Leather cleaner can get pungent. If you’re working in side, turn a fan on or open a window.
Roll the laces up and set them aside so that they don’t get lost or tangled. If your shoes have zippers, consider opening the zippers. Sometimes, dust gets into the bit of leather behind the zipper. You want to clean that too.
Don’t worry about cleaning dried up mud or stains; you’ll need more than a soft-bristled brush to get rid of those. Pay extra attention to brown or tan shoes. Dust and dirt won’t be as visible on those, so you might want to spend a little more time on those. If your shoes had laces, be sure to get the tongue part that sits behind the laces. If they had zippers, hit the strip of leather behind the zippers.
If your boots are made by a particular designer or brand, they may make their own cleaners. While typical leather cleaner should also work, you can choose to go with the retailer’s recommendation.
Use a back-and-forth and an up-and-down motion when cleaning the boots. You can also use a gentle, circular motion. Be gentle with suede shoes. If you are too rough or scrub too hard, the suede may wear off and leave behind bald patches.
Use a soft cloth such as a cut-up cotton t-shirt. You can also use a very soft-bristled brush. The cloth should be damp, not wet. If it’s dripping with water, you need to squeeze out some excess liquid. If you have sensitive skin, consider putting on a pair of plastic gloves. This way, the lather won’t get on your hands.
Liquid cleaners sometimes leave a bit of residue on leather, so you may want to try soap cleaners first. Again, if you’ve got sensitive skin, it might be a good idea to wear plastic gloves for this. A little bit goes a long way. If you use too much, you’ll end up with lots of difficult-to-clean residue.
Be sure to lift any tongues or flaps on your boots to get into little crevices. If your boots are knee-highs, clean the entire top part of the boots as well. This includes the leather lining that extends into the cuff of the boot. If your shoes have zippers, be sure to wipe down the strip of leather that sits behind the zipper.
Don’t use the same cloth that you used to clean the boots with; use another soft cloth. Cotton t-shirts work great here.
Condition the boots with a leather conditioner or moisturizer made specifically for shoes. You can find these products online or in shoe repair shops. Like with cleaners, don’t use leather conditioners on suede; use a specialized suede protection spray instead.
Be careful using dish soap on expensive boots. While it shouldn’t damage your leather, it’s not as safe as leather cleaners. If you’re worried, perform a spot test by using your dampened cloth and dish soap on a hidden part of the boot. Wipe and dry the spot and wait a few minutes to see if the soap affected the leather.
Do not use petroleum jelly on suede boots. This will leave behind a permanent stain.
Make sure that the cloths that you are using are clean and free of stains.
This works on both leather and suede shoes. [12] X Research source Repeat this method a few times. It may not work after the first or even second attempt. Do not soak your shoes with water. Keep the cloth only lightly damp.
Perform a spot test to check the effect of the alcohol underneath the tongue or in a hidden spot on the shoe. Dab the alcohol on and leave it for 10 minutes. Condition the spot with leather conditioner after you’ve rubbed it with alcohol to restore moisture.
This may be your only option for ink, wine, or deep-set water stains in the leather.
Conditioners also come in wax and gels. Use whichever type you prefer. Your boots must be completely clean each time you condition.
Shoe polishes come in a variety of colors, and you should use the color that matches your boots. Go online if you need to find a uniquely colored shoe polish. For a non-commercial polish, pour a small circle of olive oil onto a dry, soft cloth and rub that onto the surface of the boots. [16] X Research source
Let the spray air dry on the shoes.
