How to clean leather boots and shoes

The Rose Anvil shop has belts, wallets, and more. Check it out here - bit.ly/44jXLNu
How to clean & condition leather boots (Leather Boot Care) is a question I get pretty regularly so this video shows how I clean and maintain leather boots. There are lots of ways to clean leather boots but this is the fastest and easiest and most effective way to clean boots, cowboy boots, shoes and any other leather footwear that I know of.
WEBSITE - roseanvil.com/?aff=17
INSTAGRAM - / rose_anvil
PRODUCTS IN VIDEO
Mink Oil - amzn.to/36bOmrS
Boot Oil (No Animal Fats) - amzn.to/3686m6w
Stiff Brush (for heavy cleaning) - amzn.to/2RawnxR
Soft Brush (for light cleaning or delicate leather) - amzn.to/38pKy7V
Cheap Brush - amzn.to/30JH3qu
Saddle Soap - amzn.to/2REHbDz

[@RoseAnvil]

The Rose Anvil shop has belts, wallets, and more. Check it out here - bit.ly/44jXLNu

[@traviesolee72]

I remember being a young private in the Army and wondering why we had a boot shine kit on our field packing list. Finally, a sergeant explained it to me: It's not to polish the boot, it's to take care of the leather and seams. Being deployed you never know when you might get access to a new pair of boots, so you'd best take care of what you have. And as an aside: breaking in new boots SUCKS and HURTS!

[@videowatcher495]

I remember reading where a guy went through basic training in the 70's (I think) when he joined the USMC. The DI made them swim in their boots during the first week then go to bed with their boots on, still soaked. The next morning their boots fit perfectly and the only sores they got where from extreme days.

[@Arto257]

Mink oil. It darkens the leather something fierce, but it makes break-in so much easier you won't care about the color change

[@kvltizt]

@@Arto257Just buy a lighter finish boot and then they look great after the oil

[@nitebreak]

@@kvltizti have black leather so i like the look when it darkens lol

[@philc4799]

Love how you showed even minimum effort can prolong the life of your leather shoes and without needing 5 brushes, 10 products and two hours to do it. Also love how you wear your cat on your shoulder

[@SubwayPunk]

dont be silly , the cat is clearly wearing him on its paws

[@kathryngrant2629]

The cat is the best part of the whole video (as well as the great info!) What kind of harness is on his cool cat? :)

[@robertduran5920]

I completely missed the cat on his shoulder 😆

[@elvergalarga4461]

I clean mine with a brush like his and condition them with motor oil. It seems to work fine.

[@Wayne-hp5co]

@@kathryngrant2629 he made it for his cat it's custom but you probably seen the video he made making it since you're comments a year old

[@Joel_Mullins06]

I really appreciate how modest and casual this is. No fancy charcoal infused $1000 brushes or nothing, just some good ol' fashioned mink oil and a simple rag! Very short and sweet 👌

[@GR8SALAD]

I really appreciate how you go into detail on this stuff, actually explaining what things do and why you should/shouldn't use it, instead of videos that just run through and go "OK now put saddle soap on it"

[@XAVargasX0206]

Same

[@swaggyp8536]

Forget all that, that cat has a dope harness !!!!!!

[@RoseAnvil]

Hahaha thanks. I may or may not have made like 15 prototypes for him before i landed on this design....

[@andyd1805]

@@RoseAnvil lol so that's what you do with the free time you save on cleaning your boots

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

Notice how kitty was neglected then gave up and walked away.

[@jenyvalkyrie]

Toaster's shoulder balancing skill at 8:44 is the internet's gift to mankind!

[@RoseAnvil]

Ha ha ha I forgot he was on there

[@TheAegisClaw]

Toaster is back. And he has upgrades.

[@evanparker]

TheAegisClaw after Toaster picked up 16 pieces of leather, he used the games crafting system to get some next level items.

[@darrellhendrix5502]

I never understood why people would buy really good quality boots only to neglect them until they literally fell apart. Even in the times when I could not afford as good a boot as I wanted I did my best to condition my boots regularly. They broke in quicker and lasted longer. Thanks for the info.

[@douglasyoung927]

Love this video. Just like to point out that cleaning them is equally as important as conditioning them. The dirt and mud grit gets into those fibers and accelerates the breaking down of the leather. It's always great to see easy/fast methods to maintain boots when you live and work in them every day!

[@RoseAnvil]

That’s very true, thanks!

