15 Ways to Clean Leather Work Boots with Household Items

Leather work boots are expensive, and that makes it essential to take care of them. If you don’t clean them regularly, the soles can wear down and eventually stop providing adequate grip. If that’s not enough, they also end up smelling like dirt and sweat. Leather boots need a little more love and attention but can be a hassle to clean. The good news is that you can clean leather work boots with home supplies. You won’t need to break the bank on store-bought products that are often full of chemicals.

This post is all about how to clean your leather work boots with household items, so you don’t have to purchase an expensive product. It will show you easy methods for cleaning dirt and oil stains on your boots, taking out the shine on the leather, and rejuvenating the color of your shoes. Hopefully, this post helps you save some money!

15 Ways to Clean Leather Work Boots with Household Items

Regular cleaning and storing is the best way to maintain your footwear. There are some ways to clean your leather work boots:

Way 1: Use Hair Conditioner to Clean Leather Work Boots

This method is easier to carry out if you have one lighter or darker boot than the rest because it will make it easier to spot dirt after you’ve cleaned them. Because leather is porous, the hair conditioner works like a sponge for oil and dirt. It’s thick enough to lift off any gunk on your leather boots but won’t dull your shoes.

You will need: 

• 1 small bowl of shoe polish
• A hair conditioner (avoid thick or heavy conditioners)

There is a step to do:

• Step 1: Spray some conditioner on a cloth or your hands. Rub it into the shoe.
• Step 2: Scrub the shoe with the cloth, rubbing off any gunk stuck onto your boots’ surface. Your work boots may be more difficult to clean than regular leather shoes because they’re so used and full of oil and dirt.
• Step 3: Brush any remaining hair conditioner out of the leather using a soft-bristle brush or a toothbrush.
• Step 4: Use a clean cloth to buff up the shoes. You can use a shoe polish that’s designed for leather work boots.
• Step 5: Let your boots dry naturally in the air if it’s not raining out. If you have a hairdryer, it can be useful to speed this process along.
• Step 6: Clean the whole pair if you have a matching pair of shoes or boots.

Note: This procedure should only be utilized when necessary on natural leathers, not synthetic leather. Some synthetic leather shoes can get ruined if the hair conditioner is soaked into them for too long.

Way 2: Use Talcum Powder to Clean Dirt and Grime off the Boots

Talcum powder can lift off any dirt or grime that is stuck onto the surface of your leather work boots. It will absorb any excess water and oil from your shoes, so they don’t get too dulled down by washing them repeatedly with water. This method is relatively simple. However, it’s important to use a brand of talcum powder that is made for sensitive skin since some brands contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as perfume or dye.

You will need:

• 1 old sock
• Talcum powder (don’t use baby powder because it will end up leaving a white residue on the leather)

There are steps to do:

• Step 1: Put some talcum powder in an old sock. Tie off the top so it won’t get messy. You can find some great scented, soft cotton socks to use at Dollar Tree or Walmart.
• Step 2: Scrub the shoes with the talcum-filled sock using small circular motions. Don’t apply too much pressure or scrub too hard. You don’t want to damage your work boots, but you also want to make sure the dirt is coming off.
• Step 3: Brush any talcum powder residue off of your shoes with a soft-bristle brush or a toothbrush. Alternatively, you can wipe them down with a clean cloth. You can even use a clean sock if it doesn’t have much dirt on it.
• Step 4: If you want to, use a cloth to buff the shoes and dry them.

Way 3: Use Baking Soda 

Baking soda is a good cleaner for normal dirt and oil. However, It should be preserved, away from your boots’ stitching and hardware. In addition, baking soda can dry out leather, so keep that in mind when you’re cleaning your shoes. Baking soda is usually found in kitchens because it’s used to soak up the grease. With that being said, you can use it to clean your leather work boots.

You will need:

• A soft cloth or sponge.
• Water.
• Baking soda.

There are several steps to do:

• Step 1: Spray the baking soda on a cloth or directly on your work boots. Gently rub any stains with the baking soda until they are gone.
• Step 2: Use a damp sponge to clean off the baking soda residue.
• Step 3: Use a soft cloth to polish your work boots.
• Step 4: Clean the whole pair if you have a matching pair of shoes or boots.

Note: The baking soda will slowly dissolve, so be cautious when cleaning it off, lest you end up with a bigger mess on your boots.

Way 4: Use a Combination of a Cleaner and a Polish

If you’ve got good cloth and some regular shoe polish, you can clean your boots using this method. You should avoid using any scouring agents or waxes because those products will dry out your boots and ruin the leather’s color over time.

