Are your army boots starting to look a little worse for wear? Don’t worry, cleaning them is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can have your boots looking like new again. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to clean army boots, from the materials you’ll need to the step-by-step process
What You’ll Need
Before you start cleaning your army boots, you’ll need a few supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soft-bristled brush
- Water
- Soap or boot cleaner
- Leather conditioner (for leather boots)
- Paper towels or clean cloth
Cleaning Fabric Boots:
If your army boots are made of fabric, here’s how to clean them:
- Remove any dirt or debris: Begin by using a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt or debris on the surface of your boots. This is an essential step to ensure that the cleaning solution can penetrate the fabric material effectively.
- Mix soap or boot cleaner with water: Next, mix some mild soap or a specialized boot cleaner with warm water in a bowl. Be sure to use a cleaning product that is specifically designed for fabric materials to prevent any damage to the boots.
- Dip the brush in the solution: Dip the brush in the cleaning solution and gently scrub the boots. Pay close attention to any particularly dirty areas and ensure that you are applying enough pressure to remove any stubborn stains.
- Rinse with clean water: Once you’ve scrubbed the boots thoroughly, rinse them with clean water to remove any remaining soap or cleaning solution.
- Dry the boots: Finally, use paper towels or a clean cloth to dry the boots thoroughly. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or using a heat source to speed up the drying process, as this can damage the fabric material.
Cleaning Leather Boots
If your army boots are made of leather, follow these steps:
- Remove any dirt or debris from the boots using a soft-bristled brush. It’s important to get rid of any loose dirt or grime before cleaning the boots with soap and water.
- Mix soap or boot cleaner with water in a bowl. You can use mild soap, such as dish soap, or a specific boot cleaner designed for leather.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the solution and wring it out until it’s just damp. It’s important not to use too much water, as leather can be damaged by excess moisture.
- Gently wipe the boots with a damp cloth or sponge. Be sure to cover the entire boot and pay extra attention to any particularly dirty areas. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the leather.
- Rinse the boots with clean water. Use a separate clean cloth or sponge and dampen it with clean water. Wipe away any soap residue and excess water.
- Use paper towels or a clean cloth to dry the boots. Gently pat the boots with paper towels or a clean cloth to remove any remaining moisture. It’s important not to use a heat source, such as a hair dryer or heater, to dry the boots, as this can cause the leather to crack.
- Apply leather conditioner to the boots to keep the leather moisturized and prevent cracking. Once the boots are completely dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the surface of the boots. Rub the conditioner in with a clean cloth and allow it to absorb into the leather. This will help to keep the leather soft and supple and prevent it from drying out and cracking over time.
Tips for Deep Cleaning Leather Boots
If your leather boots are particularly dirty or have stains, you may need to give them a deep clean. Here are some tips:
- Use a leather cleaner specifically designed for military boots.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to work the cleaner into the leather.
- Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
- Use a leather conditioner to keep the leather moisturized after cleaning.
Conclusion
Cleaning your army boots may not be the most exciting task, but it’s an important one. With these simple steps, you can keep your boots looking great and ensure they last for years to come. So next time you’re getting ready for inspection, remember to give your boots a good cleaning first!