While Timberland's signature yellow boots were originally created as sturdy work footwear, they have become a very popular fashion item nowadays. Whether you use them to go to work or as a trendy shoe, they must be kept in perfect condition so that they last over time and keep the typical yellow color alive. If they are in nubuck, they need special care. You can keep them in great condition if you do routine cleaning regularly and take care of your skin properly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting rid of the small spots
Step 1. Use a soft brush to remove smaller dirt residues
Start cleaning your boots by brushing them. Start at the top where they tie at the ankle and work back and forth across the surface.
- If there is only a small encrustation, with a light brush you will be able to remove it. If there are stubborn streaks or lots of dirt, you should brush them off as much as possible before moving on to another cleaning method.
- You can use any brush to clean Timberland boots, as long as it is clean and soft bristled. However, there is a kit on the market specially made by the Timberland company for cleaning the articles of its production. You can also get a brush suitable for suede or nubuck shoes.
Step 2. Remove the streak marks with an eraser
To remove these traces from the surface of your boots, use a simple eraser, a suede eraser or one made specifically by Timberland. Rub it lightly on the affected areas until the marks disappear.
A general purpose rubber or one suitable for cleaning your boots will be able to remove most of the scratches and light marks from daily use. However, it is not effective if the shoes are completely muddy or soiled
Step 3. Brush again
Once all the marks have been removed, use the brush to smooth the surface of the nubuck. In this way, you will also remove any gum residues.
Gently move the brush across the skin in one direction. By doing this, when you have finished cleaning it it will acquire a uniform appearance
Step 4. Clean your boots regularly
Keep them in perfect condition by removing dirt once a week. This is especially important if you wear them on a daily basis, as they can accumulate dirt and grime. By taking care of them every week, you can keep them looking like new for a long time.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Boots for a Thorough Cleaning
Step 1. Buy a nubuck cleaner and waterproofer suitable for your boots
The products you apply to your footwear should be specially formulated for their cleaning. Generally Timberland boots are in suede and leather, but the traditional ones are in nubuck. You can use the same cleaner on suede and nubuck.
- Make sure you buy products that don't spoil the color. Read the instructions on the package to make sure they are suitable for the yellow hue that usually characterizes Timberland boots.
- If you don't know which product to choose, go to a cobbler or shoe store and ask if they sell appropriate cleaners.
Step 2. Remove the laces
Remove them from each boot and set them aside if they are clean. If not, wash them by hand and let them dry thoroughly before slipping them back into the eyelets.
- Wash the laces with detergent and hot water until all the dirt is removed. For a more thorough cleaning, scrub them together with the detergent and immerse them in hot water. Once done, hang them up to dry.
- You could also put them in the washing machine with the rest of the laundry. However, keep in mind that if they are very dirty, you may want to wash them separately.
Step 3. Remove dirt and debris with a soft bristle brush
Brush each boot to remove any dirt residue. Even if the soft-bristled brush is safe enough, proceed gently, otherwise you risk scratching the surface of the shoe. By removing as much dirt as you can from the beginning, you'll avoid rubbing excessively later on.
- Don't forget the part below. The soles tend to accumulate dirt and rubble, which you can easily brush off before moving on to the actual cleaning. If you don't remove these residues, you could get your hands dirty and fill the house with mud.
- The brush is more effective than the cloth because it can reach nooks and crannies. However, if it has stiff bristles, be careful when using it on the skin as it may scratch it.
Step 4. Put your hand in the boot
You must try to keep the shape of the shoe intact while you clean it. Keeping one hand inside it, you will apply to the area to be cleaned a pressure opposite to that of the brush and you will prevent it from deforming as you rub.
You can also use your hand to lift any creases and roughness you would like to smooth out. If you push them out while brushing, you can reshape the area thanks to the pressure of your fingers and the moisture produced by the cleanser
Step 5. Scrub the soles with a toothbrush and mild dish soap
Wet them and apply the detergent with a toothbrush. Scratch gently where you see an encrustation on the underside of the shoe on which the sole of the foot rests. Rinse them with warm water to get rid of any residue and check the result.
You can also use cotton swabs to remove dirt. Dip one into the hot water, where you added the detergent, and wipe it along the grooves until all the dirt is gone
Step 6. Scrub the outside of the boot with detergent and water
Use the cleaner of your choice, warm water, and a soft brush to clean the outer top. Move the brush in one direction only, so as not to damage the surface of the shoe. Also, try to press just enough to get rid of the dirt. Continue scrubbing and, if necessary, apply more cleaner until the surface is clean again.
- When it comes to applying the product and removing stains, be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
- You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the seams.
Step 7. Use sandpaper to remove stubborn stains
If you see obvious stains that haven't faded during cleaning, you may want to wipe with a small sheet of fine-grit sandpaper. Choose one from 400 and move it gently in one direction. Finish the job as soon as you notice that they have disappeared.
This is a delicate procedure that must be used in extreme cases, without applying strong pressure. However, it will allow you to remove stubborn stains immediately
Step 8. Lightly wet the surface
Once you are sure you have cleared the dirt and debris, you need to rinse. Use a small amount of water to remove the last residue of dirt and detergent.
Step 9. Do a deep clean when needed
The frequency depends on how often you put your boots on and how much dirt they accumulate. In general, it should be done when they are soiled and the removal of individual stains is no longer sufficient. If you use them every day and they get greasy, you probably want to do a more thorough cleaning every week. If they are clean enough when you store them, just run them once every month or two.
Part 3 of 3: Dry and Polish
Step 1. Maintain the shape of the boots with paper
If after cleaning them you feel they have deformed, you need to reshape them before they dry. Typically, in these cases, the tip is the part that loses its shape most often. To solve the problem, crumple up some paper and insert it inside so that it goes to push on the deformed areas.
To reshape them, you can use any type of paper: newspaper, scrap paper or paper bags
Step 2. Let them dry for 24 hours
Once the cleaner is applied and the stains are treated, place the boots in a warm environment to allow them to air dry. They will take about a day to dry completely, depending on the moisture they absorbed during cleaning.
Do not place them near direct heat sources, such as a fireplace. The intense heat could melt the glue that holds the elements that make up the boot assembled or destroy the leather parts
Step 3. Polish them
Once dry, they may look slightly odd, as the surface of the nubuck will likely be dull and therefore will need some fixing. Therefore, sweep a clean, dry brush in one direction, avoiding pressing too hard. This will make your boots look normal again.
If they have become so opaque that even brushing them doesn't get any results, put them next to the steam of a kettle and then scrub them with a toothbrush. The steam should solve the problem, because it will allow you to rub them in one direction and make them shiny again
Step 4. Apply a reviver or waterproofer
Choose a product that allows you to protect freshly cleaned boots. Follow the instructions on the package regarding the application. Generally, you have to pour a small amount on a clean cloth and wipe it all over the surface of the shoe.
