How to Care For Leather
Leather boots, shoes and accessories are a timeless and durable choice, but they require proper care to maintain their quality and appearance. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning and conditioning your leather goods, ensuring they stay in good condition for the long-haul.
It’s important to know the type of leather you’re working with. Different types of leather require different types of care. Here is a quick overview of the most common leather types to help you determine the best leather care routine.
TYPES OF LEATHER
Full Grain Leather: This premium leather is exactly what it sounds like. Full-grain leather means no layers have been removed in the production process, making it an exceptionally strong and long-lasting leather. This type of leather accepts conditioners and protectants with ease.
Nubuck Leather: Nubuck leather is leather that has had its outer layer buffed away, leaving behind a softer surface than full-grain leather. Nubuck is treated more like a suede than a finished or full grain leather.
Split Suede: This is a type of full-grain leather that is soft to touch, and has a more “textured” surface. Split suede will require a different approach to cleaning and care than full-grain or finished leather. Do not use a polish or conditioner unless you’re willing to alter the look and feel of the suede. Instead, we recommend using a light protectant spray and a suede brush.
Suede: It’s soft, it’s leather, and it should never be polished or conditioned. Instead, we recommend using a light protectant spray and a suede brush.
Materials We Recommend for Leather Care
Here’s a list of materials we recommend using in your leather care routine:
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Soft Bristle Brush or Cloth: To remove loose dirt and debris without scratching the leather. (We recommend a horse hair brush)
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Mild Soap or Leather Cleaner: Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleaner specifically designed for leather. (We recommend saddle soap for finished leathers or suede cleaner for suede or nubuck)
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Clean Water: For lathering and rinsing off the cleaning solution. (for finished leathers only)
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Soft Cloth: To apply the cleaning solution if you don’t have a brush and wipe away excess dirt or cleaner. (We recommend lint free, microfiber)
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Leather Conditioner: A high-quality conditioner to moisturize and protect the leather.
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Newspaper or Shoe Trees: To help the boots retain their shape while drying.
Step 1: Prep Your Boots or Leather Goods
After removing any laces, use a soft bristle brush, like horse hair, or microfiber cloth to gently remove any loose debris or buildup from the surface of your boots. This will prevent scratching during the cleaning process, as well as allow the cleaning and conditioning products to reach the most surface area of your leather. Some boots or shoes will not need additional cleaning after brushing away debris.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
FOR FINISHED OR FULL GRAIN LEATHERS: If your leather still needs additional cleaning after step 1, dip your brush or cloth into a bowl of clean water. Then, swirl the damp brush or cloth into the saddle soap or mild leather cleaner. Repeat until you achieve a foamy lather.
FOR SUEDE OR NUBUCK: If your leather still needs additional cleaning after step 1, shake your suede cleaning solution and spray it directly onto the suede or nubuck. Try to apply it evenly to the entire surface instead of spot cleaning.
Step 3: Get Cleaning
FOR FINISHED OR FULL GRAIN LEATHERS: Gently apply the lathered solution to the entire surface of the boots, giving extra attention to areas with dirt or stains. Continually rinse the brush in clean, warm water and add more soap as needed. Feel free to scrub if you find a spot that needs some elbow grease, but avoid soaking the leather entirely. You want it damp, not soaked.
FOR SUEDE OR NUBUCK: Use your brush or cloth to gently scrub the surface of the nubuck or suede, giving extra attention to areas with dirt or stains.
Step 4: Rinse
FOR FINISHED OR FULL GRAIN LEATHERS: Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe away any residue from the cleaning products. Your leather will look darker while damp, but will lighten up as it dries.
FOR SUEDE OR NUBUCK: Using a dry, clean cloth, wipe down the entire surface of the suede or nubuck leather. Then, revive the nap (the texture) of the suede or nubuck by brushing it with your brush. If you don’t have a brush, you can use a cloth.
Step 5: Allow the Leather to Dry
Stuff your boots with newspaper or insert shoe trees to help them maintain their shape while drying. Allow them to air dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources that can damage the leather. We recommend at least 12 hours to dry.
Step 6: Condition
FOR FINISHED OR FULL GRAIN LEATHERS: Once the leather is completely dry, apply a generous amount of leather conditioner to a soft cloth. Gently rub the conditioner into the leather using small circular motions, ensuring complete coverage. Pay extra attention to areas that may be prone to dryness or cracking.
Step 7: Finish Up
FOR FINISHED OR FULL GRAIN LEATHERS: Use a dry, soft cloth to buff the leather. This removes any excess conditioner and enhances the shine of finished leather. This step will leave your leather looking revitalized and well-maintained.
FOR SUEDE OR NUBUCK: Use your brush or cloth to brush or wipe the leather and restore the nap or texture of the leather.
Regular cleaning and conditioning are essential for extending the life of your leather boots, shoes or accessories. By following these simple steps and using the right materials, you can keep your leather goods well maintained and ready to face whatever adventures lie ahead.
Waterproofing
A few of our boots are already waterproof, so no further waterproofing is necessary for these styles. Click here to see our current waterproof boot collection.
Most of our other products are considered water resistant as they are handcrafted with oiled leather and treated with a water-repellant finish. If you’d like to add additional waterproofing, we recommend a clear waterproof spray. Just remember that even a clear spray can slightly darken the finish of your leather. We like to call that “added character.”
Still have questions about your leather care?
Email us at [email protected] or call/text us at 414-455-8024 and we will be happy to help.
