Step by Step Guide on How to Clean your Work Boots

Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a muddy construction site, wearing your trusty work boots. They’ve been through countless shifts, protected your feet from sharp objects, and kept you standing firm on slippery surfaces. But now, they’re caked with dirt, scuffed, and stained. It’s time for a deep clean.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to clean and restore your work boots to their former glory. And the best part? These steps will work for every work boot out there, no matter the make or model.

So roll up your sleeves, grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get to work. Your boots (and feet) will thank you for it.

Step #1 Dry Brush

The first step in bringing your work boots back to life is to remove any loose dirt or debris. This is where a trusty old dish scrubber from the dollar store or Walmart comes in handy.

To make sure your work boots stay looking sharp, be gentle when brushing away dirt. Give a light touch around the stitching to maintain its durability and avoid damaging it!
Don’t forget to remove the laces and give the tongue of your work boot a good brush as well.
By the end of this step, your boots will already start to look a little better, but we’re just getting started.

Step #2 Detail Brush

how to clean your work boots by brushing

The second step of the boot cleaning process requires attention to detail, and this is where your old toothbrush comes into play.

The toothbrush’s soft bristles help remove any stubborn dirt or grime from hard-to-reach areas of the boot.
It’s important to use an old toothbrush because the worn bristles are less abrasive and won’t damage the boot’s surface.
Start by brushing the area between the sole and heel of the boot.
Work your way from the top of the boot to the bottom, making sure to get into all of those nooks and crannies where dirt can build up.
Once you’ve worked your way around the whole boot, you should have removed any major debris or dirt that was clinging to the surface.

Step #3 Clean Sole

This step is all about restoring the sole of your work boots.

Apply Fiebing Saddle Soap on a damp cloth and rub it onto the sole in circular motions.
Use a stiff spoon to carefully remove any stubborn tree sap without damaging the sole.
Repeat the process until there is very little left.
If the yellow saddle soap turns the sole yellow, don’t worry! There’s a solution to this which will be discussed in the next step.

Step #3.5 Make your Sole White

Kiwi White Saddle Soap is an effective solution for removing stubborn stains and marks from the sole of your work boots.
Take a new cloth and rub it against the white saddle soap, then apply the soap onto the sole of your boots.
Use the stiff handle spoon to remove the stains and marks from the sole. This can be a tedious process, but it’s worth it for the result.
Repeat the process again and again on the whole sole until the stains and marks are mostly gone.
Use sandpaper to even out the texture of the sole and restore its original appearance.

Remember: Be careful not to let the leather of your work boots get wet with the saddle soap, as this can damage the material.

This step can be especially useful for work boots that have been exposed to particularly harsh or dirty conditions. The white saddle soap is a powerful cleaner that can penetrate deep into the sole to remove even the most stubborn stains.

While it may require some elbow grease and patience to get the job done, the result will be work boots that look and feel like new again.

Step #4 Cleaning Upper

After cleaning the sole of your work boots, it’s time to move on to the upper part.

Start by burning and flattening any loose threads that you may see. This will give your boots a cleaner look.
Use the Kiwi brush kit and apply a small amount of Fiebing saddle soap to the brush.
Rub the brush in circular motions to create a lather, and then apply the lather to the leather parts of your boots. Be sure to avoid any non-leather parts, like the laces or eyelets.
Scrub each small area for 5 to 10 seconds and quickly wipe off with a clean cloth. This will help remove any dirt or stains that may be on the leather.
After cleaning each area, wipe off any residue with a damp cloth. This will ensure that your boots are clean and ready for the next step.

Remember: Be careful not to drench the leather with too much soap and water, as this could cause damage.

Step #5 Conditioning

Apply a small amount of leather milk on the boot upper with your finger and rub gently with your hand. This will help to condition the leather and restore its natural oils.
Use the Kiwi brush kit to work the leather milk into the leather. This will help to distribute the milk evenly and ensure that it penetrates deep into the leather.
Allow the leather milk to dry completely. This usually takes around 30 minutes.
After the leather milk has dried, use a regular polish brush to brush off any remaining residue. This will leave your boots looking clean and refreshed, with a soft and supple feel.

Remember: All conditioners will darken the leather, and oils especially will darken the leather. If you don’t want to darken your boots, you may want to try a conditioner specifically designed for lighter-colored leather.

Step #6 Polish | Angelus Neutral Lustre Cream

This step is not necessary, but I do it because it is simple and the boots look better.

To achieve a lustrous finish, apply 2 to 3 thin layers of polish to the surface.
Gently massage the product into your skin with your fingertips, and then rub it in until fully absorbed.
Once complete, give your boots a gentle buff using a soft-bristled brush.
I typically take the time to buff and shine the countertop and toe of my shoes.

Steel Toe vs Alloy Toe vs Composite Toe! Which one is recommended

Remember: Do not use shoe polish if the leather has already been treated or if it is darkened from oils, as this may cause discoloration.

Step #7 Let Your Work Boots Dry

After cleaning and conditioning your work boots, it’s important to let them dry completely before wearing them again. Here are some tips to properly dry your boots:

Stuff your boots with newspaper to absorb any remaining moisture inside. Make sure to change the newspaper every few hours until the boots are completely dry.
Do not place your boots directly under sunlight or in front of a heater, as it can cause the leather to crack or shrink. Instead, find a cool and dry place to let them air dry naturally.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a fan to circulate air around the boots and help them dry faster. But don’t use a hairdryer or any other heat source to speed up the process.
Remember to be patient and give your work boots enough time to dry completely. Rushing the process can damage the leather and reduce the lifespan of your boots.

Once your boots are completely dry, you can replace them and they’ll be ready to wear again. Enjoy the comfort and protection of your freshly cleaned and conditioned work boots!

Final Results

Step #8 Cleaning the Laces

In between full-on cleanings, it’s a good idea to give your bootlaces some special attention as well. This will help keep them looking and feeling like new.

Start by removing the laces from your boots and soaking them in warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Allow them to soak for a few minutes and then scrub them with an old toothbrush.
Rinse the laces off with warm water and hang them to dry.
Once they are completely dry, you can put them back in your boots.

Remember: If you want to get an extra-clean look, you can also apply a small amount of leather milk or polish to the laces as well. This will help protect them from damage and make them last even longer.

And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can keep your work boots looking and feeling like new for many years to come. So get out there and enjoy the comfort and protection of your freshly cleaned work boots!