Leather boots can be the perfect fashion complement, a comfortable choice for walking, or a practical necessity for some types of work. Different skin types require different cleaning methods, so it's important to know what type of skin you're wearing before you apply a cleanser or start cleaning it. Read on for tips on how to clean your leather boots and help them last longer.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Basic Care
Step 1. Get to know the leather of your shoes
Find out what type of leather your shoes are made of, whether finished or unfinished, before you start cleaning. Fashion or ordinary boots for men and women are usually made of finished leather, which has an outer protective layer. The agenda book is made of semi-finished leather.
You can test what type of leather you have by dripping a small amount of leather cleaner on the surface of your shoe. If the cleaner stays on the leather for a minute, your boots are finished leather. If the cleaner is absorbed immediately, your shoes are semi-finished leather
Step 2. Oil or polish your shoes
If you have semi-finished leather boots, buy some boot oil and rub it into your shoes with a piece of cloth. If you have finished leather shoes, buy some boot polish and apply it using a foam applicator or a piece of cloth. These materials help protect your shoes from stains when worn, and also keep your shoes looking like new.
Step 3. Brush clean all the dirt on the shoes
After your shoes have been used all day for a walk, use a soft brush to blot the dirt that has accumulated on the shoes. If the mud dries on your boots, scrape it off carefully with a blunt object, making sure you don't scratch the leather.
Don't let dirt and mud stick to your shoes for long periods of time. Shoe leather will get damaged if you don't clean your shoes right away
Step 4. Keep your shoes oiled or polished
Apply oil or polish regularly to protect your shoes from dirt and damage.
Part 2 of 2: Stain Removal
Step 1. Make a solution of mild moisturizing soap and water
Soak a cloth in the solution and rub it into the stain on your leather boots. Wipe the soapy water with a damp cloth, then wipe again with a dry cloth.
- Water will not damage the skin, so repeat this process as often as you need. Make sure you remove any soap residue from the leather when you're done.
- Try using baby wipes instead of soapy water if you prefer.
Step 2. To remove salt stains, use vinegar
Mix vinegar and water, dip a cloth in the solution, and apply to the stain until the stain is gone. Rub a cloth dampened with water on the area and allow the boots to dry.
Step 3. To remove oil stains, use cornstarch
Wipe off the excess oil and cover the stain with cornstarch, let sit for a few hours or overnight. Brush off the cornstarch and clean the stained area with soapy water. Rub a cloth dampened with water on the area and allow the boots to dry.
Step 4. To remove scratches, wipe using a cotton stick and olive oil
Dip a cotton swab in olive oil and rub it in a circular motion over the scratch until the scratch becomes less noticeable. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and let it dry.
Step 5. Finish by oiling or polishing your shoes
Once you've finished removing stains and scratches, grease or polish your shoes to protect them from getting stained again.
Tips
- Never rub the soft leather of a shoe with a hard brush, as that will scratch it.
- Take your shoes to a shoe repair shop to remove the toughest stains and scratches to remove.
