How to Clean your Leather Country boots - A Step by Step Guide

Your outdoor adventures and daily yard chores can leave leather country boots covered in mud, muck, dust and wet grass. A simple routine keeps the leather supple, helps protect it from the elements and extends the life of your boots.

At Bareback, we use different leather finishes, so always match the care product to the finish. Waxed leather can be cleaned, protected and conditioned. Suede, nubuck and crushed nubuck need specialist nap-leather products and should not be treated with dubbin or wax.

Cleaning your waxed leather country boots

Yard manure, waste liquids, salt water and mud can be corrosive to leather. Clean them away before applying any protector or conditioner, otherwise dirt can be sealed into the leather.

For Bareback waxed leather boots and shoes, we recommend the Waxed Leather Boots Care Package. It includes Leather Cleaner foam with a hog hair application brush, Leather Protector and Waterproofer, Luxury Dubbin, a branded cloth and a storage bag.

1. Remove loose dirt. Brush or wipe away mud from the upper, sole edge, stitching, lace area and zip teeth.
2. Clean the leather. Use Bareback Footwear Leather Cleaner foam to lift dirt, remove stains and clean the leather without compromising colour or finish. Work it in gently with the hog hair brush, then wipe away excess with a soft slightly damp cloth.
3. Dry naturally. Leave boots to dry for around 24 hours in a room-temperature, ventilated space. Do not use direct heat, a radiator or a fire.
4. Protect. Once the leather is clean and dry, apply Bareback Footwear Leather Protector and Waterproofer to help guard against water, mud and everyday wear.
5. Condition. Apply Bareback Footwear Luxury Dubbin with the branded cloth or a soft cloth, paying particular attention to creases and areas that flex. The almond oil and natural waxes help replenish dry leather and add a water-repellent layer.

Use on: all Bareback waxed leather styles, including Andalucia, Quebec, Lucianna Brown, Dakota, Rocky, Bronx, Buffalo, Hudson, Kentucky, Roxy Waxed, Idaho, Windsor, Ohio, Dixie, Burlington, Delaware, Ottowa, Alaska, Nebraska and Polar Footbed.

Get right in there

When cleaning boots, remove insoles and laces where possible so you can clean every seam and surface properly.

• If the lining gets wet during cleaning, dry it thoroughly before wearing again. Crumpled paper works well inside the boot.
• Our insoles are removable, so you can clean underneath and replace them when needed.
• Remove laces, wash them with fresh water, and allow them to dry fully before re-lacing.
• Clean zips with a soft bristled brush to remove mud, bedding and grit from between the teeth. Never force a dirty zip.

Some leather care products may alter colour or flatten the nap of nubuck or suede. Always read the care instructions and test a small hidden area before applying product across the whole boot.

Storing your country boots

1. Clean, dry and treat boots before storing them for a long period.
2. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, damp and extreme heat or cold.
3. Your Bareback boots will keep their shape best in storage when used with boot trees.

How to re-lace your boots

Everyone prefers a slightly different fastening, but this is our team in Portugal's method for re-lacing short boots.

If your laces are looking tired, you can order new ones to match your Bareback boots here.

Cleaning crushed nubuck and nubuck

Crushed nubuck and nubuck have a nap, so they need a gentler route than waxed leather. Do not use the waxed leather care kit, dubbin, wax polish or heavy creams on suede, nubuck or crushed nubuck.

1. Remove loose dirt: let mud dry, then brush gently in the direction of the fibres with a suede or nubuck brush.
2. Clean carefully: use a nubuck cleaner or a product suitable for nap leather. Avoid soaking the boot.
3. Blot and dry: use a clean dry cloth to remove excess moisture, then allow the boots to dry naturally away from heat.
4. Restore texture: once dry, brush gently to lift the nap and restore the finish.
5. Protect: apply a suede/nubuck-safe protector spray where suitable.

Leather cleaning don'ts

• Never leave boots covered in muck and mud to dry out without cleaning or treatment.
• Never dry boots in direct contact with a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace.
• Do not use aggressive products or household detergents.
• Never use dubbin, wax polish or heavy creams on suede, nubuck or crushed nubuck.
• Never store boots when damp or folded.
• Do not leave zips full of dirt or force them open or closed.
• Remember that leather will dry out over time if it is never cared for or treated.

Want more advice on how to look after your boots?

Get in touch with us. We love hearing about your Bareback boots.