Boot Cleaning.

[Youngspanion]

Are there any proper ways to clean a Black Leather boot without ruining them? I went through dry dirt and grass with them on and now they are lightly covered in dust.

[Pilgrim]

Assuming they're black leather, they're not made of glass - you'll encounter much worse in the future.

Wet rag. Saddle soap (if you want to be really careful). Polish. No sweat.

[Youngspanion]

Thank you sir. Doesn't matter the grade of leather or the overall toughness of the leather? For some reason it seems like a fragile leather.. Maybe a bit soft. And I'm not sure how deep the black goes.

[jonathan_matos5]

i used to use WD-40. cleans and protects. no leather boots currently. but yeah wet rag and a polish should do.

[Pilgrim]

Think of it this way - you'll walk in rain sooner or later, so compared to that, a few passes with a damp rag won't hurt a thing. Really soft leather will probably stretch more easily, but you're not going to stand in the bathtub with them on (which is one way cowboys fit their boots - and I'm not kidding) so it won't be a problem.

Fragile leather probably is damaged most often by two things: punctures and scrapes, or being allowed to dry out and crack. The saddle soap helps prevent cracking, and is enough for most footwear. Lexol is going even further.

But if they're black leather, black boot creme just keeps the black going, which is exactly what you want. Black is easy because it's black....no shades (medium brown, light tan, etc.) involved. So just keep them black.

As the old saying goes, it's not rocket surgery: http://www.ehow.com/how_2282794_polish-boots.html

[Youngspanion]

Well the black boot cream is what I use on my black RedWings but those are work boots. I am babying these things because I bought them for style and not work.

I guess I'll just treat them the same. I was worried that by using a damp clothe that I was gonna rub the dirt in and really screw them up.

[bongomania]

Here you go: http://www.fitslikeaglove.org/01_Site/bootBlack.shtml

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Brush off most of it with a shoe/boot brush.
Wipe down with a wet rag.
Apply some Dubbin or similar leather care product.
Leave that overnight, preferably by some heat.
Rub the residue off, and your set.

Starting to go into winter (and again in the spring), I'll give it a going over with a leather moisturiser like product first, leave that then wipe off the next day, then give it a going over with the dubbin.

On softer leathers dubbin can leave the surface quite tacky feeling (something to bear in mind). But it's great for harder or smoother leathers. You'll see any liquids just bead up on contact, great way to keep your boots in good order!

[drteeth]

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/07/29...st-shoe-shine/

[shadowtippy]

A steel wire brush will get the dust off , but that gives you a suede look which can be remedied by using 440 grit sandpaper, followed by a quick touch-up with spray paint, gloss black is best. If that is too much trouble, a damp rag to remove the dust, followed by polishing the boots with a good shoe polish and giving them a good buffing with a soft, lint free cloth will do it.

[Youngspanion]

Thank You to all the TalkBass Brothers out there in the world. I knew that if I had a problem, that some good advice could solve, this board would be the place.

My boots are back to looking sharp once again and I have the knowledge now to care for them and keep them looking good.