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How to Waterproof Leather Boots

How to Waterproof Leather Boots

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Leather boots are popular for hikers, workers, and casual wear. A good pair of leather boots can be quite an expensive investment, but with a little care they can last for decades. One of the biggest threats to a good pair of leather boots is wet weather, so a little waterproofing will go a long way to keeping the feet dry and preserving the boot leather.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Four or more rags Water dish Saddle soap Mink oil, beeswax or silicon waterproofing agent
  • Four or more rags
  • Water dish
  • Saddle soap
  • Mink oil, beeswax or silicon waterproofing agent
Step 1
Take a rag, soak it in water, wring it out, and use it wipe off the worst of whatever filth and grime are on the boots.
Step 2
Get another rag, soak it, and rub some saddle soap into it. This soap is made specifically for use with leather goods, so don't settle for anything else. Use this rag to clean the boot leather.
Step 3
Rinse the rag from Step 1 out, soak and wring it again and use it to rinse the soap off the boots
Step 4
Dry the boots with a fresh rag.
Step 5
Take a fourth rag, dab it with either mink oil or beeswax and rub this into the leather. Be gentle but thorough. Alternatively, you can use silicon waterproofing agent, which typically comes in a bottle with its own application tool.
Step 6
Let the boots stand and dry for several hours.

Resources

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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