Here's How To Clean Timberland Boots

CHO Fashion & Lifestyle
how to clean timberland boots step by step

Timberland boots are the iconic footwear staple your wardrobe has been waiting for. Built to withstand years of stylish dressing, as long as you provide them with a little TLC, they'll surely last a lifetime.

Timberland boot care differs depending on the material your boots are made from, so it's important to learn the type of care your boots require before cleaning and restoring them.

If you're unsure where to begin, don't worry; we're knowledgeable about caring for Timberland boots at CHO.

Whether you're looking to restore the colour, freshen up the inside or simply give your boots a spruce, read on for our top tips on properly caring for yours so you can enjoy them for years to come.

Table of contents:

What materials are Timberland boots made from?

Can I wash my Timberland boots?

How to restore Timberland boots' colour

What materials are Timberlands made from?

Most Timberland boots are constructed from premium leather or suede, depending on the boot's purpose. For example, hard-wearing Timberland boots usually have a full-grain leather upper, making them incredibly durable work boots. Still, you'll also find stylish suede options better suited to fashion and leisure.

how to clean timberland boots step by step guide

The original, iconic yellow Timberland boot is crafted from classic nubuck leather, a combination of durable leather with a suede-feeling finish, making them practical and stylish.

Whichever pair of Timberland boots you have, you can rest assured that they've been made using only the best environmental practices; Timberland only works with gold or silver tanneries recommended by the Leather Working Group when choosing the leather for its boots.

The materials your boots are made from will significantly impact how you should clean and care for them, so it's important to consider this before applying any cleaning products.

In this next section, we'll share our top tips for cleaning your boots, irrespective of their upper type, so you can keep them looking their best.

Can I wash my Timberland boots?

Regularly cleaning your Timberland boots is the best way to prolong their lifespan and is a relatively simple task.

Before doing any cleaning, you'll want to gather some necessary supplies. Here's what you'll need:

  • A waterproofing spray specific to your boot's fabric
  • Boot brush, suede brush or slightly rough towel
  • Shoe wipes (or a warm washcloth)
  • Cleaning spray or solution for your boot fabric (Timberland sell official ones)
  • Mild washing-up liquid and a toothbrush

Before cleaning, remove the laces from your boots to ensure that you can deep clean them effectively.

How to care for Timberland boots: A step-by-step guide

1. Start by brushing away any loose dirt and debris from the surface of your boots with a boot brush. If your boots are heavily soiled, repeat this step several times.

Gently wipe your boots down with a clean, slightly damp cloth or shoe wipes to remove any loose dirt left after brushing the surface. This better prepares your boots for cleaning.

For this step, you'll need to select a boot-specific cleaning spray. If your boots are made from suede or nubuck leather, you can use the same cleaner to treat either fabric (look for a cleaner labelled suede or nubuck leather). Wax, oiled and pebbled leather requires specific leather-treating cleaning products; if in doubt, consult the official Timberland website to locate the correct cleaner for your boots before applying.

Timberland boots covered in paint before being cleaned

4. Once you have the correct cleaning solution, place one hand inside the boot and apply a small amount to its surface using a sponge or applicator. Follow the cleaning solution's instructions for the best results. Scrub in the cleaner with your soft brush and work against the pressure of your hand on the inside of the boot to smooth out stubborn creases and stains and prevent the boot from denting.

5. Once the upper is clean - it's time to clean the soles. Start by mixing some mild washing-up liquid with some warm water, then take an old toothbrush and scrub the soles, using the head of the brush to get deep between the grooves. Once clean, rinse with warm water and repeat if necessary.

A close up of yellow Timberland boots and their ridged soles

6. Rinse away any remaining dirt and cleaning solution under running water. Never submerge your boots in water, as this could damage the leather.

7. Once your boots are clean, leave them to air dry naturally for at least 24 hours in a warm environment. Stuff your boots with acid-free paper to maintain their structure whilst they dry. Avoid using artificial heat to dry them, as this can cause their surface to crack or damage.

