Timberland boots were originally created to be sturdy work boots. However, they have become a popular everyday boot and a fashion staple. Whether you’re wearing them for work or as a fashion statement you need to keep your Timberland boots clean in order to lengthen their life and make them look great. So, if you’re wondering how to clean Timberland boots, then stick around.
To clean your Timberlands, you’ll need to first identify the material from which your boots are made. This article will look at a few different ways you can clean your Timberland boots at home based on their material type. These methods all use inexpensive items that you may already own, so you won’t have to purchase a special cleaning kit if you don’t want to.
How to Clean Suede Timberlands
Suede is a wonderful material, but it requires special care if you want it to keep looking great. To clean suede Timberland boots, you’ll need to buy a suede brush. You’ll also need to purchase a suede eraser to get rid of tough stains and a good waterproofing spray as well.
Things you’ll need:
- Suede brush
- Suede eraser
- Old newspaper
- Butter knife
Steps to clean suede Timberlands:
- Spread the newspaper to protect the floor.
- If there’s mud on your boots, let them dry overnight and remove as much as you can by hand.
- Use the suede brush to get rid of any dirt or dust and remember to always brush in the same direction.
- Take the suede eraser and rub over any scuff marks or stains then remove the debris with the suede brush.
- If that doesn’t get rid of the stain, you can use a butter knife to gently scrape the stain and use the suede brush to remove any debris.
Avoid exposing your suede boots to water because it can lead to water stains. If you still choose to clean your boots with water, soak up any excess with a rag and let the boots dry in a well-ventilated area. To further protect your suede Timberlands after cleaning, you can use a waterproofing spray.
How to Clean Timberlands Without a Kit
Ideally, you need a suede cleaning kit to take care of your suede Timberland boots, but there are a few other things you can use to clean your boots if you don’t want to purchase a cleaning kit.
Things you’ll need:
- Baby wipes
- Clean cloth or rag
- Sponge, water, and newspaper
- Clean pencil eraser
- Nail file
- White vinegar
Steps to clean Timberlands without a kit:
- Take the cloth or rag and wipe away as much dirt as possible from your boots.
- Rub the nail file gently to lift the grain of the suede to remove dirt and dust particles stuck in the material’s pores.
- If there are stains and scuff marks that just won’t budge, rub them with the pencil eraser and if that does not work, use the baby wipes and they should dissolve stains without damaging the suede material. However, wipe only the areas that are dirty as it is best to avoid exposing suede to humidity.
- If those don’t work, try a wet sponge, and use a newspaper to absorb as much water as possible to help the boots dry faster.
- If nothing on this list works, then you can try using a small quantity of white vinegar. This will dissolve tough stains, but your boots might smell like vinegar for a while.
How to Clean Black Timberlands
Black leather Timberlands require less maintenance than suede, but you also need to keep them clean and protect them. You can do so by using common household items, but you can invest in a cleaning kit if you want.
Things you’ll need:
- Dish soap or baking soda
- Toothbrush
- Vinegar
- Water
- Cloth or rag
Steps to clean black leather Timberlands:
- Use the rag or cloth and wipe away as much dirt as you can.
- Dip a toothbrush in baking soda or dish soap.
- Brush the dirty areas using small circular motions.
- Rinse with water.
- If some stains won’t go away, you can use a small amount of vinegar and the toothbrush to scrub the stain away.
- Wipe the shoe with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
You should invest in a quality leather conditioner so you can nourish the leather and get rid of any scuff marks. The leather conditioner also prevents the leather from cracking.
How to Clean Wheat Nubuck Timberlands
Wheat Timberlands boots allow you to make a bold fashion statement, but the downside is that their clear color can make dirt and stains very visible. Fortunately, you can keep your Timberland boots looking clean with just a few items that you already have in your home.
Things you’ll need:
- Rag or cloth
- Soft-bristle brush
- Hard-bristle brush
- Toothpaste and dish soap
Steps to clean Wheat Nubuck Timberlands:
- If there’s mud present on the boots, wait overnight for the mud to dry and remove most of it by hand.
- Take the cloth or rag and wipe the surface of the boots to get rid of dust and dirt.
- Use the soft bristle brush to clean the boots and always brush in the same direction.
- Grab the hard bristle brush and clean the side of the soles.
- If any stains remain, use the toothbrush and dish soap to get them out. You can also try using a suede eraser on your wheat nubuck Timberlands to get rid of stains.
- Rinse the boots and let them dry.
How to Clean Timberlands Boots with Specialty Products
If you wear your Timberland boots daily and want to keep them looking fresh, then it is better to invest in a cleaning kit. You can buy one online from any store that carries them or from the official Timberland website since the brand has its own line of cleaning products. And also choose to put your own cleaning kit together by looking for cleaners that work best with the material of your boots.
You will only need to use the specialty cleaners when your boots have visible stains. The products in the kits are designed to nourish and protect your boots. You could use common household items like baking soda and dish soap on a weekly basis and only use the specialty cleaners once a month.
Things you’ll need:
- Water-repellent spray
- A dry-cleaning kit if you have suede or Nubuck boots
- A suede or Nubuck cleaner if your boots are made from these materials
- A leather cleaner, soft-bristle brush, and leather protector if you have leather boots
Steps to clean your suede and Nubuck Timberland boots with specialty products:
- Start with the dry-cleaning kit and use the brush to remove dirt and dust.
- The kit also contains a cleaning bar, so rub it over tough stains or scuffs on the boots.
- Use the brush to remove any debris.
- Once all stains are removed, apply two coats of water-repellent spray to protect your boots.
Steps to clean leather Timberlands using specialty products:
- Take your rag or cloth and wipe the boots to get rid of dirt and dust.
- Apply a small amount of leather cleaner and use the soft-bristle brush to work it into the leather.
- Wipe the boots clean with a dry, clean cloth.
- Apply a coat of leather protector to your boots. Take a small amount of leather protector or conditioner and use a rag to gently rub it into the leather using small circular motions.
How to Clean White Timberlands?
To clean white or fair-colored Timberlands, follow the same steps as described above based on material type. These include wiping, gently scrubbing, rinsing, drying, and protecting. However, double-check that all tools are clean before attempting to use them on your white Timberlands. If they’re not, they can dirty the boots further.
Conclusion
You should always aim to keep your Timberland boots looking clean. Keep them looking fresh using the methods outlined above. While it’s always best to invest in a cleaning kit, you can also use some common household items.
If you have a huge collection of Timberland boots and won’t be wearing them any time soon, read this article on how to store shoes.
