How to Clean Timberland Boots

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While the iconic yellow Timberland boots were originally created to be sturdy work boots, they have recently become a popular everyday shoe. Whether you're wearing them for utility or as a fashion statement, Timberland boots need to be kept clean in order to lengthen their life and to keep their yellow color bright. They are made of nubuck leather, so they need some special care. Keep your Timberland boots looking new by doing spot cleaning often and caring for the leather properly.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning Small Spots

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  1. Start any Timberland cleaning session by brushing off the boot. Start at the top of the ankle and brush back and forth all the way down the whole surface of the boot. [1]
    • If you just have a small amount of debris stuck to your boots, this light brushing will typically remove it. If there are deeper scuffs or lots of debris, you should use the brush to remove as much debris as possible before moving on to other cleaning methods.
    • You can use any clean, soft brush for cleaning your Timberland boots. However, the Timberland company does sell a kit that is made specifically for cleaning Timberland boots. You can also get a brush that is specifically made for brushing suede or nubuck, which is usually called a "suede brush."
  2. Use a simple pencil eraser, a generic suede eraser, or a Timberland cleaning bar to remove scuff marks on the surface of the boots. Rub the eraser or cleaning bar lightly over the marks until they disappear. [2]
    • The eraser or cleaning bar can take care of most day-to-day scuffs and light marks. They do not work well for removing ground-in dirt or mud that has covered your whole boot.
    • Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a similar brand can also help get out scuff marks. Get the marks a little wet before rubbing them with the eraser. [3]
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  3. Once you have erased all marks on the boot, use the brush to smooth out the surface of the nubuck. The brush will also remove any eraser debris that might remain.
    • Move the brush lightly across the surface of the boot, making sure to move it in 1 direction. This will ensure that the surface has a uniform look when you are done cleaning it.
  4. Keep your Timberland boots clean by removing dirt once per week. This is especially important if they are worn on a daily basis, as dirt and grime can really build up. With some weekly maintenance you can keep your boots looking fresh and new for a long time.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Deep-Cleaning Your Boots

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  1. The products you use should be designed for your boots’ specific fabric. Timberland boots come in suede and leather styles, but the traditional Timberland boot is make of nubuck. Suede and nubuck can typically be cleaned with the same cleaner.
    • Make sure to buy leather cleaning supplies that match the color of your leather. Look on the packaging of a potential product and make sure that it can clean the yellow leather that a Timberland boot is usually made of.
    • If you are unsure of what product to purchase, go to your local boot and shoe repair store and ask if they sell any products that would be appropriate.
  2. Take the shoelaces from each boot and set them aside if they are clean. If they are not clean, wash them by hand and let them dry completely before putting them back in your boots.
    • Wash the laces in warm soapy water until all of the dirt has been removed. For a thorough cleaning job, scrub them together with the soap and then soak them in warm water. Once cleaned, hang them out to dry.
    • You could also include them in a load of laundry in a washing machine. Keep in mind that if they are really dirty, you will probably want to wash them separately from your clothes.
  3. Brush off each boot with a brush to remove any dirt particles. Use a light touch, as you don't want to scratch the surface of your boots, but your soft-bristle brush should be safe for your boots. Removing as much dirt as possible at the beginning will minimize the amount of scrubbing you have to do later on. [4]
    • Don't forget the bottom of the Timberlands. The soles are especially likely to pick up loose dirt and gravel that can be brushed off easily before cleaning. If you don’t brush this dirt off, you’re likely to have a muddy mess on your hands and in your house.
    • Brushes work better than towels simply because they can get into the nooks and crannies of the boots; however, be careful when using a brush on leather boots, as brushes with very hard bristles may scratch the leather.
  4. While cleaning the boot, you need to focus on keeping its shape intact. Keeping one hand in the boot will apply opposite pressure against the area you are cleaning, keeping it from collapsing as you scrub it.
    • You can also use your hand to push up on creases and wrinkles that you want to get rid of. If you push up on them while cleaning, the combination of your pressure and the moisture from the cleaner can reshape those areas.
  5. Rinse the rubber soles of the Timberland boots with water and scrub them with soap using a toothbrush. Gently scrape out any buildup that is in the soles. Rinse the soles with warm water to get out any remaining debris and inspect your work.
    • You could also use cotton swabs to get the dirt out of the tread. Dip the cotton swab in warm, soapy water and run it along the grooves until all of the dirt has been removed.
  6. Use your cleaner, warm water, and your soft brush to scrub the outside of the upper part of the boot. Move the brush in 1 direction to keep the surface of the boot in good shape. Also, try to use the minimum amount of pressure you need to get any dirt off the surface. Keep scrubbing, and apply more cleaner if necessary, until the surface is clean.
    • Make sure to follow the directions on the cleaner to apply it and scrub out stains.
    • You can also use a soft toothbrush to really clean deep into the seams of the boots.
  7. If there are noticeable stains that have not been removed by cleaning the boots, you may be able to buff them out with a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper. Using a 400-grit sandpaper and a light touch, move the sandpaper in just 1 direction, and stop sanding as soon as the stain disappears. [5]
    • This is a delicate process that should be used as a last resort and you definitely don't want to sand too hard. However, this will get rid of some stubborn stains immediately.
  8. Once you are satisfied that the dirt and grime has been scrubbed out, it's time to rinse the surface. Use a small amount of water to remove the cleaner residue and any remaining grime.
  9. How often you do deep cleaning depends on how often you wear your boots and how dirty they get when you wear them. Overall, you should focus on cleaning them when they look dirty and spot cleaning will not suffice anymore. If you wear your boots daily and they get very dirty, you may need to do deep cleaning on a weekly basis. If your boots stay relatively clean when you wear them, then you may only need to clean them every month or two.
    • If you want to deodorize the interior of your boot, try spraying SteriShoe, Mycomist sanitizer, or Lysol antibacterial spray inside your shoe to kill any growing bacteria. [6]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Drying and Buffing Your Boots

