Timberland boots used to represent the gruff and manly style of outdoor construction workers but have now developed into an iconic footwear choice for everyone.
The classic yellows are made with nubuck and other variants come in suede, but both can be cleaned in the same way.
There are lots of tips and home remedies available on different sites online like Facebook and Reddit on how to clean Timberland at home.
Before you decide to follow any method, be sure that your source is credible because improper cleaning can cause damage to your boots.
Step 1: Cleaning Debris and Dirt
If your Timbs are covered in lots of dry dirt and debris, you need to start off your cleaning session with brushing it off.
Timberland has a cleaning kit that includes a brush but if you want to clean your boots without the kit, you will have to find a suitable brush that can do the job.
You can find many off brand brushes on the market that are suitable for cleaning suede. The same brushes can be used for cleaning nubuck too.
Step 2: Removing the Scuff Marks
Scuff marks can make your shoe look extremely worn and unflattering. If you only have scuff marks and no major stains, you can clean your Timberland boots without cleaner.
To remove scuff marks from your Timberlands, just rub the affected area gently with a regular eraser. If you have a specialized eraser from the company that is even better, but like the brush, you can use any eraser for this purpose.
Use the brush to get rid of any eraser debris from the boot after this step.
Step 3: Deep Cleaning Timberland Boots
Note that erasers will not work to remove deeper stains from your boots. For that, you will have to employ deeper cleaning methods.
Materials You Will Need
- Suede or Nubuck cleaner and sealer
- White vinegar (optional)
- Spare toothbrush/Soft cleaning brush
- Mild non-bleach dish soap
- Q-tips
- 400 grit sandpaper (optional)
- Old newspapers
Cleaning Supplies
You can purchase suede or nubuck cleaning solutions from a nearby department store or online. Usually the same kind of cleaner can be used for both materials interchangeably.
If you can’t find a special cleaning solution, you can try making your own at home with vinegar. Just mix one tablespoon white vinegar with a cup of water and use it to scrub the stains.
Clean Shoelaces
Take out the laces from your boots and wash them separately either by hand or in the washing machine. Make sure you place them in an extra sock if you plan on washing them inside a machine, to keep them from getting lost. It’s good to wash the laces separately if they are too dirty since they might soil more delicate clothing.
Keep a Firm Support
Moisture can change the shape of your boots. Keep this in mind whilst cleaning them. Keep a steady hand or support inside the shoe when cleaning. You can use this to your advantage if you have any wrinkles on your boots that you need to get rid of. Just use slight hand pressure from inside to bring them back to their original shape.
Cleaning Process
Dip the soft cleaning brush or spare toothbrush in your cleaning solution mixed with water. With a firm yet gentle hand, use it to work on the body of the shoe to target stains. If the stains are stubborn, use more cleaning solution. Your strokes should be in one direction to keep the surface of the boots from being distorted.
Clean the Soles
Using a toothbrush dipped in water and mild dish soap, clean the soles under your boots. You can use Q-tips in this step to really get all the muck and grime out of the nooks and crannies of the sole.
Extreme Stains
I recommend that you don’t let it get to this point by keeping a regular check on your boots but if you end up getting very tough stains on them, this is the last resort. Use 400 grit sandpaper with a very gentle stroke to scrub out the stains. Ensure that you don’t scrub too hard or for too long or else you’ll end up damaging your boots.
Rinse the Boots
Use a damp clean cloth or a small amount of running water to rinse off your boots at the end of the cleaning process.
Drying Your Boots
Remember to stuff your boots with balled up old newspapers or any other moisture absorbing paper before you start the drying process. This will help keep the shape of the boots intact. Don’t dry them near a heat source as that can damage the integrity of the boot and cause it’s life span to shorten considerably.
Just air dry the boots in a cool dry place for at least 24 hours before use.
Seal the Deal
After your boots are dry, use the soft brush to stroke all over the body of the shoe in one direction, to remove any matted areas and give a groomed appearance to your Tim’s. You can use a sealing liquid with a small clean piece of cloth on the body to keep the newly cleaned surface safe from liquids for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you put Timberlands in the washing machine?
Never wash your boots in the washing machine as the excess friction that the tumble causes can severely damage your shoes.
The only parts of your boots that are okay to wash in the machine are the shoelaces. The rest of the boot should be cleaned with the above-mentioned techniques.
Sure, it’s more time consuming then just tossing them in a washing machine but it’s worth maintaining your Timberlands since they are an expensive investment.
How do you clean suede work boots?
Suede and Nubuck are similar in their cleaning process and most Timberlands are made of either of the two materials.
But the above-mentioned process can also be used to clean any other brand name or non-branded suede work boots.
Just dry scrub with a soft brush, remove scuff marks, clean with a cleaning solution, clean the soles, dry properly and then seal using a sealant.
What do you spray on Timberland boots?
Timberland boots are made of three types of material: Suede, Nubuck or Premium Leather. The cleaning solutions for Nubuck and Suede are interchangeable however the one for Premium Leather is different.
You can find all three solutions from the brand or from a non-brand retailer at your nearest department store, shoe store or online. Besides cleaning solutions, you can also purchase a sealant that helps make the boots waterproof after cleaning.
You can also purchase a conditioner for Premium Leather boots that helps keep the leather soft over time and can help you keep the shoes comfortable to break into and wear on a long-term basis.
How to clean black Timberlands?
To check the method for cleaning black Timberlands, you have to first make sure what material your black boots are made of.
Black Timberlands are available in Suede, Nubuck and Premium Leather. The cleaning method for both Suede and Nubuck are the same as mentioned in the guide above.
However, for Premium Leather, there is a different cleaning solution and precautions you need to take to ensure the shoe is not damaged.
Conclusion
If you keep good care of your Timberlands, they can be sturdy loyal companions for a really long time. Not only are they a great option for you if you are an outdoor enthusiast but also look great on the gram! If you invest in that fashion statement, make sure you maintain it too.
I recommend you surface clean your boots at least once a week, especially if you wear them regularly in situations where they might get dirty easily. I also suggest that you deep clean them once every month in this case.
However, you can take a judgement call based on your usage frequency and intensity to determine how quickly your boots might need cleaning. Just remember to set a regular schedule and stick to it!
If you have any tips to add on how to clean Timberlands boots, please do drop them in the comments to help other readers out!
