Just like a wrench, a hammer or a saw, work boots are an essential piece of equipment for those who work an industrial job, in manual labor, or on a farm. Good work boots provide comfort, support and, most importantly, protection from various hazards.

Leather is a durable and long-lasting material and like any other piece of equipment, work boots need proper care and maintenance to ensure their functionality and longevity.

Here, we are going to walk you through some great tips you won’t find anywhere else, on getting your boots to last a very long time. Plus, we’ll give you some in-the-field advice on how to renew your boots for common work situations. We’ll show you the ropes on removing gunk, cement, grease, or tar.

We’ll even give you one of the most overlooked area that, when properly cared for, will extend the life of a good pair of work boots immeasurably.

Make Your Leather Last

You wouldn’t try to cut down an oak tree with a dull saw or ax, would you? Nope. You’ll want your work boots to be tuned up for the job and can handle a hard day’s work. Here are some tips on how to make your leather last:

• Brush your boots regularly: first, you want to always make sure you are using a good Horse Hair Boot Brush to remove any dirty and dried on debris. Never apply any conditioner, oils or sealants without first brushing your boot.
• Condition your leather: second, apply a Leather Conditioner focused on Work Boots, this can keep the leather supple, remove deep scuff marks, and prevent it from drying out and cracking, then follow this with a Shine Cloth to really get your boot looking brand new. Which is the first sign that your work boots are on their way to retirement.
• Store your boots properly: when not in use, store your boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing your boots in plastic bags or containers, as it can trap moisture and damage the leather.
• Protect your boots from water: applying a Waterproofing Spray can protect your boots from water damage and prevent stains from setting in, think of this as your boots hard hat from water stains and oils.
• Use shoe trees: using shoe trees can help maintain the shape of your boots and prevent them from creasing or wrinkling. Grandpas have known for a long time that the secret to long life for your other leather shoes are cedarwood shoe trees.

Dirt On My Boots No More

One of the most crucial aspects of boot care is cleaning and removing stains, including tar, cement, and grease. Just below we’ll discuss how to care for your work boots and remove various stains effectively.

Removing Tar

Tar is a stubborn substance that can stick to your work boots and cause them to look, well, cruddy. Here are some tips on how to remove tar from your work boots:

1. Scrape off any excess tar: using a plastic scraper or a dull knife, gently scrape off any excess tar from your boots. Be careful not to scratch or damage the leather while doing so.
2. Apply a tar remover: apply a small amount of tar remover, such as Goo Gone® or WD-40®, to a clean cloth or cotton ball, and dab it onto the tar stain. Allow the tar remover to sit on the stain for a few minutes to dissolve the tar.
3. Wipe off the tar remover: using a clean cloth or paper towel, wipe off the tar remover from your boots. Be sure to remove all the tar remover, as it can damage the leather if left on for too long.
4. Clean your boots: after removing the tar, clean your boots by applying a bit of Saddle Soap to protect, clean and make your boots shine. Then dry your boot with a Shine Cloth.
5. Condition your leather: then apply a Leather Conditioner focused on Work Boots, this can keep the leather supple, remove deep scuff marks, and prevent it from drying out and cracking. Apply a small amount of the conditioner to a clean cloth and rub it onto the leather in a circular motion.

Removing Cement

Cement can be very difficult to remove and can cause damage to the leather if not handled correctly. Here are some tips on how to remove cement from your work boots:

