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How to Clean Timberland Boots With Soap and Water?

Fact checked by A. Thompson

how to clean timberland boots with soap and water

So you went on a hike with your friends, and the muddy trail made your Timberland pair dirty, barely recognizable. You would need to clean it right away because built-up dirt can damage the shoe fabric and degrade its nice look.

But, when you check your cleaning materials just to find out that you’re out of boot cleaners. What would you do? You can use basic household materials to clean them, like soap and water.

But how to clean Timberland boots with soap and water? Very simple, just mix the two and use a brush to scrub off the dirt.

Cleaning Materials You Need

clean-suede-timberland-boots-with-household-items

So how can you clean Timberlands with soap and water? Prepare the cleaning materials you have at home and follow the steps below.

  • Liquid dishwashing soap
  • Warm water
  • Dry microfiber towel
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Container (2 pieces)
  • Stirrer

Steps on Cleaning Timberland Boots

can-you-clean-timberlands-with-soap-and-water

Step 1: Mix the dishwashing soap and warm water.

In two separate containers, create cleaning solutions by mixing 1 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Stir the solution gently with a stirrer to mix the solutions evenly.

Dedicate one of the mixtures to clean the upper and outsoles of your Timberland boots and use the other to clean your shoelaces and insoles.

NOTE: Using warm water in cleaning things, like Timberland boots, has been explained scientifically to dissolve or remove dirt better than cold or tap water.

Step 2: Dip the brush into the cleaning solution.

Get your soft-bristle shoe brush and soak it in one of the containers which contain the cleaning solution. Soak the brush so the bristle will absorb the solution, set it aside and proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Remove the shoelaces and insoles.

Make sure to remove the shoelaces before you scrub your Timberland boots. You should take out your safety boots’ shoelaces to clean all the parts fully. Then, remove the insoles as well, so you can wash them separately.

Step 4: Wash the shoelaces.

Take the other container containing the warm water and dishwashing soap solution and soak the shoelaces deeply. Give it time to absorb the solution for about 1 minute before you hand wash it.

Step 5: Clean the insoles.

Soak your insoles in the cleaning solution for about 30 seconds and scrub them using the toothbrush. Brush both sides of the insoles to ensure that you take out all the dirt. Clean the insoles until you are satisfied.

Step 6: Scrub the Timberland boots.

Get the brush soaked in the solution and scrub your suede Timberland boots in a circular motion. Brush the work boots lightly and avoid scrubbing them too hard so you will not damage the material. In the area of the seam of your boots, be extra careful when brushing them to avoid loosening the thread.

Make sure all the areas in your safety boots are cleaned, especially the filthy parts and the hard-to-reach areas. Do this step until you feel satisfied with the brushing outcome.

Step 7: Clean the outsoles.

Using the same brush and cleaning agent used in the previous step, take off the dirt from the outsoles of your Timberland boots by brushing them. Make sure that the dirt is removed, especially those that got stuck in the lugs. Do this until you are satisfied with the result.

NOTE: Add more liquid dishwashing soap and warm water to the current mixture if you feel the need to.

Step 8: Wipe using the microfibre cloth.

Use the dry microfiber cloth to remove the suds from your pair of Timberland boots. Gently dab the cloth in your boots until you see that all areas are free of suds.

Step 9: Air dry for 24 hours.

Your Timberland boots are still wet after cleaning them with dishwashing soap and warm water. Place them in a secure area outside your house and let them dry naturally for around 24 hours.

For your insoles and shoelaces, hang them outside as well to ensure all areas are dried out.

After cleaning Timberlands and air drying them, you now have a fresh-looking safety boot. Put back the insoles and shoelaces, and you may now start wearing them again.

Bonus Tips

Now, you know how to clean suede Timberland boots with household items, but if you want to go extra, check out some tips below.

  • If you want to restore the material of your old Timberland boots, apply a mink oil and brush it repeatedly in the same direction until the fabric becomes smooth and soft.
  • For leather Timberland boots, you can apply a conditioner and polishing cream after cleaning for them to look shiny and new.
  • You can place a crumpled paper or a shoe tree inside the safety shoes before cleaning them to ensure that the shape of the boots is maintained throughout the cleaning process.
  • For stubborn stains, especially in suede or nubuck boots, you can use white vinegar to remove the stain using a cloth. Do this in a circular or back and forth motion until you see that the stain is gone.
  • If you want to dry clean your Timberland boots, check out this video to know how to do it:

Conclusion

Learning how to clean Timberland boots with soap and water will come in handy, especially if you don’t have the intended cleaning kit for Timberland boots. Aside from that, using these household items to clean them is very effective.

This article is your go-to guide on cleaning your Timberland boots with liquid soap and water. If you found this article helpful, let us know in the comment section and share this with your friends.

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