How to Clean Moldy Muddy Leather Boots and Waterproof, by Boots By Bohemond on YouTube. 8 min 31 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 31 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour, plus overnight drying
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Let the mud dry completely, then brush off the loose dirt with a stiff brush. Do not scrub wet mud deeper into the leather.
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar into 1 quart of hot but not scalding water. Wear gloves and work outside or near an open window.
Dip a rag in the vinegar mix, wring it out, and wipe every moldy patch. Swap rags when they get dirty so you do not spread spores.
Rinse the rag in clean water and wipe the boots again to lift off vinegar and dirt. Pay attention to the seams and the welt.
Stuff the boots with newspaper and let them air dry at room temperature. Keep them away from radiators, fires and direct sun.
When the leather is fully dry, warm it slightly and apply a thin coat of mink oil, mink oil paste, shoe polish or Sno-Seal.
Work the product into the seams, the welt and any dry patches with your fingers or a rag. Wipe off the excess after 15 to 20 minutes.
Add a second thin coat if the leather soaks up the first one. Let the boots sit overnight so the oil sinks in.
Lace them up the next day and check for missed patches. Store clean, dry boots with the laces loose in a breathable bag, not sealed plastic.
Tips and common mistakes
Kill the mold before you waterproof, or the oil can trap spores in the leather.
Never dry leather on a radiator or by a fire, because the heat cracks it.
Test any waterproofing product on a small hidden patch first, especially on light-colored leather.
Skip vinegar and oil on suede or nubuck, which mark easily and need a different cleaner.
Questions
Can I waterproof boots that are still dirty?
No. Oil and wax cannot bond to mud or mold, so the coating fails. Clean and dry the leather first.
How do I stop leather boots from molding again?
Store them clean and fully dry, with the laces loose, in a breathable bag. A silica packet in the bag helps in damp rooms.
Can I use bleach on moldy leather?
No. Bleach dries out and stains leather. Vinegar and water is enough for surface mold, and throw away badly damaged boots.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