You will need:

• A soft cloth or sponge.
• White shoe polish
• A spray cleaner

There are steps to do:

• Step 1: Spray a little bit of the spray cleaner on a damp sponge or cloth.
• Step 2: Apply white shoe polish with a soft brush to the top of your boots.
• Step 3: Gently rub the polish off using a clean cloth until it’s all gone from your work boots. Use as little pressure as possible so as not to damage the leather.
• Step 4: Use a soft cloth or sponge to buff up your work boots until they’re shiny and flawless

Way 5: Use Dish Soap to Clean Your Leather Work Boots

Dish soap will be able to clean the dirt and oil off your shoes. It’s a gentle way to clean that doesn’t damage the structure of the leather. Use a soft cloth and dish soap to wash away any gunk from your shoes. This will be much easier if you have one shoe that’s lighter/darker than the rest of your pair because you’ll be able to see how well you’re doing. You will need a cloth and a few drops of dish soap.

There are some steps to do:

• Step 1: Dampen the cloth with a little bit of dish soap. Use a sponge if you don’t want to use your hands.
• Step 2: Rub the shoe gently in circular motions, cleaning off any oil or dirt that’s on the surface of the shoe. Pay extra attention to heavily-worn areas because these tend to get caked in dirt and oil over time.
• Step 3: Use a fresh, dry cloth to buff out your shoes. You can also use a shoe polish designed for leather work shoes.
• Step 4: Store your boots in a clean, dry place for the next time you want to use them.

Tip: Check the label of dish soap to see if it is suitable for leather. You can also use a shoe polish designed for leather work boots with dish soap. However, make sure you do so carefully, so your shoes don’t get ruined by using this method.

Way 6: Use a Saddle Soap 

A saddle soap won’t remove as much gunk as dish soap. However, it will still be able to clean dirt and oil off your boots. Saddle soaps are specially designed for leather, making this method the best way to ensure your shoes are permanently clean. Use a soft cloth with a few drops of saddle soap to clean your boots. Make sure you use only the amount of saddle soap you need because too much can damage the leather. Use a clean cloth to rub your boots. This will be easier if you have one boot lighter than the rest.

There are some steps to do:

• Step 1: Dampen your cloth with a little bit of saddle soap.
• Step 2: Rub the cloth all over the shoe to scrub any gunk and dirt off.
• Step 3: Use a clean cloth to buff your boots. 

Finally, Store your shoes in a clean, dry place for the next time you want to use them.

Way 7: Use a Toothpaste 

The toothpaste will help break down the dirt and grime on your shoes, especially if it’s oil-based. Toothpaste has two benefits: whitening and cleaning. It can freshen your shoes, making them smell fresher. It will also lighten any scuffs that are left on the upper of your shoes. The most important thing is not to use gel toothpaste because it may dull the leather rather than clean it.

You will need:

• A toothbrush 
• Toothpaste (avoid gel toothpaste)

There is a step to do:

• Step 1: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off any visible dirt on your shoes. This will make it easier for the toothpaste to break down the oil and grime that’s stuck on your boots.
• Step 2: Squeeze some toothpaste onto your toothbrush.
• Step 3: Start scrubbing the leather areas of your shoes with the toothbrush, making sure to focus on the upper parts.
• Step 4: Let your work boots dry naturally in the air. 
• Step 5: Repeat this method on the sole if it’s made of leather.

Note: If your boots are too dirty, you can try using a leather polish. It helps to get rid of any scuffs that are left over after you’ve cleaned them up with toothpaste.

Way 8: Use Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly to Remove Dirt

If you have a pair of boots that are the same color as the shoes, you can use vaseline or petroleum jelly instead of a hair conditioner. These substances will help to take any leftover dirt off your work boots without dulling the leather.

You will need:

• A small bowl 
• Petroleum jelly or vaseline 
• A toothbrush

There is a step to do:

• Step 1: Put a small amount of vaseline or petroleum jelly onto your toothbrush.
• Step 2: Scrub the shoe with the toothbrush, paying special attention to the areas where dirt is most visible.
• Step 3: Remove any excess grease from your work boots to don’t transfer to whatever surface you put them on.
• Step 4: Let your shoes dry.
• Step 5: Repeat this method on any leather parts of your boots colored differently from the rest.

Note: You can’t use petroleum jelly and vaseline for synthetic leather materials because it will deteriorate the shoe and make it crack.