[@TanabiGoat]

This is very helpful, glad to see a minimalistic approach that gets the job done without going overboard.

[@Amyjo_lovesmusic]

I love your honest, real life technique. The boots turned out great! Looks Toaster is recovering nicely.

[@rynem-setapartmind8906]

Appreciate this so much, I work in a barn so this is so helpful with minimal time and lil bit more effort within that small amount of time is great for my little energy left at the end of the day.

[@ZeMurdeRouSsCL0WN]

Can u do one for nubuk/suede?

[@ianturnbow7011]

MurdeRouSs CL0WN This!

[@user-xb3dp9ob6u]

Oh yes! This! I need this so much!

[@iaberis]

+1

[@papajeff5486]

Thanks. The tip about the water and saddle soap is appreciated. The lessons about the fiber structure of leather helps. I know that I’ve had good work boots for years because I clean and condition them. I have friends and relatives that go through ‘em a pair every year. I look and shouldn’t judge, but I do. Texas

[@xandr13]

I've become addicted to this channel! Great vid. Definitely do another one on cleaning with broader range of steps - from foam cleaning and removing old creams (acetone/Reno Mat etc) to adding layers of stuff (conditioner, mink oil, cream, polish). There's plenty of vids on that, of course, but I'd personally love to hear your take on importance (or otherwise) of each, actual effects on the leather, situations when some of these steps are more appropriate or not, etc. Just some thoughts :)

[@__M__133]

Great video as always! just this weekend I watched a bunch of vids on how to clean and codition leather boots and most of them swear by saddle soap, so this info really comes in handy. Can't wait for the next cleaning video. Thanks for the info!

[@annives]

Great video! I appreciate the cautionary tips on not over soaping or getting the leather soaked with water. I just got some nice leather boots for work and want to make them last as long as possible and keep them looking their best. Thank you!

[@gudetama474]

Thanks for the tips. I was searching for effective ways to clean my docs and this video came in at the right time. I'm looking forward to exploring your channel and get some information on boot brands worth investing in. I really appreciate you buying and taking the time to review docs.

[@0oo0Spider]

I know this vids a bit old now, but I had been wanting to finally clean my boot and this vid finally inspired me and informed me enough to finally get everything I needed to do so. Got some brushes, Fiebings saddle soap, and Venetian shoe cream. Made my Redbacks look like new! I may have done too much shoe cream though (3 thin layers), as after my shift the creases became a bit white. Looked up some solutions, if extra buffing doesn't work then I'll try warming em up with a blow-drier. Thanks!

[@HeatherSealey]

Thank you for the reminder and inspiration to get to my boots. I've had a pair of leather winter boots for years and years, and I think they've lasted so long because I regularly maintain them. But it's been a rough winter and I keep forgetting. It was good to get some new tips, and learn that I've been doing things (mostly) right all this time. I've stop using a wet rag to wash them off first though.

[@RawfflesMyWaffles]

Loving your channel, man! The youtube algorithm delivered your content to me as I was doing research into restoring my old cowboy boots that looked much like the shit kickers in the beginning lol. With knowledge gained from your channel and my own determination my boots are gleaming now! I find polishing my boots to be therapeutic and a labor of love

[@seth_5394]

You gave the best description of how to use saddle soap on boots that I've seen yet. Especially about wiping down with a damp rag at the end. It's not enough to get the lather, everything needs to also be removed from the surface.

[@jessicaseyfried7888]

Just a dude and his Toaster. I never miss an upload. Started by looking how to break in my Docs that I had always wanted and now I learn something I didn’t know every week. I also think that you should display the half boots behind you ❄️🐱🥰

[@Pur9leRain]

Jessica Seyfried - I think he eventually took this on board

[@steveeab2364]

Don't tell the anti mink oil crowd where the leather comes from...

[@rymdalkis]

Not minks I hope?

[@jonniebox9656]

😂

[@Franklyflan]

I’m cackling like a witch right now

[@mauser8515]

People are stupid as F. They still think chicken meat comes from the grocery store.

[@Beardman56]

Well their holdup is minks are killed for fur to satiate our vanity. Leather is a by product of meat industry fulfilling an actual useful purpose

[@corninyourpoop]

I've been watching your videos and probably over preparing myself for my first pair of REAL boots, but I wanna take care of em! I finally got a pair of Harley cowboy type boots with toe tips and they're used but beautiful. I cant wait to put this video to use!

