How To Clean Chelsea Boots [6 Effective Ways!]

No one wants to walk around in dirty shoes, especially a stylish pair of Chelsea boots. Whether you just purchased your first pair or already have a few pairs of Chelsea boots in your closet, we know you want to keep them looking their best. It is impossible to prevent an everyday shoe like the Chelsea boot from getting dirty, so let us teach you how to clean them.

There are many ways to clean Chelsea boots. You need to consider their material before you think about cleaning. Most Chelsea boots are leather or suede. They may need to be treated differently depending on the cleaning method you choose. Here are the best products to use to clean Chelsea boots:

1. Store-bought leather or suede cleaner 
2. Special brushes 
3. Erasers
4. Dish soap or Castille soap 
5. White vinegar 
6. Baking soda 

You probably still have questions about cleaning your boots. Keep reading to find out more cleaning details and techniques. Your Chelsea boots will be sparkling clean in no time!

Cleaning Chelsea Boots 

Regular cleaning and care will extend the life of your Chelsea boots, keep them looking great, and even bring life back into an old pair of boots you wanted to throw away. No one wants to ruin a perfect outfit with a messy looking boot at the last minute. This won't happen to you if you make sure to clean your boots. Luckily there are plenty of cleaning options for you to try.

Remember, no matter what cleaning solution you choose to use, it is best to dry your boots completely before you begin cleaning. It's helpful to stuff your shoes with crumpled paper to help your boots keep their shape. Also, brush off any large pieces of dry dirt with a cloth or towel. Then, you are ready to begin using a cleaning solution/ technique.

1. Store-Bought Boot Cleaner 

Many people like to use professionally produced cleaning products to care for their Chelsea boots. Store-bought cleaners often have strong ingredients you won't find around your house. There are plenty of options to suit a variety of boot materials. Find a cleaner made for your Chelsea boot's material and follow the directions to clean them.

Here are some great cleaner options for washing leather Chelsea boots:

Gear Aid Revivex Leather Boot Care Kit

Here is a complete leather boot cleaning and care kit. It includes a brush, a cloth, water repellent, and cleaner. You can clean your boots and help prevent future water damage.

Click here to view it on Amazon. 

Cadillac Boot And Shoe Leather Cleaner 

Here is a versatile leather cleaner to use on all of your leather fashion accessories, including your Chelsea boots. As a bonus, it conditions while it cleans.

Click here to view it on Amazon. 

Here are a few cleaners for washing suede Chelsea boots:

Lincoln E-Z Suede Cleaner

This shoe cleaner is great for suede but can also be used on many other materials. It will have your Chelsea boots looking like new in no time.

Click here to view it on Amazon. 

Kiwi Suede Cleaner

Here is a trusted suede cleaning spray to help remove dirt. It also conditions as it cleans, so your boots look even better.

Click here to view it on Amazon.  

2. Special Brushes 

Sometimes all you need is a brush to clean Chelsea boots. If your boots don't have large stains or water spots, a brush may be enough. Brushes are best for cleaning suede boots but can be used on other materials as well. Remember, the shorter the suede, the harder the brush bristles can be.

First, make sure your boots are completely dry. Then, take a small bristled brush and apply gentle pressure as you move it in small circular motions around your shoe. Pay special attention to areas with dirt build-up. To finish, take a towel and wipe down your boots. If they still look dirty,  try another cleaning method.

Takavu Shoe Brush Kit

Here is a great set of brushes to clean a variety of materials. If you have Chelsea boots made of different fabrics, this is a great kit to have.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

If you are curious about How To Wear Chelsea Boots, check out this blog post after cleaning yours.

3. Erasers 

You can also try to clean Chelsea boots with erasers. Erasers are recommended for removing scuff marks,  but not for rejuvenating filthy boots.

Make sure your boots are dry. Next, rub the eraser on the marks you want to remove. Sometimes, a small pencil eraser is enough. It works best on leather but may work on other materials as well. It is helpful to brush the area first. This loosens up the dirt particles so that they come off with ease.

4. Dish Soap Or Castille Soap 

If a brush or eraser is not enough to clean your Chelsea boots, you may need to use something else. Dish soap or Castille soap mixtures are a simple and effective solution to use on your shoes.

First, brush or rub your boots with a cloth to loosen dirt. Next, mix a small amount of soap with warm water. Then, gently apply this solution to your boots. Rub in small circular motions. Finally, let your boots dry. Rub them once more with a cloth. They should look much better than before.

5. White Vinegar 

White vinegar is a cheap and effective way to clean Chelsea boots.

Mix white vinegar with warm water in a 1:1 ratio. Apply it to dry boots with a cloth or spray bottle. Next, rub the boots with a cloth, paying special attention to the stained areas. Then, let your boots dry to see if the vinegar did its job.

Vinegar is great for salt stains. These are the white lines that appear around the base of the shoe. They are seen most frequently in winter after walking around outside. Remember that vinegar can dry out Chelsea boots, so it is recommended to apply a shoe conditioner after cleaning your boots this way.

6. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective and affordable way to clean your boots. If you don't have vinegar somewhere in your house, you most certainly have a box of baking soda.

Start with a dry boot. Then, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the area you want to clean. Next, take a damp cloth or brush and gently rub the dirty areas. Do not pat dry. Let your boots dry for at least 24 hours. Once completely dry, use a dry cloth to wipe down your boots. They should look fresh and clean.

Baking soda is very effective on a variety of stains like oil, grease, and even blood. It may be the secret ingredient you have been searching for to get rid of those pesky stains on your boots.

Does Rain Ruin Chelsea Boots?

Rain has the potential to ruin Chelsea boots. It all depends on how well you take care of your shoes. The best way to prevent rain damage is to regularly polish and/or waterproof your Chelsea boots. Polishing boots fill in the natural pores, thus decreasing the amount of water your shoes absorb when it's raining.

Kiwi Boot Polish 

Here is a 3-pack of boot polish that would be great for your Chelsea boots. You get three different colors to match all of the boots in your wardrobe.

Click here to view it on Amazon. 

You may also want to waterproof your boots to protect them from rain. There are plenty of products available to suit any material your boots are made of.

Atsko Sno-Seal 

Here is a natural waterproof wax for you to use on your Chelsea boots or other leather materials.

Click here to view it on Amazon. 

How Do You Get Stains Out Of Chelsea Boots?

You can try any of the above methods to get rid of stains on your Chelsea boots. In extreme cases, you can always take your boots to a professional cleaner. It may be expensive but is sure to be cheaper than buying a brand new pair of high-quality Chelsea boots.

How Can You Make Your Chelsea Boots More Comfortable?

There are a few ways to make Chelsea boots more comfortable. If your boots are brand new, you may need to wear them more to break them in. Sometimes boots need time to stretch and form to your feet.

If you are interested in reading more about boots stretching, check out this blog. 

If you are experiencing discomfort with an older pair of Chelsea boots, you should try fixing the heels, getting gel inserts, or using an in-home stretcher to manually stretch your boots. Any of these methods can make your boots more comfortable.

Keep Your Chelsea Boots Looking Like New

Stop throwing out old boots just because they are dirty. Use any of the above cleaning methods to restore your Chelsea boots to their former glory. Grab a brush and start cleaning now!