How to Clean Timberland Boots With Household Cleaners

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Boots can be cleaned with eco-friendly household products.

A pair of Timberland boots is an pricey investment in well-constructed footwear that should last a long time with proper care. The New Hampshire-based company prides itself on its commitment to protecting the environment while producing rugged, all-weather boots and shoes. Timberland boots are made from leather, suede or nubuck with leather trim. The company offers no-phosphate, water-based cleaners for their footwear. However, you can also clean your Timberland boots with a number of eco-friendly household products.

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Things You'll Need

  • Mild detergent

  • Dish-washing liquid

  • Old toothbrush

  • Pencil eraser or fine-grade sandpaper

  • Baby powder

  • Stiff-bristle brush

  • White vinegar

  • Soft cloths

  • Leather shoe brush

  • Olive oil

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Nubuck and Suede

Step 1

Remove shoelaces from your Timberland boots. Wash them with mild household detergent. Hang to air-dry.

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Step 2

Pour lukewarm water in a small bowl and add a degreasing dishwashing liquid. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the rubber soles of the boots, removing loose dirt and soil.

Step 3

Brush dirt and grime from the suede or nubuck surface with a stiff-bristle brush designed for use on suede.

Step 4

Remove scuff marks or light stains by rubbing with a pencil eraser or fine-grade sandpaper. If the boots are marred with oily stains, lightly sprinkle with absorbent baby powder. Leave the powder on overnight, then brush gently to remove the powder and restore the nap.

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Step 5

Pour white vinegar into a bowl. Dip a clean, soft cloth into the bowl. Lightly rub the soiled surface of the boot with the cloth. Use vinegar sparingly, and do not saturate the boot fabric. Allow clean boot to air-dry, away from any heat source. After drying, brush the boot to restore nap.

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Leather

Step 1

Remove shoelaces, and wash them with mild detergent. Hang to air-dry.

Step 2

Dip a toothbrush into a mixture of lukewarm water and a degreasing dishwashing liquid. Scrub the rubber soles of the boots, removing loose dirt and soil.

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Step 3

Clean dirt and grime from the surface of your Timberland leather boots with a shoe brush designed for leather.

Step 4

Mix a solution of two parts plain olive oil and one part white vinegar in a small bowl. Stir to mix well. Vinegar will remove dirt, and the oil will help keep the leather soft and supple.

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Step 5

Dab a soft cloth into oil-and-vinegar mixture. Wring out excess. Wipe the damp cloth once over the boots. Buff boots with another soft cloth before the application dries.

Step 6

Air-dry boots away from any heat source.

Warning

Household cleaners containing bleach or ammonia are harsh and can damage suede or nubuck boots.

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