You finally get the courage to ask the cute waitress at the café out on a date. On the night of your first date, you are all dressed up. As you tie the laces of your street shoes before going out, you see a large crack in the leather.
While not the end of the world, dry and cracked leather boots won’t help you make a good first impression. Efforts to properly care for your leather boots are essential to keeping them beautiful and making them last longer.
What do you do to keep your boots in tip-top shape? In this issue, we will discuss how to clean, maintain, polish, and waterproof your leather boots.
How To Clean Waterproof Leather Boots | Unrivaled Guide 2022
Step 1:Clean The Boots
Clean Up
Whether the boots have been covered in mud, sawdust, or large amounts of dog feces, the first step in restoration is cleaning. For leather other than suede, horsehair or stiff-bristle brush works best. You don’t have to use a luxury brand horsehair brush; there are many inexpensive ones available online or at shoe repair stores.
Start by removing the shoelaces from one pair at a time. Then start with the brush, as gently as possible, until the dirt, grime, and dust are removed from the area. Most shoe stains can be treated simply by brushing.
Leather Cleaner
For more established stains, such as pizza in your mouth on your shoes, you can use saddle soap or other leather cleaners; many brands, such as Red Wing and Alden, produce their own leather cleaners. If you want to save money, you can always buy generic versions.
The theory should be the same as it is now, but remember that it is better to treat grease stains immediately rather than let them set. Soak a clean cloth with the specified leather cleaner and wipe off the area of concern on the shoe. Then wipe the same area with a cloth from another clean area.
Cleaning Suede
Suede usually requires a special suede brush, which can be easily purchased at shoe stores or online. As a general rule, do not use common leather cleaners on suede or rawhide boots. Rub a rubber suede cleaner, such as grade school gum, into the boots and use a small amount of water to remove the stain if necessary. Then run the suede brush through again to remove any remaining rubber.
Step 2: Cleaning/Conditioning The Boots
Once the boots have been set aside to dry a bit, they now need to be treated and conditioned. For high-end boots, the brand may tell the customer which type of leather requires which type of conditioner.
Oil-Tanned Leather
First, oil-tanned leather is resistant to water, oil, and sweat. Depending on the brand, an oil or conditioner is used. Applying conditioner is easy. Dip a clean cloth in a small amount of oil/conditioner and spread it all over the leather. Do not leave seams, stitches, or folds untouched. The author only uses old white t-shirts that have been run through the washing machine, so don’t be too picky about fabric selection.
Smooth-Finish Leather
Smooth-finish leather is a polished surface, and most dress shoes are made of this type of leather. Shoe polish or cream is required, but this can usually be purchased at local or convenience stores. Wrap a clean cloth around your fingers and apply shoe polish.
Rub the boots in small circles, going over all the dirt; by the time the second boot is finished, the wax from the first boot should be almost (but not completely) dry. Using a brush (or the same cloth), buff the wax cream to a nice shine. Repeat this process for the best shine.
Suede & Rawhide
Suede and rawhide do not require oils, conditioners, or polishes. It is sprayed with a leather protector, a liquid that is the final barrier that protects the leather from dirt and moisture. This protector is sold by shoe brands and shoe stores and can actually be used on any type of leather. It is recommended to spray the leather protector after the boots have been conditioned and polished.
Step 3: Allow The Boots To Dry
Perhaps the easiest step is to dry your boots. You are probably wondering. Why on earth is this a step? But some people mess up the simple act of drying their shoes. Leave them in a cool, dry place for a day or more.
Once the 24-hour drying period is complete, the shoelaces can be re-tied and worn freely. The watch will be ready to wear again when the laces are dry, and the author will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about the watch.
How do I dry my leather boots?
Throwing your leather boots in the dryer is never a good idea. The high heat of a home dryer damages waterproof leather boots on two fronts. The heat will damage the waterproofing of the boots and make them uncomfortable to wear when out in the rain.
The same heat can also shrink leather boots. Excessive heat can cause the leather to become unworkable and tighten around the ankle. If you are not careful, you may suffer an unexpected blister on your next adventure.
When drying leather shoes, it is best to let them dry naturally. First, you can wipe off excess water with a cloth or towel. Then, place the leather boots in a sunny, dry place. In most cases, boots can be expected to dry completely within 48 hours.
Conclusion
Therefore, remember to wipe off dirt and salt as soon as it gets on your boots to reduce the need for subsequent care. Taking care of your leather boots will not only make them last longer but also keep them in better condition throughout their lifetime. Now, give your boots the care they deserve.
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