How to Clean Leather Boots at Home and Keep Them Conditioned

1. Remove the Laces

Start by removing the boot laces. Give them a good shake to get rid of loose dirt, then throw them in the laundry. If they're too worn out, it's the perfect opportunity to replace them with a fresh pair.

2. Knock Off the Dirt

Is dirt bad for leather? Absolutely! Dirt is a silent saboteur that can scratch, stain, and dry out your leather, leading to cracks over time. Keeping your leather boots clean is crucial for maintaining their durability and timeless look, regardless of the leather type.

To clean dirt off your boots, start by knocking them together to shake off loose debris, then wipe away any remaining dirt with a dry cloth.

Removing as much dirt as possible before using any moisture is key, as wet dirt can seep into the leather and cause it to dry out. Plus, small dirt particles can scratch the surface during cleaning.

3. Wipe off with Damp Cloth

Once you've removed the loose dirt, take a damp cloth and gently wipe down your boots. This helps lift any remaining grime without saturating the leather. Be sure the cloth is only slightly damp to avoid soaking the leather, which can cause damage or discoloration.

If grime persists after the first wipe, repeat the process until your boots are clean. Avoid using cheap plastic scrub brushes, as they can scratch and permanently damage the leather, particularly faux leather.

Stick to a soft cloth or towel for gentle cleaning. For stubborn dirt lodged in grooves or soles, a cleaning brush can help without harming the leather.

4. Dry Your Leather Boots

After wiping, allow your boots to air dry naturally. If you're in a hurry, a boot dryer can help speed up the process without risking damage. Avoid placing them near direct heat sources, as this can cause the leather to crack or warp.

5. Condition Them

Warm your boots slightly to prepare them for conditioning. You can do this by leaving them in indirect sunlight or using a blow dryer on a low setting. Just ensure the boots feel warm to the touch, not hot, to avoid damage.

Leather boots are initially supple due to their natural oils, but these diminish over time. You can restore them by applying a high-quality leather conditioner—steer clear of cheap conditioners with harsh chemicals that could harm the leather.

To condition, use a clean cloth to apply the conditioner in small circular motions, covering the entire surface. Then, use a buffing or horsehair brush to break down any excess product and evenly distribute the conditioner, leaving the boots well-nourished.

As for coconut oil, it can help keep leather soft and flexible, but it doesn't provide waterproofing, so it's best used with caution.

6. Don't Skip Waterproofing

While some commercial leather conditioners enhance waterproofing, adding a dedicated waterproofing agent is wise, especially if you work in wet conditions, hike muddy trails, or live in a humid climate.

You have three main options for waterproofing leather boots: beeswax, liquid-based wax, and silicone spray.

Silicone sprays are easy to apply but don’t last as long as the other options. Beeswax is popular because it waterproofs and conditions simultaneously, making it ideal for full-grain leather boots.

However, avoid beeswax if your boots have Gore-Tex liners, as it can compromise breathability. In this case, liquid-based wax is a better choice—it’s easier to apply and absorbs quickly, though not as durable as beeswax.

To apply beeswax, take a small amount on a clean cloth and work it into the leather using small circular motions. Let it absorb, repeating the process until the leather no longer absorbs wax.

Remove any excess with a clean rag. For water-based wax, apply it with the built-in sponge, allowing the leather to absorb it in minutes. Wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.

7. Shine Them

To make your leather boots look brand new, polishing is key! A good polish not only restores their shine but also helps eliminate scuff marks and scratches. Once your boots are clean, it's time to bring back that fresh, polished look.

Start by wrapping a clean cloth around your finger and applying a small amount of boot polish. Dab the polish around the boot, then gently rub it in, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.

Finally, use a soft brush or another clean rag to thoroughly buff the boots. Once dry, they’ll look as sharp as the day you got them!

8. Re-lace and Store Properly

After polishing, re-lace your boots and make sure they’re ready for your next adventure. To keep them in top condition, store them properly.

Place them in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Using boot trees or stuffing them with newspaper can help maintain their shape and prevent creasing.

Mold

When it's a rainy season or a place with constant humidity, the ground refuses to dry and our wardrobe and storage boxes with our favorite belts, bags and shoes starts to get moldy.

So, when it starts to make your leather items vulnerable, all you have to do is treat those stubborn mold and mildew.

Start by cleaning the shoes with a damp cloth. Once it is thoroughly cleaned, wipe it with a dry cloth and then sanitize it using regular white vinegar and lemon juice.

