Protect Winter Boots

Winter boots go through a lot; they are subjected to rain, snow, mud, slush, salt, and a range of other street dirt and chemicals. By winter's end, poorly cared for boots will repay your neglect by falling apart or simply looking shabby. Keep them in better shape throughout winter so, with any luck, they'll see you through multiple winters.

Steps

Protecting New Boots

1. Buy smart. Suede isn't an ideal material for winter boots if you live in a very wet climate. While the boots can be protected by commercial products, chemicals in these can weaken the fabric after a time. Moreover, dampness and salt stains gradually destroy the suede.
   • One solution can be to only wear suede boots when it's not going to rain and when the sidewalks are obviously cleared of snow.
   • Or, accept that suede boots won't look as good at the end of the season as they did at the beginning!
   • Synthetic boots may be more durable for some purposes. This will depend on your wearing preferences and the comfort of the boot. Ask a retailer for specific advice when purchasing your winter boots.
2. Use preventatives. There are some commercial products available that you can apply to your boots before you wear them out in the weather. Some products include:
   • Waterproofing to stop material from becoming spotted in water or salt. These usually come in aerosol sprays and are sold at shoe stores or by the manufacturer.
   • Oils, waxes, or rubs that create a protective layer on the boot material. You can find these at leather-repair stores, shoe stores, or hardware stores.
   • Protective agents that keep the boots from fading or falling apart. These are often recommended by the boot manufacturer.
3. Read the instructions. Always read the instructions accompanying any waterproofing or cleaning product. Some are flammable, some require good ventilation and some require careful application. For your own safety, be aware of all the requirements for using the product before using it.
   • When you do use a product, always test it on a small, inconspicuous part of the boot. That way, it will not ruin the whole boot.

Cleaning Dirty Boots

1. Clean salt stains immediately. If you live where it snows and where salt is used on the streets to keep them clear of snow, your boots are going to pick up the salt. Salt stains mar the look of boots and weaken the fabric. If there are metallic parts to your boots (zippers, hooks, etc.), these will begin to rust if the salt is not removed.
   • For the best results, always clean off any salt stain as soon as you spot it. Use the cleaning agent recommended by your boots' manufacturer (desalting agent).
   • Still wet salt lines can be quickly fixed by wiping over the leather boot with a damp, warm cloth. Leave to dry in the mudroom (not near a heater). To retain the shape of the boot if it's not able to do so on it's own, stuff with newspaper or other scrap paper.
   • Dried-on salt lines can be removed with commercial products or you can make your own easily (for leather boots). Combine equal parts of vinegar and water to make a liquid solution. Dip a cleaning rag into the solution, then wipe around the salt line. To finish, use a clean damp cloth to wipe off the solution and any remaining salt line. Wipe with a dry towel, then leave to dry away from direct heat. When dry, buff. (This method is not suitable for suede boots.)
   • For suede boots, clean marks off with an eraser or sand gently with an emery board. To restore flattened nap, use a clean toothbrush or towel to brush it up or steam gently over the spout of a just boiled kettle.
2. Carefully dry your boots. Never dry boots in front of an open fire or open heat source. This will cause them to crack and dry out too much. Dry in a warm, dry place away from direct heat sources. Try to dry them upside down over a boot holder or similar item or stuff with newspaper to retain the shape.
3. Remove scuffs. Scuff marks can be removed from leather boots using baking soda. Simply dip a damp cloth in baking soda and wipe over the scuff marks. Wipe clean, let dry and buff.
4. Eliminate oil spots. Oil stains can be removed from suede boots by rubbing as soon as possible with either cornmeal or talcum powder. Gently brush off with a towel after leaving for a few hours to soak up the grime.
5. Clean boot liners. Boot liners that can be removed should be washed separately by hand or in the washing machine (see manufacturer's instructions). Make sure they're completely dry before re-inserting into the boots.
6. Deodorize your boots. To do this, remove the insoles or liners from the boots. You should wash them and completely dry them before putting them back into the boot. You can then add a generous amount of baking soda (as much as desired) to the boot to eat away at the stinky bacteria. Let the boot completely dry. You can then easily vacuum or wipe out the baking soda.
   • You can also simply air out stinky boots by removing the liners and loosening up as much as you can on the boot. If the boot has laces, remove the laces and pull the tongue of the boot up as much as possible to create airflow. If the boot has a zipper, completely unzip and open the boot as much as you can to let air in.

Maintaining Your Boots

1. Keep the boots polished and clean. If your boots are leather, keep them well polished. All types of boots should be kept clean. A regular wipe-down with warm water for many synthetic boots will help remove dirt and other encrusted elements.
2. Store winter boots clean and dry. At winter's end, never store boots without cleaning them first and ensuring that they are completely dry. Otherwise, you risk finding moldy, cracked, and possibly ruined boots next winter. Stains left too long may set permanently and weaken the boot. And mold that grows on one boot can cross-contaminate other shoes, boots and items of clothing stored in the same vicinity.
   • Do not store boots in plastic bags. Suede and leather need to "breathe" and plastic bags restrict this ability, drying out the boot and trapping mold. Better choices include pillowcases, fabric shoe bags and cloth bags.
   • Store boots away from direct light or heat sources. Direct light can fade the boots, while direct heat can cause them to dry out and crack.
3. Seek professional help. If the stains are really bad, seek professional help from a shoe repairer, dry cleaner or similar. You could also call the manufacturer for advice.
4. Repeat yearly. A well maintained boot is a long-lasting boot. Repeat the preventative and storing process on your boots every year or wearable season. This will keep your boots in good condition so that they will last longer!

Things You'll Need

• Horsehair brush
• Leather cleaner
• Water protectant or wax sealant
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Baking soda

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Sources and Citations

See also

• Remove Dye from Suede Shoes
• Clean Flats
• Scuff Up New Shoes
• Clean Wrestling Shoes
• Scuff Up Boots
• Re‐Ice Shoe Soles
• Clean Muddy Shoes
• Clean Hiking Boots
• Clean Shoe Insoles
• Clean White Converse

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What links here

• Clean Road Salt off Leather Shoes
• Clean Stinky Winter Boots
• Maintain Waterproof Leather Boots
• Protect Suede Boots