It’s that time of year, when the crunch of leaves or padding of snow greets your every step. That’s right, it’s boot season! Whether you’re strutting in leather ankle boots, braving the snow in your trusty winter pair, or rocking chic suede knee-highs, your boots do more than complete your fall and winter outfits — they’re your frontline defense against the elements. But the seasonal grind can leave them looking less glam and more gritty. Fret not! With the right care, your boots can stay polished, protected, and looking brand new no matter where they’ve been.
Related: How to Clean Your Sweaters
How to Care for Leather Boots
Leather boots are a wardrobe staple, and maintaining their shine is easier than you think. Follow these steps to clean leather boots and make sure they’re in top condition:
- Clean Gently: Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and salt stains. Avoid soaking the leather to prevent cracking.
- Condition and Polish: Apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple, followed by a polish to restore the sheen.
- Protect Against Water: When your boots get wet, make sure to thoroughly dry them afterward to prevent lasting changes from moisture.
Are your leather boots like they’ve been through a rodeo or two? If your boots have stubborn stains or need serious TLC, professional cleaning can revive their look.
Read More: How to Take Care of a Leather Jacket
How to Care for Suede Boots
Suede is luxurious but delicate, so extra care is needed to keep it looking pristine. Follow these steps to clean your suede boots so they’re runway ready, anytime:
- Brush Away Dirt: Use a suede brush to gently lift dirt and restore the nap.
- Tackle Stains: For light stains, a suede eraser works wonders. For tougher marks, dab a bit of white vinegar onto the spot and let it dry before brushing. White vinegar is generally safe to use on suede, leather, and nubuck without damaging the material — but you’ll probably still want to test a small amount on an inconspicuous section of your boot to check for colorfastness.
- Waterproofing & Protection: Apply an eco-friendly suede protector to ward off water and stains.
Keep in mind: Suede is especially tricky to clean at home. For deep cleaning, trust the professionals!
How to Care for Winter Boots
Winter boots face some of the toughest conditions of any clothing, from salt to slush, and they need some extra care to last the season.
- Clean the Uppers: Use a mixture of mild soap and water on a gentle cloth to wipe away grime from the streets or backcountry.
- Spend Time on the Soles: Salt can corrode soles, so rinse the bottoms of your shoes regularly with water.
- Refresh the Insides: Sprinkle baking soda inside to absorb any strong odors, then shake the powder out after a few hours (or leave the baking soda overnight for particularly powerful smells, like what you might experience after a long ski day). If your insoles need a deep clean, opt for hand washing in gentle detergent, as machine washing can often damage the synthetic materials.
If your boots are insulated or waterproof, special cleaning treatments may be needed to preserve their properties.
Special Care for Specialty Boots
Have a favorite, cozy pair of sheepskin UGGs or patent leather boots? These materials require unique care.
- Sheepskin: Spot clean with a gentle sheepskin cleaner, and use a soft brush to keep the nap fluffy.
- Patent Leather: Wipe down with a damp cloth and use a patent leather cleaner to maintain the glossy finish.
Storage Smarts for Off-Season
When boot season is over, you’ll want to do your future self a favor by taking the time to properly store your fall & winter footwear. Always clean and dry your boots before tucking them away. To keep boots from developing set-in folds, wrinkles, or cracks, use boot shapers, cut-up pool noodles, or bunched-up newspaper inside to help maintain their structure. Make sure to store your boots in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or heat damage.
Read More: Your Guide to Cleaning and Storing Winter Clothing
Give Stains and Grime the Boot with Dependable Cleaners
Sometimes, a little spot cleaning is all it takes to have your boots ready to hit the town. Other times, the act of getting your footwear back in fashion can be a bit more tricky, and improper care might do more harm than good. Dependable Cleaners offers expert cleaning and maintenance for all types of boots, so you can keep them looking their best without breaking a sweat. Our team specializes in using eco-friendly methods to preserve delicate materials like suede and restore leather to its original glory. Plus, with same-day service, free pickup & delivery, and convenient 24-hour self-serve kiosks, we make it easy to care for your favorite footwear.
Ready to step out in style? Give us a call at 303-777-2673 or bring your boots to a Dependable Cleaners location today, and let us help you put your best foot forward this season!
