Leather work boots bear the brunt of all-day walking and working on varying surfaces, so it’s not surprising when they begin to look beat up before long. The boots become even more susceptible to deterioration when used for strenuous physical activities in challenging environments or when exposed to extreme conditions. While it’s inevitable for work boots to wear down with heavy use, some steps can be taken to ensure that the deterioration doesn’t happen too soon. In this article, we’ll talk about the correct way of maintaining leather work boots so you can maximize their use for a bit longer.
Cleaning Leather Work Boots
The frequency of cleaning will depend on the boot’s exposure to dirt and other unwanted substances and how often they’re used for various activities. What’s important is not to let the dirt accumulate on the upper and around the perimeter of the boot, where the build-up can cause damage to the footwear’s appearance and function.
- If the insoles are removable, you can take them out so they can be cleaned by hand washing using soap, a mild shampoo, or detergent to eliminate unwanted smells.
- To prevent unwanted smells, you can use an antibacterial foot powder or spray regularly (daily, if possible) on the inside of the work boot. This aims to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi.
- To eliminate foul odors that may have developed, put one tablespoon of baking soda inside each boot. Shake the boot thoroughly for better distribution to ensure the powder has settled on an even layer inside. Let the baking soda rest inside the boot for 24 hours before shaking it.
- Wipe off the mud or other dirt on the boots’ surface. You can do this using a nylon brush and water. For deep-seated grime, you can opt for a water-based cleaning agent with a soft-bristled brush to eliminate the days’ (or weeks’) worth of dirt.
- Alternatively, you can also use saddle soap to clean the leather and remove any mud or dirt build-up traces. Saddle soap eliminates the debris and conditions the leather to help maintain its suppleness and beautiful appearance. You can apply the soap using a soft cloth or sponge and use a used toothbrush to reach challenging areas around the boot.
- After cleaning the boot, wipe off the excess lather and allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use heat – either a hairdryer or direct sunlight – to dry the boot, as this can damage the leather.
Conditioning the Leather
Just like human skin and hair, leather also benefits from moisturizing. Conditioning the leather of work boots helps preserve its rich texture, keeping it supple so that it stays comfortably pliable and looks handsome for a longer period.
- After cleaning the work boots, conditioner can be applied to the leather upper to keep it hydrated. It can also be applied during the break-in process to help soften the leather.
- Leather conditioner prevents the upper from becoming stiff and stops it from cracking. Keeping the leather moisturized is particularly important for older boots that are more prone to wear and tear signs.
Taking Care of Leather Work Boots
Taking good care of leather work boots will ensure that they’ll last longer and won’t easily be damaged with regular use. Here are some tips that can help maintain the boots’ superior performance and aesthetics for longer.
- At the end of a workday, give your boots a quick wipe-down to remove surface dirt and prevent stains from setting in.
- If you use your work boots in the snow or salty surroundings, make sure to use an appropriate stain remover as soon as possible. This helps prevent damage to the leather after exposure to the substances.
- Use boot trees to preserve the shape of tall boots, protecting them from looking slouchy and stopping unsightly creases from developing. Alternatively, you can use rolled-up newspaper and stuff it inside the boots.
- Cracked or worn-down heels must be fixed (or replaced) at once. This ensures that the damage doesn’t spread to the entire sole and prevents safety issues, such as slipping or tripping.
- Treat scuffs and discoloration as soon as possible with the proper leather cream that comes in the same color as your work boots. By doing so, you can prevent the unsightly marks from becoming bigger.
- Bring your work boots to a leather repair shop for professional treatment if they are severely scuffed or damaged. This way, the boot’s quality and appearance can still be preserved (depending on the extent of the damage).
Waterproofing for Added Protection
Give the boots an extra layer of protection with a waterproof treatment. It protects the leather against water and other liquids that can accidentally spill onto the boot. The waterproofing acts as a shield over the leather so that the liquids won’t be able to penetrate the material, keeping the interior (and the foot) dry even when the boot’s exterior is exposed to moisture sources. The leatherwork boot’s resistance against liquid penetration can be improved with the help of waterproofing oil, leather sealant, silicone spray, and similar products.
Conclusion
To maintain your leather work boots you can do three simple things. Cleaning, Conditions and Moisturizing the leather carefully and regularly. All these can significantly enhance the longevity of your boots.
FAQs
- Should work boots be thoroughly cleaned every day?
- It depends on the activities, work environment, and how dirty the boots become daily. For example, boots used in indoor settings can be wiped daily and given a more thorough scrubbing every few weeks. On the other hand, work boots used outdoors or in dirt-filled surroundings may need to be deep cleaned every few days or even daily.
- How often do leather work boots need to be conditioned?
- It depends on the environment wherein the boots are used and the frequency of footwear use. Work boots that aren’t used in extremely harsh conditions (or for exceptionally demanding activities) can be conditioned once every 3 to 6 months. Meanwhile, boots that experience heavy use daily or in hot, dry climates may need to be moisturized every month.
- Is it a good idea to clean leather work boots with water and detergent?
- No – genuine leather work boots shouldn’t be cleaned or washed with water and detergent as these can damage the material. Saddle soap, cleaning cream, or polish can be applied instead after removing most of the debris build-up on the boots.
- Do leather boots need a waterproofing treatment more than once?
- Yes. Waterproofing treatments, especially oils and sprays, will need to be re-applied monthly or every time the boots get wet.
Luke Davis
Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!
