How to Clean Beeswax Leather

Leather work boots need regular cleaning and treatment to keep them in good shape.

Beeswax leather is leather that has been treated with beeswax to make it waterproof and weather resistant. However, even treated leather will eventually lose its waterproof qualities if you do not refresh the treatment correctly when you clean it. By using a few specialty items, you can easily clean any beeswax leather item and restore it to its original, weatherproof condition.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Leather cleaner
• Cleaning rags
• Leather conditioner
• Beeswax protective spray

Instructions

1. Spray the beeswax leather item with water. If the water does not pill up and form small droplets, your beeswax coating is worn off, and you need to clean and re-treat the leather.

2. Wipe down the leather item with a leather cleaner. Rub with a cleaning rag in smooth, circular motions. If the rag gets too dirty, switch to a new one so you are not just rubbing the dirt around but actually removing it.

3. Let the boots dry. This may take a few hours.

4. Rub in a leather conditioner using a clean, dry rag. Use mink oil or a beeswax-based conditioner--either will help protect your beeswax leather and keep it waterproof.

5. Apply two coats of beeswax protective spray to the leather item, allowing for about 10 minutes' drying time in between coats. Once the second coat is dry, you can start using your leather item again without worrying about it getting damaged by water or bad weather.

References

• The Natural Handyman: Work Boot Cleaning and Care Made Easy
• Dansko Outlet: Product Material and Care Instructions