[@psychmr2365]

Terrific video. Succinct. Concise. And in minimum time. I’ve always soaked entire boot and furiously scrubbed with dish soap. After drying, the leather becomes hard and If I didn’t use shoe trees, the boot curled-up. I’ll use your method from now forward.

[@dutchjennings1705]

I like this one - FAST and easiest. I've always used mink oil in a can but never even knew about the liquid mink oil. Will be placing some of that on order with Ebay.

[@jacquelinehall6198]

WOW - I'm so glad I watched your video. I found a pair of my boots 👢 hidden in a cupboard. Two years later I came across them!!! They needed quite a lot of TLC. I followed your instructions & they look great 👍 So a big thank you for posting your video 👢 👢 👢 👢

[@robertoacevedo9657]

Thank you for helping me clean and condition my boots without spending money.

[@BullittHilts]

Thanks for the no-nonsense tutorial! I have a nice pair of Timberland Boot Company (the patchwork boot) boots with really nice leather that I’ve wanted to clean and rehydrate for a while. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@safaa9654]

Happy to see Toaster back! Hope his skin is healthy

[@ik2476]

This is the best boot care video I’ve seen yet. Thank you.

[@nirfz]

I don't know why, but it is fun watching this. There was a short time in my life where i had to clean "my" leather boots on a daily bases. You might not want your boots to look brand new, but the reasons why i had to clean "my" boots wanted that for sure... Every morning for almost a year i was standing still in the front row of around 50 guys standing in a square formation and whenever somebodies boots were not clean enough this meant trouble. So we learned cleaning boots quick. We had two different sorts of boots, and treated them a bit different: There were the heavy ones for out in the field and marching with "luggage" and the light ones for anything else. (even the light ones had a double stiched welt and high quality leather) The heavies got cleaned with a stiff brush and water, and when dry enough generously provided with "leather fat" as we called it to keep them water proof, the light ones seldom needed more than a bit of brushing and a bit of shoe creme. The creme i used is from a company dating back to the 18th century and it contains almond oil or bees wax (depending on which you take). Kept them nice, and easy to polish up to a shine. (For almost 20 years now i haven't worn leather boots or shoes much, so almost unnecessary knowledge for me now)

[@jeremiahedwards7357]

Can't wait to try this on my boots when I get home from work!

[@bobhoward1637]

I would love to see your take on favorite cowboy/“shitkicker” boots and boot construction

[@JayEatonArt]

I'm pretty clueless about leather, and watched this after rubbing bag balm on my boots and wondering if i should have washed them with water or soap first. Glad I didn't! Thanks for keeping it short and practical!

[@NoLieIm51]

Awesome to see videos coming out fast keep it up

[@rebeccaanamu812]

I've never used saddle soap before so clueless when I bought it lol. Glad I came across your video. I live in the city now so my boots don't get as dirty as they did when I lived and worked as a wildland firefighter myself.

[@espnarrative9079]

I love your channel! Your videos are informative and fun. Thank you for sharing with us :)

[@cfrost87]

Saddle soap is great for the occasional clean, rather than for every time you clean your boots-- so probably once, maybe twice a year depending on what conditions you're putting your boots through. Otherwise, brush your boots off regularly and recondition as needed.

[@That_Red_head9]

Great video!! Very informative and not super long!!

[@kqc7011]

Years ago a old cobbler told me that two pair of boots will last as long as three and three will last as long as five. (diminishing returns after three) The reason he gave was that when you wear a boot for one day and let it dry for two or three the rot from sweat and just being wet has a hard time to establish itself.

[@Atlas_B170]

This is 100% true. The leather uppers will last indefinitely if you take care of them and you can get the soles replaced when they wear down, but if the insole disintegrates because you wear the same pair of boots every day for months on end and don't let them dry out and rest, you're pretty much boned.

[@therealdeal3672]

I recently learned this and now happily switch between my six pairs of boots. Never wearing one for more than a day and letting them dry out. Doing the same thing with shoes. I finally don't feel like a hoarder of footwear. 😅🥾

[@alexgabriel5423]

Great Kitty! Even sits on daddy s shoulder! Great simple video & time saver☆

[@trundlethegreat3607]

Great upload! Exactly the info I needed 👍

[@alexbeaujon9049]

Ngl I feel like a noob trying to clean out these boots I got from a vintage store, but this video really did make me feel at ease of, there’s no pressure, the boots are gonna look great anyways! as long as you don’t completely neglect them

[@lctrojan89]

This was very helpful information. So glad I came across your video. Thanks 👍

[@Beecharm3r]

Felt like hanging out with your older brother and learning, loved it!

