How to Care for Your Martin Boots and Keep Them Looking Fresh

Don’t let your Martin shoes lose their beauty and durability anymore. They can last for years if you maintain them in good shape. All it takes is some attention, a boot maintenance kit, and home-based supplies. Then you will never have to worry about your boots again. Their leather will not harden or crack as long as it is properly maintained. Here is a guide to help you keep your Martin boots fresh and in good condition.

Don’t Wash Them

First of all, don’t wash Martin Boots either by hand or in a washing machine. They are made of leather, and doing this will damage them. When you dip your leather boots in water, they will soak up water. Then, they shrink a bit when they dry out. So, don’t do it because your Martin boots will lose their beauty and comfort after that. 

Here is what you need to do instead. 

Remove Laces Before Cleaning Them

First, remove the laces from the pair. It will allow you to do the cleansing easily. If you don’t remove the laces, some areas of the shoes will remain uncleaned. So, just remove the laces to make things easier to perform. Now, move to the next step clean the Martin boots.

Wipe the Dirt with a Damp Cloth

You need to remove the dirt layers from top to bottom. Use a water-damp cloth to wipe the entire surface of the boots. Just don’t let the surface soak water from the fabric, although the Martin boots are water-resistant. You can use a mixture of water and mild soap. A baby soap with water will also be a good idea for wiping away dirt.

Suede Cleaner for Suede Boots

If you have Martin boots of suede leather, you will require a different approach to clean them. Don’t use a water or soap mixture to wipe the dirt. You will need a suede cleaner, which is readily available in the market. Simply clean the surface with a dry microfiber cloth, and then apply the suede cleaner to the boots to remove dirt.

Remove Hard Stains with a Home-Based Solution

If it is natural leather and has hard stains, you will need these tips. Some household products can help you remove hard stains, such as paint, adhesive, and chewing gum. They are hard to remove from a leather and rubber surface until you use the right products. 

• • Apply a small quantity of cooking oil on the paint mark. Leave it for a few minutes to soak in the mark. Then, gently rub it with a microfiber cloth to remove the residue.
• • You can make a mixture of 2:1:2 of vinegar, baking soda, and water, respectively. Then, soak a piece of microfiber cloth in it to gently remove the paint or adhesive stain.
• • If it's about removing stubborn chewing gum from the sole of your boots, use an ice cube for that. Apply it on the gum for a few minutes, and then gently remove it with your fingers or a cloth.  

Patent Leather Cleaner or Mild Soap Mixture for Patent Leather Boots

There is another type of leather, patent leather. If your Martin boots are made of it, you need to follow a different approach. Use only water and a mixture of baby soap to clean the boots. Patent leather has a glossy surface that requires a mild liquid for cleaning. Then use a dry cloth to wipe away any wet layer on it. 

Apply Wax-Based Polish or Shoe Wax

Since Martin leather is made from animal leather, it is essential to maintain its quality. After cleaning the surface with water or a mild soap mixture, you must dry it to apply wax. Here is a choice: you can use a shoe wax or a wax-based polish. Usually, black and brown shades are available in Polish, but the problem comes with other colors. In that case, you can use show wax to protect the leather. This wax will keep the leather soft, protecting it against cracks and wear and tear.

Look for Custom Shoe Paint if the Color is Unique 

Custom shoe paints are available in the market for creating unique leather colors. If your Martin boots have a custom color, such as cherry red, olive green, or any other color, custom shoe paints are available for those colors. Apply shoe paint to your Martin boots to keep them radiant and soft. 

Use a Microfiber Cloth to Shine It

After you apply wax, polish, or shoe paint, it’s time to shine it. It will allow the leather to absorb wax more effectively. You can use a piece of cloth to polish the surface, and then apply another layer of polish. It will provide better protection for the Martin boots. 

Apply Laces Again

In the end, reapply the laces to the shoes. You should wash those laces with a mild detergent or soap to remove dust from them. That will remove bacteria from them. Once they dry, apply them back in the boots. 

Place an Unused Tea Bag in the Boots Against Bad Odor

In the end, remember to keep a fresh tea bag in each Martin boot. It will prevent every foul odor in the shoes. The tea leaves have a natural tendency to absorb foul odor and moisture from the boots. Then your Martin boots will no longer stink. Just remember to replace these tea bags after a few months or weeks, depending on the intensity of the smell.

Conclusion

Follow all these steps to care for your Martin boots. From cleaning to waxing, all the steps are included. In this way, you can keep the good looks and durability of boots for a long time. Remember, they are made of original leather, and they need care to survive.