How to Clean Winter Boots

Come spring and before you put away your boots until next season, it is important that you clean them well. Clean boots will last longer and retain their shape and looks. Boots should also be cleaned regularly during the winter. Stains caused by salt and snow can damage boots if not cleaned immediately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Vinegar
Cleaning cloths or towels
Pencil eraser
Suede brush
Saddle soap

Step 1

Attack stains right away. For wet stains, use a piece of cloth soaked in vinegar to clean the stains. Immediately pat dry with a towel or absorbent cloth. To help the smell of vinegar dissipate, place the boots in an airy room or near an open window.

Step 2

Treat dry stains on suede with a pencil eraser. Small stains will usually come out with some light pressure from the eraser. For larger or more stubborn stains, buy a suede brush. The metal bristles of the brush will peel off any remaining stains. Try the brush on the back of the boot first so you can practice how much pressure to apply without damaging the boots.

Step 3

Use saddle soap and water for leather boots. Simply lather up the soap using some room-temperature water and then wipe the boots clean. Follow with a second cloth dampened with water and then with a dry cloth. Don't store away until the leather is completely air-dried.

Step 4

Clean the liners and insoles of the boots. Some are machine washable, so take advantage of that. This step will get rid of salt and dirt that can cause damage to the boot itself if left there for a long time. Do not use a clothes dryer; instead, let them air-dry before you set the liners back into the boots.

Tips & Warnings

Saddle soap, brushes and other specialty products can be found at shoe stores or department stores.

Don't place leather boots to dry near a heater or other source of intense heat or steam. This can cause the leather to become brittle or change the shape of the boots.

Article Written By Sarah Dray

Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.

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