To clean classic wheat Timberland boots, let them dry, brush the nubuck with a soft brush in one direction, rub scuffs with a suede eraser, and treat stains with a small amount of nubuck cleaner on a damp brush. Let them air dry, brush the nap back up and finish with a protector spray. Keep water to a minimum and never use the washing machine.
In this guide
The classic yellow boot is made from nubuck, a leather that has been lightly sanded to give it a soft, matt surface. It is cleaned like suede, mostly dry.
What you need
- A soft nubuck or suede brush
- A suede eraser (or a clean white pencil eraser)
- Nubuck and suede cleaner, or a few drops of mild dish soap in water
- An old toothbrush and a clean cloth
- Plain paper for stuffing
- Nubuck and suede protector spray
Step-by-step cleaning
- Remove the laces. Wash them in warm soapy water or replace them.
- Let mud dry, then knock the boots together and brush off the loose dirt.
- Brush the nubuck lightly in one direction to lift dust.
- Erase scuffs and dark marks with the suede eraser, using firm back-and-forth strokes, then brush away the crumbs.
- Clean stains. Put a small amount of cleaner on a damp brush and work it over the marked panel in gentle circles. To avoid tide marks, clean the whole panel evenly, not just the spot.
- Wipe with a clean damp cloth to lift the foam.
- Stuff with paper and air dry at room temperature for 24 hours, away from heaters and sunlight.
- Brush again once dry to restore the nap.
- Spray with protector and leave to cure.
How to treat common stains
| Stain | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Scuffs and shiny patches | Suede eraser, then brush to raise the nap |
| Water marks | Dampen the whole boot lightly and evenly, blot, dry slowly, brush |
| Oil and grease | Cover with cornflour or talcum powder overnight, brush off, repeat if needed |
| Salt lines | Dab with equal parts white vinegar and water, let dry, brush |
| Ink | Dab lightly with rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud; test first |
Related: How to Get Grass Stains Out of Shoes (4 Methods)
Cleaning the soles and the inside
- Rubber lug soles: scrub with a toothbrush and warm soapy water, keeping the water off the nubuck. Pick stones out of the tread.
- Lining: wipe with a cloth lightly dampened with soapy water and let it dry fully.
- Odour: leave baking soda inside overnight. See how to get rid of shoe odor.
What about smooth leather Timberlands?
Some styles use smooth, full-grain leather instead of nubuck. Clean those with a damp cloth and saddle soap, then condition, as described in how to clean leather boots. If you are not sure which you have, nubuck feels velvety and marks when you run a finger across it; smooth leather does not.
Mistakes to avoid
- Scrubbing wet mud, which pushes it into the nap.
- Soaking the boots or putting them in the washing machine.
- Using regular leather polish or conditioner on nubuck; it darkens and flattens it.
- Drying with a hairdryer or radiator, which makes nubuck stiff. See how to dry shoes safely.
- Using a wire brush with heavy pressure, which scratches the surface.
How to keep them looking new
- Protect new boots with a nubuck spray before the first wear and reapply every few weeks in wet weather. More in how to waterproof shoes and boots.
- Brush them briefly after each wear.
- Deal with marks the same day.
- Store them stuffed with paper, out of direct sun, which fades the colour.
For outfit ideas and lacing styles, see how to wear Timberlands.
Looking for a work pair? See the best steel toe work boots.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean Timberlands with soap and water?
Only sparingly. A few drops of mild soap on a damp brush is fine for stains, but nubuck should never be soaked.
Can I put Timberland boots in the washing machine?
No. It saturates the leather, can stain the nubuck permanently and may separate the sole.
How do I restore the colour of faded Timberlands?
Clean and brush them first. If they are still faded, a nubuck renovating spray in the matching shade restores colour.
Are Timberland boots waterproof?
The classic 6-inch boot is sold as waterproof, with sealed seams. The nubuck surface can still mark, so a protector spray keeps it looking better.
