Household items are a hidden gem in your closet when it comes to cleaning leather boots or shoes. You don’t even need to buy a commercial leather cleaning kit unless you are always on the go. Surprisingly, all the household items used for leather cleaning are so common that you can find them in a grocery store. The best part is that they are readily available, don’t harm your shoes, and give great results.
Let’s check out the common household items you can use on your leather boots and what you can achieve with them.
Different Household Items and How to Use Them to Clean Leather Boots
Soap and Water: General cleaning
- Preparation: Remove any loose dirt from the boots using a soft brush. In a bowl, mix a small amount of mild soap with water to create a soapy solution.
- Cleaning: Dip a soft cloth into the soapy solution, wring out excess water, and gently wipe the entire surface of the leather boots using circular motions. Ensure not to oversaturate the leather.
- Rinsing: Rinse the cloth with clean water, wring it out, and wipe down the boots to remove any soap residue, ensuring no soap is left on the leather.
- Drying and Conditioning: Let the boots air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight. Once dry, consider applying a leather conditioner to maintain their suppleness and shine.
Baby Wipes: Quick cleaning
Baby wipes serve as a handy solution for quick cleaning of leather boots. Their mild cleansers can lift surface dirt and minor stains without introducing excessive moisture to the leather. Moreover, the convenience of baby wipes allows for immediate spot cleaning, ensuring boots maintain their appearance without the need for extensive cleaning procedures.
Toothbrush: Cleaning crevices and seams
A toothbrush is an invaluable tool for maintaining leather boots, especially when targeting crevices, stitching and seams. Its fine bristles can effectively dislodge trapped dirt and grime in these tight areas without scratching the leather. By using gentle strokes, the toothbrush ensures a thorough clean, helping to prolong the life and preserve the aesthetic of the boots.
Cotton Swabs: Cleaning tight spots
Cotton swabs are essential for addressing intricate details on leather boots. Their slim design allows for precise cleaning, especially in tight spots like decorative perforations or around hardware. By dipping them in a mild cleaning solution and gently swiping, cotton swabs can effectively remove dirt and grime, ensuring every nook of the boots remains pristine.
Household Items that can be used as Leather Boot Conditioner
Olive Oil: Light conditioner and shine
Olive oil can serve as a natural conditioner for leather boots, rejuvenating their luster and suppleness. When applied in moderation, it not only moisturizes the leather but also imparts a gentle shine, enhancing the boot’s appearance. The oil’s nourishing properties help combat dryness and prevent cracking, ensuring the boots remain in prime condition.
Petroleum Jelly: Adding shine
Petroleum jelly is a versatile agent for leather boots, especially when aiming to restore their sheen. A small dab, when buffed onto the surface, can instantly elevate the boot’s shine, making it look well-maintained and polished. Beyond just aesthetics, petroleum jelly also provides a protective layer, guarding the leather from minor scuffs and moisture.
Household Items for Removing Tough Stains on Leather Boots
White Vinegar: Removing salt stains and light grime
- White vinegar’s acidic properties effectively tackle salt stains and light grime commonly found on leather boots.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar with water to create a mild, gentle yet effective solution for leather cleaning.
- Damp a soft cloth in this solution and wipe the affected areas on the boots, ensuring the leather isn’t overly wet.
- After the cleaning process, allow the boots to air dry naturally, steering clear of direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain the leather’s quality.
Baking Soda: Removing oil or grease stains
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stain, it can absorb the grease, drawing it out from the leather.
- Allow the baking soda to sit on the stain for several hours or overnight for best results, then brush it off gently.
- If any residue remains, wipe the area with a damp cloth and let the boots air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Rubbing Alcohol: Disinfecting and removing tough stains
- Damp a soft cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol for targeted cleaning, especially for tough stains that other methods might not address.
- Gently blot or rub the stained area with the alcohol-soaked cloth can lift away the blemish without oversaturating the leather.
- Post-cleaning, it’s crucial to let the boots air dry naturally, ensuring they remain away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent any damage or discoloration.
Cornstarch: Absorbing grease stains
Cornstarch and talcum powder are both excellent at absorbing grease stains on leather boots due to their fine, powdery consistency. When applied directly to a fresh grease spot, they act like a sponge, drawing out the oil from the leather’s surface. By allowing the powder to sit for several hours or overnight and then brushing it off, one can effectively remove the stain, leaving the boots looking refreshed and clean.
Pencil Eraser: Removing small scuff marks
A pencil eraser proves to be an unexpected yet effective tool for leather boots, especially when addressing minor scuff marks. By gently rubbing the eraser over the scuff, it can lift and erase the mark from the boot’s surface. The friction generated by the eraser, combined with its texture, helps in removing those unsightly blemishes, ensuring the boots retain their polished and well-maintained appearance.
Household Items that Can Act as Odor Removers
Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as a natural odor absorber. For leather boots, sprinkling a generous amount inside the boots and letting it sit overnight can effectively neutralize odors. In the morning, shake out or vacuum the excess baking soda, and the boots should smell fresher.
White Vinegar
White vinegar, with its acidic properties, can neutralize odors and act as a disinfectant. Create a diluted mixture with equal parts water and white vinegar, then lightly dampen a cloth and wipe the inside of the boots. Let them air dry completely, ensuring the vinegar smell dissipates along with the unwanted odor.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are excellent at masking and absorbing odors. Place fresh or used coffee grounds in a breathable fabric pouch or an open container, then place it inside each boot. Let it sit overnight. The coffee grounds will absorb the unpleasant odors, replacing them with a mild coffee scent. Remove the grounds the next day, and air out the boots before wearing.
Frequently Answered Questions
How often should I clean my leather boots?
Cleaning frequency for leather boots depends on usage and exposure to dirt or the elements. Generally, for regular wear, a thorough cleaning once a month is sufficient. However, if they’re exposed to dirt or mud regularly, a quick wipe-down after each wear is advisable.
Can I use household items on faux leather boots?
Many household items suitable for genuine leather can also be used on faux leather boots. However, it’s essential to spot-test any solution on an inconspicuous area first, as faux leather might react differently than natural leather to certain substances.
Can I use household items to clean exotic leather boots?
While some household items might be safe for regular leather, exotic leathers (like snake, ostrich, or alligator) have unique textures and finishes. It’s best to use specialized cleaners or consult with a professional before applying household items to exotic leather boots.
Can I use a hairdryer to dry wet leather boots?
While it’s possible, it’s not recommended to use a hairdryer on leather boots. Direct and intense heat can cause the leather to become overly dry, leading to cracks or damage. If boots are wet, it’s the best way to dry leather boots is air drying, away from direct heat sources.
Can I use bleach to clean leather boots?
No, bleach is too harsh for leather and can cause significant discoloration and damage to the material. It’s essential to avoid using bleach or any bleach-containing products on leather boots to preserve their integrity and appearance.