leather won’t take a shine.

3. Apply polish to a soft cloth, rubbing in small circles to work into the leather evenly. Use a toothbrush for hard to reach areas.

4. Let the polish dry completely until no longer tacky, usually 10-15 minutes.

5. Use your horsehair shine brush to buff the boots. Brush in circular motions with the grain of the leather to bring out a shine.

6. Finish with a clean soft cloth to remove any excess polish and add an extra buff. The friction builds heat that helps the shine.

7. Apply thin layers of polish and repeat buffing as desired to build up shine. Avoid saturating the leather with too much product.

8. Use a lighter polish color than the boot to make the leather appear richer. Neutral creams also work well for polishing.

How to Stretch Tight Leather Boots

If your leather boots feel too tight, you can stretch them for a better fit using these methods:

– Wear the boots with thick socks on to let your body heat and pressure stretch the leather.

– Spray problem areas lightly with water or alcohol and put on the boots. The moisture relaxes the fibers.

– Apply a thick conditioner like mink oil to soften and stretch the material.

– Use a shoe stretcher designed for leather boots. Crank handles expand the stretcher inside the boot.

– Bring tight boots to a shoe repair shop and have them professionally stretched with special tools. This costs around $40.

– For calf areas, zip boots up and wedge a pair of rolled socks inside over the calf. Leave them a few hours or overnight.

– Boot stretch sprays relax fibers. Spray problem spots, let dry fully, and wear boots again. May take several applications.

– Avoid soaking leather boots in water or heating with hairdryers or direct heat which can damage the leather and shrink seams.

Best Leather Boot Cleaning and Care Kits

Instead of buying products separately, leather boot care kits provide all the essentials in one package:

Chamberlain’s Leather Milk Kit

Comes with leather cleaner, conditioner, and polish paste along with applicator sponges. AllChamberlain’s products use gentle, natural ingredients safe for leather. Kit also includes tips for care.

Lexol Deep Cleaning Kit

Contains a pH-balanced cleaner, conditioner, sponge, and brush for scrubbing. The highly-rated Lexol formula cleans deeply while still being gentle. Also makes a maintenance kit.

Sof Sole 5-Piece Kit

This set provides four 4 oz. bottles of boot cleaner, conditioner, deodorizer, and protector, plus a cleaning brush. Sof Sole products are safe for all leather types.

TriNova Natural Boot Care Kit

An all-natural kit with beeswax conditioner to waterproof, carnauba creme polish, cleaning brushes, cloths, and an eBook guide. Safe for smooth, suede, and nubuck leather.

Saddleback Leather Boot Care Trio

Simple citrus-based saddle soap, mink oil, and polish from leather company Saddleback. All made in the USA from natural ingredients that nourish leather.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Leather Boots

How do you soften stiff leather boots?

Use a leather conditioner containing oils and waxes to soften the leather. Massage it in thoroughly with a cloth or brush. Wear boots with thick socks and allow your body heat to soften the leather. Avoid drying boots with direct high heat that can dry out and damage leather.

Can you use water to clean leather boots?

You can dampen a cloth with a small amount of water to wipe away dirt. But avoid excessive water that will soak into the leather and strip oils. Make sure to dry thoroughly after cleaning with water. Using leather-specific cleaners is best.

What’s the white powdery stuff on my old leather boots?

Leather boots can develop “bloom” over time – a whitish powder that forms on the surface when natural oils rise up and react with oxygen. It’s harmless, but can be removed by wiping boots down with a damp cloth or using a dedicated leather cleaner.

How often should you clean leather boots?

Clean smooth leather boots whenever they appear visibly dirty. For suede and nubuck boots prone to stains, clean more frequently using a gentle suede brush. Condition and polish smooth leather boots every few months. Over-cleaning leather can strip oils.

Can you put leather boots in the washing machine?

No – you should never put leather boots in the washing machine or dishwasher. The water, detergent, and agitation will damage the leather. Only use a small amount of water applied gently by hand when cleaning leather boots.

Conclusion

Caring for leather boots properly ensures they last for years and maintain their good looks. Use quality leather cleaners, conditioners, polishes, and brushes to keep boots clean, conditioned, and shiny. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive water that can discolor, dry out, or shrink leather boots. With regular gentle cleaning and moisturizing, your boots will remain supple and structurally sound for seasons to come. Investing in a dedicated leather boot care kit provides all the products you need for top-notch home care.