[@redscale82]

Thanks for spreading your knowledge. Needed this.

[@RoseAnvil]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tombrown8800]

What a difference ! Thanks for the tutorial on cleaning & conditioning boots. That's more mud than I usually see on mine even after I''ve been camping.

[@RoseAnvil]

I'm happy you enjoyed it! These are the boots i wear on my parents farm. Now that i think about it, it may not have all been mud....

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@RoseAnvil recommend for cowboy style boots for wildland firefighting?

[@jackgelley1441]

Great quick tutorial. More time for trapping mink!

[@katlee1492]

Watched alot of your videos and learned so much about the differently qualities of leather. I just got a new full grain leather handbag but want to keep it protected and looking good for many years to come. What should I be using to protect and care for it ? Many thanks

[@blacksunapocalypse]

I was using Huberds grease for a long time (love the smell, especially), but then found out my favorite Finnish army suplus store, Varusteleka, sells 500ml tubs of their grease for super cheap (texture and smell is very similar to Huberds as well). They also sell pine tar which they recommend mixing with their grease for treating leather. After using that stuff, I don't think i'll go back to the North American stuff. It's cheap, does the job as well if not better than others I have tried, smells great, and waterproofs (I avoid goretex in leather boots)

[@layzy24]

Nice! Do you recommend anything for me here in Florida? I'm trying to buy whatever your using at the same price point 😁

[@silverglove2012]

I use saddle soap to clean then polish them. The doc Martins Dublin polish keeps my boots slick and black. It's also waterproof and conditioner wax.

[@Atlas_B170]

It'd be really cool to see you do a video on leather jackets, like a Schott Perfecto or something from Vanson

[@RoseAnvil]

Yeah i really want to do some videos on leather jackets soon. Be sure to keep an eye on my channel to see when they come out

[@billruber2861]

I live in Michigan , so my boots take a beating in winter with salt brine, snow and slush . Mink oil is a must to keep good boots from cracking

[@opnavesea]

what about bear grease?

[@zw6341]

Any UK metalheads out there will find this great after the mud mass that is Download Festival each year!

[@reallunacy]

We've got a few Stateside that will wreck your boots too.

[@darranj85]

Was welly boots for the whole thing last year. Jesus it was dreadful. But awesome

[@chicogomez3343]

this was a nice short video on cleaning -- cover the basics --- QUICK! I liked IT!!

[@MrRwithanitch]

Good Job, Quick an to the Point! I enjoy cleaning and the whole process there after. So I spend way to much time on each side, about an hour on each Boot/Shoe! But my results are Impeccable. Better then New. Everyone in my family and even some friends ask me to clean their Boots and Shoes. I should capitalize on it since I do it so much? 🤔

[@jessiepapabear4272]

Great knowledge, thanks. You got any videos on sewing zippers on to boots by hand?

[@cassia_cries]

6mins to get to "I've brushed the dirt off" 😂 omg that little cat harness 😍❤️😍🐈

[@RoseAnvil]

Toaster feels really tough when he wears it.

[@cassia_cries]

@@RoseAnvil rightly so 🖤🐈

[@NMiller_]

Great video! Do you have any tips on making stiffer leather more supple? I'm working with a bundle of edge scraps to start learning how to do some basic leather working, and it's pretty stiff. Any ideas?

[@MartinaMagalhaes]

Okay, I'm addicted to your channel. Waiting for the next video with more steps for cleaning and conditioning the leather. I'd like to know more about using layers of dubbin, mink oil, cream, polish, etc. Like what to use first, waterproofing or moisturizing? And last? - For smooth and grain leather :) Thanks!

[@RoseAnvil]

I’ll make sure to cover those in the more in depth video

[@Totemparadox]

Simple. Effective. Glorious.

[@alimurphy2365]

This video was very helpful--- thank you! Btw, years ago, a friend of mine had a cat named Crockpot. Love Toaster!

[@CaptainEverythingHumorandMore]

Nice job. Honest, short and sweet, Thanks.

[@polyspiker]

That worked great on those boots. Time to clean mine now.

[@BryanBowenArchangelBarachiel]

That is similar how I clean my boots. I didn't have the can saddle soap yet though I normal use the can mink oil all the time. I only have 1 can left from 1940-60s era. I haven't look for a can version though need to soon. I seen one person using beewax which I was thinking on getting.