8. When your boots are dry, buff them with a soft suede brush to unmat the nap. Lightly brush their surface in one direction for best results.

9. Finally, apply a waterproofing spray to your Timberland boots to protect them from water and stains. It's worth doing this before the wettest weather occurs to keep your boots looking their best. Apply a material-specific solution to your boots with a soft, clean cloth or spray directly onto the boot, depending on the solution's care instructions. Always check that your waterproofing spray is compatible with your boots' upper.

How to clean the inside of your Timberland boots

It's really easy to clean the inside of your Timberland boots to keep them fresh. Simply take your cleaning brush and remove any dirt or debris from inside your boots. Then, shake out the loose dirt or use a vacuum cleaner nozzle to remove it from the inside of your boots.

How to clean Timberland boots with vinegar

Diluted white wine vinegar is a great, gentle, natural cleaner that can be used on almost any boot to spot clean and remove stubborn stains.

Simply mix ten parts water to one part vinegar, then dip a cleaning cloth into the mixture and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Squeeze out the excess liquid, then rub the stain with the cloth.

Once you've worked on the stubborn spots, you can use the mixture to clean the rest of your boot. A white wine vinegar solution is great for removing salt, grease and stains from boots without causing any damage, so it's a great option for giving your Timberland boots a spring clean.

If you're removing a tough, stubborn stain from your boots, add a drop more vinegar to your mixture to make the solution slightly stronger. Just remember that vinegar has a strong smell, so you may want to leave your boots to dry in a place with good ventilation.

How to restore your Timberland boots' colour

So, now you know how to thoroughly clean, dry and protect your Timberland boots, but what happens when you want to rejuvenate their colour?

What causes Timberland boots' colour to fade?

Many factors can cause your Timberland boots' colour to fade; if these can be prevented, your boots will stay looking new for longer.

Avoid leaving your boots in places where they'll be exposed to direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the leather or suede fabric to lose moisture, fade and crack.

An aerial shot of a person's legs and boots covered in snow

Similarly, if you've been wearing your boots in the snow or during heavy rainstorms, clean them to prevent the watermarks and stains from setting in permanently. Cleaning with vinegar can be a good way to cut through the stains and the residue left on the boots.

Using the wrong cleaning products on your boots can also contribute to colour fade, so always ensure that any product you choose is compatible with their fabric.

Your Timberland boots will naturally fade over time. However, the good news is that there are ways to prevent colour fade from occurring.

The best way to keep your Timberland boots' colour looking fresh is to clean them regularly. Keep on top of stains by regularly spot-cleaning areas that have become discoloured, and regularly remove dirt and debris with a boot brush to prevent it from setting into their fabric.

Another great way to keep your boots from looking worn and faded is to use a conditioner on the fabric. Much like cleaning solutions and waterproof sprays, always check that the conditioner you use is compatible with the fabric of your boot before applying.

Once your boots have been thoroughly cleaned, apply a boot conditioner and leave them for 15 minutes so the material can absorb the cleaner. Once absorbed, use a clean, soft cloth to remove any excess conditioner, then allow them to dry as normal.

Shoe polish can also help to revive the colour of your Timberland boots. Always check that any product you choose is compatible with your boots and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

How to care for Timberland boots: The Highlights

  • Caring for your Timberland boots can help to prolong their life, giving you years of stylish dressing.
  • Whatever material upper your boots have, as long as you choose cleaning products tailored to your specific boots, you’ll be able to clean and restore them easily.
  • Then, by finishing with a boot conditioner and waterproofing spray, your boots’ colour will be like new, and they’ll be fully protected ahead of the wettest seasons.
  • Always choose products fully compatible with your boots for cleaning, conditioning and waterproofing to prevent further damage. If you’re unsure which products to choose, consult Timberland’s official site for further assistance.

Shop Timberland boots at CHO

So, now you know how to care for them, why not treat yourself to a new pair? At CHO, we offer a wide selection of men's and women’s Timberland footwear, so there’s never been a better time to update your footwear collection! Explore the range today to find your perfect pair!

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