Way 9: Use Olive Oil

If you don’t like the idea of using hair conditioner on your shoes, you can use olive oil instead. Olive oil sounds odd to use on shoes, but it’s very good for leather. It moisturizes the leather, making it shiny and flexible.

• Step 1: Put some olive oil into a bowl (make sure you get the best one).
• Step 2: Rub some into your hands and then rub them into your shoe. Be careful not to put too much oil on your shoes because they will end up looking greasy.
• Step 3: Leave the oil to soak into the leather for 10-15 minutes. Then, wipe excess oil off with a clean cloth.
• Step 4: Remove other dirt using a cloth. If you can’t see any dirt anymore, it means your shoes are clean.

Note: You can also clean your shoes with olive oil and leather conditioner, but I wouldn’t recommend using both on one pair of shoes (too risky).

Way 10: Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean Your Leather Work Boots

Vinegar and baking soda so good for cleaning. This is a great way to clean the dirt and oil stains on your leather work boots. It’s simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The vinegar breaks down the dirt while the baking soda neutralizes the stains. To create this mix, all you need are equal parts white vinegar and baking soda. 

• Step 1: Mix 1 tablespoon of the mixture to 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. 
• Step 2: Apply this mixture onto your leather boots while they are still wet.
• Step 3: Dry your work boots with a towel. This helps remove surface debris and dry out the leather.
• Step 4: Wipe the boots with the mixture using a soft cloth. Begin with an exterior area, working your way in to clean any dirt particles stuck inside the boots. 
• Step 5: Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe off the mixture with a clean cloth. 
• Step 6: Apply a leather conditioner after this cleaning process to restore the shine and moisture content of your boots

Note: The cleaning process works best when done at room temperature or slightly humid outside.

Way 11: Tartar Cream and Lemon Juice

If your boots are really dirty, use the combination of lemon juice and tartar cream to clean them. It’s simple to make at home, too. 

All you need:  

• A small bowl
• Some cream
• Lemon juice

• Step 1: Melt the tartar cream by heating it gently in a bowl. 
• Step 2: Add some lemon juice to the melted cream until it forms a paste. Be careful not to add too much because there should be enough for application.
• Step 3: Wearing rubber gloves, apply the lemon paste over the work boots
• Step 4: Clean the work boots with water
• Step 5: Dry your work boots
• Step 6: Make sure the boots are completely dry before storage or use.

Note: You can use baking soda instead of tartar cream if the cream is unavailable. Baking soda is an active ingredient for tartar cream, but if you can’t locate it, you don’t have to worry.

Way 12: Use Curd has Luster Restoration Properties

The last method is to use curd has luster restoration properties. 

You will need: 

• A small jar with a lid. 
• Curd

• Step 1: Pour curd in the jar and shake it up. 
• Step 2: Apply the mixture onto the leather by wiping it with a dry cloth or sponge
• Step 3: Then buff it to a shine.
• Step 4: Repeat the process on the other areas of your boots
• Step 5: Let it dry. 

Note: 

• This should only be done when you need to clean your boots or shoes, not daily or weekly.
• Curd has a powerful moisturizing action that will nourish the leather while providing a protective coating from the effects of water and dirt. 

Way 13: Vegetable Oil Acts as a Good Conditioning Agent

Vegetable oil has a moisturizing effect. 

You will need: 

• A vegetable oil jar with a lid. 
• Dry cloth or sponge. 

• Step 1: Pour vegetable oil into the jar and shake it up. 
• Step 2: Apply the mixture onto the leather by wiping it with a dry cloth or sponge. 
• Step 3: Let it dry for 30 minutes, then buff to a shine.
• Step 4: Repeat the process on the other areas of your boots. 

Note: 

• Vegetable oil nourishes and conditions your leather work boots while also providing a protective coating from the effects of water and dirt.
• Do not apply on leather that has a ton of dirt on it. Clean the leather first.
• Be careful as you don’t want to put too much oil so as not to cause some damage to the leather.

Way 14: Use Salt to Polish Your Boots

Salt is another great treatment for your leather boots that you can use at home. Salt can be used as a polisher for cleaning and maintaining your work boots. If you want a quick fix, you can just sprinkle some salt onto the surface of the leather. As the salt rubs off, it will clean and restore the shine of your boots. Treating your leather boots with salt is a good alternative to using fabric softener or other odor-eliminating products that can harm the leather. Just be sure to clean the salt off after you use it; otherwise, you’ll end up having a nasty smell on your shoes

You will need: 

• Salt
• Towel

• Step 1: Sprinkle some salt onto your boots.
• Step 2: Rub salt into the leather.
• Step 3: Use a clean towel to wipe off any excess salt. 
• Step 4: Let the shoes dry up before wearing them again.

