When it comes to fabric for boots, leather tops the lists. A greater percentage of boots manufactures around the world are made from leather. This fabric is less common in clothes and thus very few people know how to handle it. It is important for you to understand how you should take care of your leather. Whether it is the casual comfortable flat boots or the official high heel work type, here are basic tips that you can never go wrong with.
Know what leather you are working with
There are two types of leather, finished and unfinished. This information is important in the cleaning and maintenance process, there will be use of water and other liquids and thus you need to look into the absorbent property of each. Finished leather is less absorbent than unfinished leather. Many of the common walking and fashion boots are made from finished leather while work boots are made from unfinished leather. The main difference is that the finished leather has an outer protective layer.
Polishing/Oiling your boots
Whether you polish or oil your boots also depends on the type of leather, thus showing how important it is to know what type of leather you are dealing with. For finished leather, it is best to polish them by applying the polish on the boots with a piece of cloth. For unfinished leather, it is best to oil them by rubbing oil on the boots using a piece of cloth. These two practices are important in keeping the boots looking as good as new. The polishing and oiling is done especially after the cleaning and just before going out in them.
Always brush off dirt
The greatest injustice you can do to your leather boots is to let dirt rest long enough on them. It is for the best that at every opportunity you get, brush off the dirt off it. At least do not sleep without having brushed off the day’s dirt off the boots. As much as leather boots may be long lasting, letting dirt stay on them causes the fabric to deteriorate in quality and appearance. If it is just dust, brush off using a soft brush. If it is mud, scrape it off using a stick. However, be very careful not to scratch the leather since it will leave a non-repairable scratch that will make the boots’ general appearance look unpleasant.
