Trial Tuesday: DIY Boot Cleaners

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Where I live, the weather changes according to the season. This means that during Winter where I live, it snows every year. For those of you who also experience snow, you know what it's like to ruin your shoes and boots with rock salt.

I do not have that big of a closet so I switch out my wardrobe twice per year. I also take this time to purge clothes and shoes that I am not wearing or have over-warn. Since cute Winter boots are pretty pricey, I like to hold onto my boots as long as possible. This year before I deciding what boots to purge, I wanted to take the time to find methods to revitalize my winter boots. I found two methods, one for leather and the other for suede. I wasn't sure how well these methods would work so I am putting them to the test!


LEATHER BOOT TEST

Before:

Dull leather

What You Will Need:
  • Olive Oil
  • 1-Clean, soft washcloth
  • 1-Paper Towel Sheet

TRIAL

Directions:
  1. Start by wiping down your boots if there is loose dirt.
  2. Slowly pour a quarter-sized amount of Olive Oil to the washcloth.
  3. Apply the Olive Oil to the boots slowly and in a circular motion.
  4. Use the paper towel sheet to wipe off any excess Olive Oil residue.
Boot-To-Boot Comparison:

Right boot cleaned with Olive Oil
After: 


Results: PASS

While this method doesn't fix any cracks, to just repair the shine really makes your boots look like new. This method works really well. I will be doing this again with other boots.


SUEDE BOOT TEST

Before:

Note dirt in the toe area

What You Will Need:
  • 1/4 Cup Vinegar
  • 1/4 Cup Water
  • 1-Clean, soft washcloth

TRIAL

Directions:
  1. Mix the vinegar and water.
  2. Use a clean washcloth to wipe the boots down with your mixture.
  3. Let dry.
  4. Repeat if necessary.
For this method I couldn't do a boot to boot comparison because when Suede is wet, it just looks dark and clean. Dry Suede is the only way to see dirt on the material.

After:

Flash made boots appear brighter

Results: PASS

I have had these for a few years now and they look pretty good! Warning: the vinegar smell does linger but can be covered up with a spritz of body spray. I would do this method again also because it was effective in removing most of the salt stains. 

**Will you try either of these methods out? Let me know in the comments below. What will I put on trial next? Stay tuned to find out. Thanks for reading!**

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