Salt will help get off the dirt and watermarks on your boot, while it will also restore its shine.

Way 15: Use Cornstarch to Clean Your Boots

Cornstarch is a great alternative to using fabric softener on your work boots. It will help prevent the build-up of sweat odors. Cornstarch will also help remove stains that are caused by oil, dirt, or other liquids.

You will need: 

• Cornstarch
• Cup of water

• Step 1: Make sure your boots are dry before cleaning them.
• Step 2: Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with one cup of water in a bowl.
• Step 3: Soak your work boots in the mixture for five minutes.
• Step 4: Rinse the boots in warm water to remove any residue left by cornstarch.

Tip: If you want softer boots, repeat the process after an hour. Just be sure that your boots are well-dried before you apply the cornstarch for a second time.

Things to Do after Clean Leather Work Boots

Restoring Color

When you’re cleaning your leather work boots, the color may begin to fade. You can restore the original color of your boots by using a shoe polish specifically designed for this purpose. Be sure to test out the polish on an inconspicuous area of your shoe to ensure that it doesn’t remove any shine or luster. When applying polish, make sure you apply it in small circles; otherwise, you might end up dirtying the surface again.

Other than polishing, you can also restore the color by using a shoe conditioner. First, rub the conditioner onto the surface, and then let it soak into the leather. You can now buff it to polish your boots. Don’t overuse shoe polish or conditioner as they could leave a sticky residue on your boots, making them slippery. Always make sure to clean your shoes before applying any shoe polish or conditioner. You should apply polish once a month to keep dirt from building upon the surface of the leather.

Deodorizing

If the odor of your leather work boots has become unpleasant, you can use a deodorizer to remove the smell. If you want to do this at home, you can mix the bicarbonate of soda with water. Be sure not to use too much bicarbonate of soda; otherwise, it will leave deposits on the surface of your shoes. Besides cleaning the bad smell out, deodorizers can also keep leather boots smelling nice by reducing bacteria.

Conditioning

You can condition your leather work boots by applying a special coating to the surface. This coating will help strengthen the leather, while it will also add softness and flexibility. You can buy this type of protective coating from a shoe store in shoe polish, or you can use the boots’ natural oils to make a similar compound at home.

How Bad are there If Your Leather Work Boots are not Clean?

If your leather work boots are dirty, it will be:

• It will cause a bad smell on your feet.
• Your shoes will not look as sleek as they used to be 
• They can get brittle and stiff, and badly cracked on the surface.
• The leather can crack or split open, exposing the inside.
• They can also become rough. 
• They can become heavier when it becomes wet. 
• The surface of the boots will not be as smooth as before.
• It can get discolored, chipped, peeling. 
• They can get moldy. 
• It can be hard to grip slippery surfaces when they are wet or slimy with mildew or mud. 

When they are not clean, bacteria can breed in them, which is very dangerous for your feet – there are chances of getting sprains, blisters, abscesses, and so on if you wear this kind of footwear in muddy areas.

FAQs

Can you polish a boot that is covered in mud?

The answer is yes. You can use a brush to get rid of the mud first, then use a polish to clean and shine your leather shoes. The color should come back if you clean them regularly.

How long does it take to clean a pair of leather boots?

It depends on how dirty they are. It can take from half an hour to an hour, but it’s better to clean it every time you wear it.

How often should I clean my work boots?

At least once a month, but once a week would be the best. The more often you clean your shoes, the longer they’ll last and look good. If your boots get wet, make sure to let them dry before applying any shoe polish or conditioner.

Are there any good products to clean my leather boots?

There are many different products you can use to clean your work boots. For example, you can use shampoos, fabric softeners, and even toothbrushes. However, the best products to clean your boots are leather cleaner and polish. This way, they will look new again, smell wonderful, and not need too much maintenance. 

Then, rubHow many products do I use to clean the boots?

There are various methods you can choose from. For example, you can use separate cloths to wipe the inside of the boots. You can use soft brushes to clean the leather. If you do not want to spend too much money, you can use your socks or other fabrics. Or you can also use your hands to get into the nooks and crannies of your work boots, but since it’s difficult for many people to get into there, it may be better to take your time and spend more time cleaning your work boots.