How to Clean and Care for Military Boots

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If you are active military, then you probably already know how to clean your boots. After all, this is something you learned in basic training. If you were not in the military, then some of these techniques may help you extend the life of your military boots and the comfort of your feet.

Related article: How to Make Combat Boots Comfortable!

Cleaning Waterproof Leather Boots

Many of the boots utilized by military branches are waterproof; these prevent dampness, which may lead to discomfort, athlete’s foot, and even ulcers, which may become infected and problematic. If this is the case, cleaning and caring for your boots is simple. how to clean military boots

Allow the mud to dry, and then remove it by hitting the heels of your boots together.
Use a horsehair brush to remove any mud and dirt still stuck to the leather.
Use a damp cloth to remove the last of any dirt and debris.
Apply waterproofing conditioner and buff with a soft cloth.
Allow the boots to dry.

Cleaning Tan Suede Desert Boots

Tan suede desert boots are a bit trickier to clean. These require some time and patience on your part, particularly since the soft suede tends to soak up dirt, oils, and stains much more readily than waterproof leather. Here are some tips for restoring the brand-new look.

For everyday dirt and mud, first allow the mud to dry Scrubbing even slightly damp mud will force it deeper into the shoe. Once it is dry, knock the boots together to release as much as possible. Then, using a coarse brush, scrub the boots to remove as much dry dirt as possible.
If the boots have stains, try using Dawn dish detergent. The gentle surfactants bind to the stains and help pull them out.
For oil stains, try combining two quarts of hydrogen peroxide with half a box of baking soda and a cup of Dawn dish detergent in a sink full of hot water. Soak your boots, and scrub them with a sturdy nylon brush afterward. They will take a couple of days to dry completely, but they will look much better.

For more tips and techniques, check out this video about cleaning suede boots.

Cleaning Boots with Synthetic Fibers

These boots are probably the easiest to clean since most synthetic materials repel stains and water. Often, all you need to do is wipe them down. Sometimes, though, a deep cleaning may be necessary.

Allow mud to dry, and then knock off as much as possible by hitting the heels of the boots together.
Use water and vinegar to remove stains left behind by rock salt used to dissolve ice in winter.
To remove lodged-in dirt, simply use an old toothbrush dipped in a slurry of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

As you can see, the methods you will use to care for your boots depend on the type of combat boots you wear. Traditional leather and suede leather are completely different, and synthetics do not require quite as much precision. Keeping your boots clean and in good condition will help you stretch your investment, too. If it is the time for a renewal, have a look at our combat boots reviews!