Whichever pair of Blundstones you own, whether leather, suede, nubuck or canvas, proper care will keep them looking great and lasting for years. Below is a full, up-to-date boot care guide based on Blundstone’s own recommendations.
What You’ll Need (Boot-care toolkit)
- Soft-bristled brush or clean cloth
- Suitable cleaner (leather cleaner, suede/nubuck cleaner, mild soap for canvas)
- Leather conditioner, cream or polish (for leather and rustic leather)
- Water & stain repellent spray (especially for suede, nubuck, canvas)
- Gum eraser (for scuffs on suede/nubuck) or soft brush
- Newspaper/old cloth / shoe-trees (to help maintain shape while drying)
--SHOP BLUNDSTONE CLEANING PRODUCTS--
Leather Boots (Smooth or Rustic Leather)
1. Remove dirt and mud: Use a soft-bristled brush or damp cloth to gently clean off dried dirt or mud. Leave to air-dry. Avoid placing boots near radiators, fires or direct heat, this can dry and crack the leather.
2. Apply leather cleaner: Once dry, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a slightly damp cloth, and rub in circular motions, especially on scuffed or worn areas. Wipe away any excess cleaner.
3. Condition / polish: After cleaning and drying, apply a quality leather conditioner, cream, or polish (or leather spray). This keeps the leather supple and helps protect against drying or cracking.
4. Regular maintenance: Do this deeper clean + condition periodically (depending on wear), and on lighter basis use a soft brush to remove surface dirt after each use.
Suede or Nubuck Boots
Suede/nubuck require a gentler, more specialised approach.
- Surface dirt & stains: Use a suede or nubuck brush to gently remove surface dirt. Always follow the leather grain or “nap” direction.
- Scuffs: Light scuffs can often be treated with a gum eraser (rub gently). For deeper marks, use a suede/nubuck-specific cleaner, but test on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t change the colour.
- Cleaning: Dampen the brush slightly (or use as directed by cleaning product), add a bit of cleaner, and softly scrub. Avoid soaking. Then dab off moisture with a towel and air-dry naturally, no direct heat or sunlight.
- Protection: Once dry, apply a water & stain repellent spray to help preserve the nap and protect against moisture or staining. Re-apply periodically, especially if you wear the boots in wet or dirty conditions.
Soles & Footbeds
Don’t forget the soles and footbeds:
- Use a stiff nylon brush to clean the tread and any stuck-on debris. For stubborn dirt, soak the sole of the boots in a shallow bath of warm water for a couple of hours, then brush again.
- Remove footbeds if possible and wash separately in mild soap and water, then let air-dry flat. This helps prevent moisture build-up and odour.
Storage & General Care Tips (Always Keep in Mind)
- Dry naturally, never use radiators, open fires, direct sunlight or other artificial heat sources. This can cause leather to shrink, crack or detach from soles.
- Store boots in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight or heat. Consider using shoe-trees to preserve shape for dressier pairs.
- Protect suede/nubuck and canvas from chemical contamination, avoid contact with solvents, salt, strong detergents. If exposed, clean immediately.
- Use only cleaning products specifically designed for the material of your boots, leather cleaner for leather, suede/nubuck cleaner for suede, mild soap/cleaner for canvas.
--SHOP BLUNDSTONE BOOTS--
--SHOP ARDMOOR--
NOTE: These tips are general advice only — every pair of boots is a bit different. ArdMoor can’t take responsibility for any mishaps, so always patch-test products first and follow Blundstone’s own care guidance where you can.