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  1. If the boot appears misshapen after cleaning, you should reshape it before it dries. Typically, the toe of the boot is the part that gets most out of shape from cleaning. To fix it, crumple up paper and stuff it down into the boot to push misshapen areas into place.
    • You can use newspaper, scrap paper, extra paper bags, or any other type of paper to shape your boot.
  2. Once the cleaning agent has been applied and any stains treated, let the boots air dry in warm air. They should take around 24 hours to dry completely, depending on how wet they got during cleaning. [7]
    • Do not place the boots near high heat, such as a fire. High heat could potentially melt any glue holding the boot together, or destroy the leather parts of your boots.
  3. Once the boots are dry, they may still look a little funny. This is because the surface of the nubuck is likely matted and needs some care. Use a clean, dry brush to lightly brush the surface of the boot in 1 direction. This will make the boots look like normal again.
    • If the boot is really matted, so much so that brushing it doesn’t do much, hold the boot close to the steam from a kettle and then scrub it with a toothbrush. The steam should untangle the matted nap, allowing you to scrub it straight and make it stand up again.
  4. Pick a conditioner or sealer to protect the newly clean surface of your boots. Follow the directions on the packaging when applying it. In general, these products are applied by putting a small amount of them on a clean rag and wiping it over the entire surface of the boot. [8]
    • Conditioner is made just to keep the leather from drying out and will allow the leather to stretch a little so you can break the shoes in more easily. [9] A water-proofing product is meant to help keep water from soaking into the leather. Both products can be great for your boots but they should not be used at the same time.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you get scuff marks off Timberland boots?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a similar brand can help get out scuff marks. Get the marks a little wet before rubbing them with the eraser.
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  • Question
    What can I do about my Timberland shoes being ashy?
    Community Answer
    Clean them with a scrub brush and a cleaner designed for the specific type of material of which they are made.
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  • Question
    People call me gay if I wear Timberlands. Are they right?
    Community Answer
    No. People can wear anything they want -- your clothes don't have anything to do with your sexuality.
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      Tips

      • If you want to make your boots last longer, lightly apply a water and stain repellent, but only if the boot is dry. Otherwise, you'll get watermark stains.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • For stubborn stains, consider a cleaner specifically designed for the type of material your boots are made of.
      • When not in use, store your Timberland boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
      • Timberland boots should not be submerged in water, as it can damage the material.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Brush
      • Towel
      • Eraser or suede cleaning bar
      • Dish soap
      • Toothbrush
      • Nubuck or suede cleaner
      • Fine-grit sandpaper
      • Nubuck or suede conditioner or water sealant
      • Warm water

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.timberland.co.uk/en-gb/customer-care/product-faqs/cleaning-timberland-boots
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/SO6_N9OrFSo?t=180
      3. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.timberland.com/en-us/faq/how-to-repair-leather-boots
      5. ↑ https://www.timberland.com/en-us/faq/how-to-repair-leather-boots
      6. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/SO6_N9OrFSo?t=359
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/SO6_N9OrFSo?t=460
      9. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean Timberland boots, start by removing the laces and washing them by hand with warm, soapy water. Then, use a soft-bristle brush to brush off any loose dirt or debris. Once all of the dirt and debris is gone, scrub the soles of your boots with a toothbrush and liquid dish soap. If there are stains on the outside of your boots, scrub them off using a nubuck cleaner and water. You can also gently buff them off using a piece of fine-grit sandpaper. To learn how to dry your Timberland boots after you clean them, scroll down!

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