1. Allow the cement to dry: if the cement is still wet, allow it to dry completely before attempting to remove it. Trying to remove wet cement can spread it around and cause it to penetrate deeper into the leather.
2. Scrape off any excess cement: using a plastic scraper or a dull knife, gently scrape off any excess cement from your boots. Be careful not to scratch or damage the leather while doing so, be sure to brush off any excess dried debris with a Horse Hair Boot Brush.
3. Apply a cement remover: apply a small amount of cement remover, such as muriatic acid (a mason’s first choice) or a commercial cement remover, to a clean cloth or cotton ball, and dab it onto the cement stain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cement remover carefully and avoid getting it on any areas of the boot that are not affected by the cement. Or in your eyes!
4. Allow the cement remover to sit: allow the cement remover to sit on the stain for a few minutes to dissolve the cement. Do not leave the cement remover on for too long, as it can damage the leather if left on for an extended period.
5. Wipe off the cement remover: using a clean cloth or paper towel, wipe off the cement remover from your boots. Be sure to remove all the cement remover, as it can damage the leather if left on for too long.
6. Clean your boots: after removing the cement, clean your boots by applying a bit of Saddle Soap to protect, clean and make your boots shine. Then dry your boot with a Shine Cloth.
7. Condition your leather: then apply a Leather Conditioner focused on Work Boots, this can keep the leather supple, remove deep scuff marks, and prevent it from drying out and cracking. Apply a small amount of the conditioner to a clean cloth and rub it onto the leather in a circular motion.
8. Apply Stain & Waterproofing:spray your boots with a Water & Stain Protectant for that extra insurance against a day of hard work.

Removing Grease

Grease stains can be a common occurrence for those who work in industrial settings. Here are some tips on how to remove grease from your work boots:

1. Blot the grease stain: use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the grease stain as soon as possible. Be careful not to rub the stain, as it can spread the grease around and make the stain worse.
2. Apply a degreaser: apply a small amount of degreaser, such as dish soap or laundry detergent, to a clean cloth or cotton ball, and dab it onto the grease stain. Allow the degreaser to sit on the stain for a few minutes to dissolve the grease.
3. Scrub the stain: using a separate Horse Hair Boot Brush (to not contaminate the brush you use for dry debris), gently scrub the grease stain in a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it can damage the leather.
4. Wipe off the degreaser: using a clean cloth or paper towel, wipe off the degreaser from your boots. Be sure to remove all the degreaser as it can damage the leather if left on for too long.
5. Clean your boots: after removing the grease, clean your boots by applying a bit of Saddle Soap to protect, clean, and make your boots shine. Then dry your boot with a Shine Cloth.
6. Condition your leather: then apply a Leather Conditioner focused on Work Boots, this can keep the leather supple, remove deep scuff marks, and prevent it from drying out and cracking. Apply a small amount of the conditioner to a clean cloth and rub it onto the leather in a circular motion.
7. Apply Stain & Waterproof:spray your boots with a Water & Stain Protectant for that extra insurance against a day of hard work.

Bonus Round: Cleaning Laces

Cleaning your laces can also help maintain the appearance of your work boots. Here are some tips on how to clean your laces:

1. Remove the laces: remove the laces from your boots and separate them if they are tangled.
2. Soak the laces: fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or laundry detergent. Place the laces in the bowl and let them soak for a few minutes.
3. Scrub the laces: using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the laces in a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it can damage the laces.
4. Rinse the laces: rinse the laces thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap or detergent.
5. Dry the laces: hang the laces or lay them flat to dry. Avoid using a dryer as it can damage the laces.

Keeping your laces clean can also help maintain the overall appearance of your work boots. Don’t discount the power of coming to work with presentable boots, GCs and clients take note of who is going that extra mile to stay professional and presentable. By following the steps outlined above for cleaning your laces, you can ensure that they stay free from dirt and grime and continue to look their best.

Protect Your Investment

It's important to remember that work boots are an investment and proper care and maintenance can help you get the most out of your investment. By regularly cleaning your boots, applying leather conditioner, and protecting them from water damage, you can help prevent premature wear and tear and ensure that your boots are always ready to tackle any task.

Taking care of your work boots doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little bit of patience, attention to detail, and the right tools and techniques, you can keep your boots looking and feeling like new for years to come. So, whether you're working in construction, manufacturing, on the farm, or any other boot-challenging setting, remember to take care of your work boots – they'll take care of you.