[@Tamuz95]

Video reminded me of cleaning my military boots like 4 years ago haha. Great video my man

[@diegograham4399]

Thanks for the video! I loved it and helped a lot.

[@andrewevanjohn1482]

I love the no bullplop approach. What are your thoughts on mink oil vs neatsfoot oil? Thanks for slavin for the algo.

[@righteousredneck777]

Great video on how to clean and condition

[@thefabulousjuan]

Extremely helpful video. Long live boots!

[@ashleybellasxo]

Hi I am just commenting because this was the most relaxing video about conditioning leather boots ever and I am about to go see what kind of oil I have to use on mine…

[@v.h.6259]

Very satisfying and helpful video

[@JanessaMUA]

I needed this video! Thanks!

[@yez_i_am]

I appreciate this vid. I'm lazy so this makes me feel like I can care for my boots better 😁👍🏼

[@brianmitchell4101]

Thank you for the info, if you have a pair of smooth leather shoes that never get dirty and you polish them after each wear, do you need to condition them?

[@Cupofgo]

Thank you for this simple guide.

[@altluigi5733]

Working on a diesel truck, a lot diesel doped on my boots. Those boots lasted for a long time, no cracks and minimum cleanup.

[@garethbaus5471]

I had a wallet I spilled a bottle of oil on that lasted for years without conditioning it, probably a simmilar effect.

[@richardstiltner9436]

Thank you for your service to your community

[@chasewittchow4496]

Thanks for the help just got my first pair of boots

[@wartortle55]

Thank you for this informative video. You've helped me save money than to go out and invest in newer boots

[@presentmnd]

At 3:15 I always use the saddle soaps that are made in mexico, they are the best, their is one i use a saddle soap that is made of pumpkin, and its all natural and the soap actually helps to preserve the leather and not dry it out, it actually adds the natural oils of the pumpkin after the boot dries i use the oil conditioner, I have a pair of timberland boots for 10 years now that i have been using occasionally and use this method

[@mikedavila4926]

What is name brand of your saddle soap?

[@presentmnd]

@@mikedavila4926 El Oso pumpkin soap

[@gavinanderson4497]

Very good video. I like the explanations. Useful.

[@spiderpickle3255]

Finally dug out my 20-something year old Dr Marten's and began the process of restoring them. Helpful video for beginning that task.

[@timcollison816]

Enlightening! Thank you !

[@JohnEZang]

Will something like dr bronners Castile soap work better than saddle soap since it has olive and coconut oils and no harsh chemicals?

[@TristanJCumpole]

Suggestion for a video - I have a really sweet green '80s German leather motorcycle jacket that has a slice in the leather on the back. The cut goes through the surface grain but not the entire way through the leather. What would be your recommendations on repairing this, materials, etc?

[@RParmable]

Awesome video. You have taken all the guess work out of cleaning boots. Now how about timberlands how do I clean those.? I have made a mess of my daughters Timberlands trying different cleaners . This is all before I discovered your channel please make this video. Thanks

[@tomjones4318]

Dying to know what your table top is made of?? It would be nice to see a demonstration of the cat harness. Obenauf's has anti mold/mildew ingredients and I can tell you it really works. Important if you have moisture around.

[@melisbadke]

Thanks for all of your great tips! More helpful than the local boot barn even! Do you have know if it's ok to use Mink oil to condition roughout leather too? I got my 1st kind and not sure how to start care now 😬

[@meepmeepziptang]

great video!

[@annach.310]

Looks pretty easy. Would this process be different if I treat smooth leather, like the one they use in the "cheaper" version of DocMartens?

[@AZ742011]

You are a leather master dude!

[@DanielGonsalezDani27891]

Great tutorial on cleaning the boots

[@righteousredneck777]

This method works great. Thank you

[@_audacity2722]

I'm leaning towards only using saddle soap once or twice a year for deep shampooing. I'm a boot noob, this is my 2nd season pulling boots out of storage. I hit them with saddle soap and a wet rag, let them dry thoroughly, then spoiled them with mink oil. I also have an old leather jacket that I thrifted from Salvation Army. It's so dry that I actually put mink oil on it first (it was already dry and cracking), then I'm gonna shampoo it with saddle soap to get the stains out, then reapply mink oil. It should be good all year, right?

[@rjordan1982]

Love your videos!

[@salemawdry6556]

Love your Vids, found it trough the Martens comparisson. But man i gotta say i love that Cat, so chill haha