Use gloves to protect your skin from the harsh vinegar. It’s important that you wipe the whole shoe so it will all become damp to avoid water marks when the shoes dry again. Let air dry out of direct sunlight.

If you do not have white vinegar on hand, you can also choose to sanitize your leather with rubbing alcohol.

Scuff Marks

Although there are a numerous methods to remove scuff marks from leather items, we are today using baking soda as it is readily available in our pantry. Take a small bowl and mix baking soda and water to create a paste (a tablespoon of each).

With the help of a cloth or sponge, rub the paste into the scuff mark in a circular motion. Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth and dry it with a clean towel.

Water Stains

To eliminate those stubborn and old water marks, you can purchase a leather cleaner or use an aqueous solution of white vinegar. Furthermore, you can also make those marks disappear by cleaning your leather boots with rubbing alcohol or cuticle remover.

Grease or Oil Stains

Sometimes we spill oils or grease into our shoes and the panic mode hits you then and there. It's on that state we make mistakes like rubbing it with water or cloth to try and take the grease away. But the situation gets worse, does't it?

The best solution in this scenario is talcum powder and or corn starch. You can sprinkle a generous amount of either of those powders to soak the oil. Yes, you heard it right. Rub the corn starch or powder into the stain until you feel a little heat.

The friction creates heat which will loosen up the oil and allows the starch to absorb the grease. Repeat the process until stain disappears.

Salt Stains

Similar to removing water stains and mold, you can remove salt stains from leather shoes and boots using an aqueous solution of white vinegar.

Ink Stains

To remove ink from leather shoes, all you need is some perfume or nail polish remover. Apply any of the solution to a cotton ball and run it onto the ink stain. In a few minutes, the ink starts to lift off and you will have to pretty shoes back!

If your leather boots are starting to smell, the interior can often be the culprit. For leather linings, follow the same cleaning steps outlined earlier.

However, if the lining is made of another material, try this: dampen a cloth or sponge with water, add a few drops of saddle soap, and gently rub the inside until it foams.

Wipe away the foam with a clean, damp cloth, then allow the boots to dry naturally or use a boot dryer to speed up the process.

To clean the inside with common household items, mix water and white vinegar, and wipe down the interior with the solution.

Alternatively, place a knotted sock filled with baking soda inside your boots overnight. The baking soda will absorb moisture and odors, and it also works as an antibacterial powder for added freshness.

If the inside is still too smelly or difficult to clean, replacing the insoles can make a huge difference in restoring comfort and cleanliness.

Like we discussed earlier, the best DIY leather cleaner is a solution of white vinegar and water. But when it comes to making your shoe shine, you can make a homemade leather conditioner using items readily available in your pantry.

Best Homemade Leather Conditioner

Much like your skin, leather, benefits from regular moisturization and hydration. At first, the idea of buying a conditioner from the chain store might make you wonder about the cost and make you back. 

As these products are expensive and may be out of your budget, there is always an option of DIYing it at your own home.

You can concoct a solution with items like baby soap, vinegar, and water, which are sitting on the counter and won't break your bank either. 

Firstly, combine 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of natural baby soap, and a splash of vinegar in a bowl. Next, use a microfiber cloth to gently apply the mixture to the leather, avoiding oversaturation.

This will clean and condition the leather at the same time. To maintain leather's longevity, keep it away from direct sunlight, which can cause drying and cracking.

Be it synthetic, plant based or real leather, they are not suitable for soaking in water. They shouldn't be machine washed either.

• Combine 1/2 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. 

• Lightly spritz the mixture onto the stain, allowing it to sit for five minutes before gently wiping it away. 

• Steer clear of bleach or ammonia-based cleaners because these harsh substances can severely compromise the integrity of the leather.

Cleaning your leather shoes every few weeks typically suffices, but the frequency largely depends on factors like your usage, environment, and personal preference for cleanliness.

If you wear them daily or in harsh conditions, more regular maintenance might be necessary to keep them looking their best.

Caring for your leather shoes is all about daily maintenance. This means, clean your shoes after each wear with a cloth to brush off any road salt, dirt or grime.

And yes, don't miss the soles! But if your shoes are dirty, feel free to dampen the cloth and wipe it off gently.

Another important step to care for your shoes are storage. Keep them in a dry and well ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.

If you own multiple pairs, rotate them to give each pair a break, allowing them to breathe and dry out from any internal moisture caused by perspiration.