How To Clean Work Boots Like a Pro | The Simple 4 Steps Process

IF your work boots got dirty and don’t know how to clean work boots or are you afraid to clean them on your own, thinking you might put a strain on your precious boots?

Well, fear no more! We got you covered.

These things happen to all of us. We wear them more or less 12 hours a day on the site. When we get back home, our boot carries all kinds of dirt, grime, and who knows what other materials.

I bet you just keep your dirty boots outside and wear them the next day, thinking “I would just buy a new one.” Well, hold on a sec!

Why would you want to throw away your well fitting, perfectly broken-in work boots when they are in their prime?

It’s just dirty. Knowing how to take care of your leather work boots properly can extend their life and preserve their leather for years. Trust me; you would end up saving a lot of money by following these simple steps.

4 Steps On How to Clean Work Boots

There are many different ways of cleaning a work boot. All though some might not be suitable for your boots. Well, it depends on the leather condition. We’ll be covering them all. Let us begin.…

Step 1. The Old Fashioned Way

Cleaning the traditional way is the easiest way to clean your leather work boots. Just grab any old piece of cloth and clean it the old-fashioned way.

Take the rag and dampen it. Start from the bottom of the boot and work your way around the toe area of the boot.

Make sure you use a soft cloth. You can also do this using a soft brush. Clean the dirt or any grime that is stuck on the surface of the leather. Be gentle when wiping away the dirt.

Step 2. Soap & Water

Make a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Use a soft cloth and dip into it. Wring it out and start wiping the exterior surface of the boot.

Clean it a second time, but this time use a damp cloth to wipe the soap away. Use a towel to dry the boots. This is also useful to remove scuffs or water stains.

Step 3. Water & Vinegar

Using water and vinegar is the basic formula for cleaning windows. However, it can also be safely used to clean boots. Mix 1 part water with half part vinegar together. Use a rag and start wiping. This cleaning process is much better than just doing it with water.

Step 4. Leather Conditioner For The Shining Effect

Apply leather conditioner to your boots. Leather conditioner will make them shine. Plus, it will remove stains. You can either buy a commercial leather conditioner or make your own.

– How to make leather conditioner at home?

Simple, use 2 part linseed oil and 1 part vinegar. Apply it to the leather and let dry for about 15-20 minutes. Let them dry in the open air.

Don’t use a heater, don’t put them directly under the sun. Any extra heat can lead to a permanent crack or fade in the leather.

– Take Precautions

It’s better to start off early by waterproofing them before you go to work. You can use some waterproofing agents to make them waterproof. After your workday, take a nylon cloth and wipe the dirt away.

How to know if your boots need waterproofing?

Try dripping some water on the leather, notice that if the water doesn’t fall off or does not bead up then it’s time for waterproofing. Although many work boots come pre-waterproofed. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Here is an awesome article we found at WikiHow for cleaning your leather boots.

You may also want to use some waterproofing spray. It’s really great if you apply it before going to work. This spray will keep your boot waterproof and help prevent dirt from sticking.

You can just stomp off the dirt or use a piece of cloth to wipe that dirt away. Most logger steel toe boots are waterproof.

This will be useful if your work environment has a muddy surface. You can just stomp of the mud.

Boots In The Washing Machine?

Yes. You can clean your boots in the washing machine. Remove the boot lace. Remember to use the shortest setting, no more than 10 minutes. Otherwise, the leather will absorb too much water.

Don’t use hot water. It will ruin your boots. Keep it cold or warm. After you finish cleaning, use a towel to dry off the excess water and put them in the open air. Never ever use a dryer to dry your boots. It will make the leather hard.

How to Clean Smelly Leather Boots

We all hate that terrible smell that comes after a long day of work. There is a simple solution to that. Vinegar and baking soda.

By spraying vinegar and sprinkling baking soda before and after work is all you need to do to remove that nasty odor. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will absorb those odors.

To Make This Remedy You Need

• 1/3 cup of white vinegar and a spraying bottle
• Baking Soda

Follow These Simple Steps To Apply

• Start off by spraying 1/3 cup of vinegar as a pretreatment.
• Dry your leather boots thoroughly
• At night put baking soda in your boots, and let it be for the night
• Tap out the baking soda and you have yourself an odor-free boot!

Final Tip

Use proper storage. Ensure that the place you store your boots has a humid environment that is somewhere between bone dry and wet. This will help the boot to retain moisture and prevent them from cracking.

Also, Cycle Around Your Boots. Don’t Wear The Same Boot Continuously.

Placing your boots on a cedar shoe tree is another way of storing your boots. It enhances the overall appearance of your boots. Maintains smooth linings, insoles, and the shape of the boot.

Can I use the same process to clean boot soles as I would to clean work boots?

Cleaning boot soles requires a different process than cleaning work boots. To effectively clean boot soles, focus on removing debris and grime using a stiff brush or an old toothbrush. Wipe them with a damp cloth and air dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the soles. Proper care ensures longevity.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide will help you with your cleaning problems. Knowing about cleaning is a skill that your wallet will thank you for it. And only for you, we also covered two different articles on how you can clean your wedge sole boots and how you can clean crepe soles.

If you liked this article feel free to share it with your friends. Also please leave a comment below if you have other super tricks on How To Clean Work Boots.