When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or consultation.

How to Clean Timberlands: Suede, Leather, or Nubuck

Updated
Be responsible for your Timberlands using these cleaning methods.

Timberland boots are a big investment. If you don’t keep them clean, they can wear down and lose their trademark wheat color.

However, due to their delicate material — suede, nubuck leather, or leather — it can be hard to know how to clean Timberlands.

The last thing you want to do is damage your beautiful and expensive shoes. That’s where we come in. We’ll share the safest yet most effective way to clean Timberlands, so they look as good as new and are completely stain-free.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean Timberland boots every seven wears or when stains are noticed to avoid permanent damage.
  • Use a soft-bristled brush, eraser, and gentle cleaning methods for spot cleaning and removing scuff marks.
  • Deep clean Timberlands with household items like soap and water, vinegar, baking soda, or baby wipes, focusing on shoelaces, treads, and the entire shoe.
  • Protect and waterproof Timberlands with appropriate shoe protectant, regular brushing, proper storage, and avoid washing them in a washing machine.


How Often Should You Clean Timberlands

You should aim to clean your Timberlands every seven wears. If you wear them daily, clean them weekly. If you wear them a couple of times per week, clean them once a month.

You should also remove dirt and clean stains as soon as you notice them to avoid permanent damage.

How to Spot Clean Timberlands

When you do notice a stain, treat it right away. The last thing you need is for the stain to set and ruin your Timberlands forever. We’ll show you how to lightly clean your boots and remove scuff marks.

  • Time: 10 minutes.
  • Difficulty: Easy.

What You’ll Need

  • Soft-bristled brush or unused toothbrush.
  • Suede brush (for suede Timberlands).
  • Pencil eraser, suede eraser, or Magic Eraser.

1. Brush the Boots

Remove surface-level debris by brushing the boots with a soft-bristled brush or unused toothbrush. Start from the top of the boot and work your way down.

If your boots are suede, we recommend a suede brush over a generic cleaning brush or old toothbrush.

Top Tip: Timberland does make and sell cleaning kits. When you buy this, you know you’re investing in something that was made for your Timberlands.

2. Erase Scuff Marks

If you have scuff marks or minor, light stains, you can rub them with an eraser. If your boots are suede, use a suede eraser. Continue until they disappear.

You can also use a Magic Eraser. Dampen the eraser before rubbing the shoes.

Note that this will not work for stubborn stains, dirt, or mud.

3. Brush the Boots Again

Once you’ve erased the stains, brush the shoes again to remove eraser residue. Start at the top and move in one direction, so the boots look neat when you’re done.

How to Deep Clean Timberlands

Spot cleaning Timberlands regularly can stay on top of stains and scuff marks. But from time to time, you will need to deep clean your boots. We’ll show you how to clean each part of the shoe — including the shoelaces and treads — as well as how to dry them.

The good news is that you can clean Timberlands with household items at very little cost. So if you want to clean without a kit, these methods are for you.

With Soap and Water

  1. Remove the shoelaces: Remove the shoelaces from the shoes and set them aside for later.
  2. Prepare soapy water: We need to prepare two bowls of soapy water. Add warm water and a few squirts of dish soap to the bowl.
  3. Wash shoelaces: In one bowl, add your shoelaces. Let them soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing them together to remove dirt and stains. Rinse well, then hang them up to dry.
  4. Brush the boots: With a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush, brush the boots to remove surface-level dust and debris. Make sure to focus on the bottom of the Timberlands to remove stones and gravel.
  5. Scrub the soles: Once you’ve removed as much debris as possible from the soles, it’s time to scrub. Dip a soft-bristled brush into your other bowl of soapy water and scrub the soles. Get in between the treads for deep cleaning. A cotton swab can also help to get into crevices.
  6. Rinse the soles: Wipe the soles of the shoes with a damp cloth to remove soapy residue.
  7. Clean the rest of the shoes: Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and wring it out well. Apply a light layer to the rest of the shoe to clean away stains and marks. We don’t want to saturate the shoes because too much moisture can damage suede or leather.
  8. Dry: Wipe the shoes with a towel and leave them overnight to air dry.

With Vinegar

  1. Remove the shoelaces: Remove the shoelaces from the shoes and set them aside for later.
  2. Prepare vinegar water: We’ll need two bowls of vinegar water. Combine a 1:10 ratio of distilled white vinegar and water in each bowl.
  3. Wash shoelaces: Put the shoelaces in one bowl to soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing them together until they’re no longer dirty. Rinse well. Then hang them to dry.
  4. Brush the boots: With a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush, brush the boots to remove dirt and debris. Don’t forget to remove stones and gravel from the treads of the shoes.
  5. Scrub the soles: Dip a soft-bristled brush into your other bowl of vinegar water and scrub the soles. Get in between the crevices of the treads. A cotton swab can help.
  6. Rinse the soles: Wipe the soles of the shoes with a damp cloth to remove vinegar residue.
  7. Clean the rest of the shoes: Dip a soft cloth into the vinegar water and wring it out well. Apply a light layer to the rest of the shoe to clean it. The vinegar can remove odors, salt, grease, and food stains.
  8. Dry: Wipe the shoes with a towel and leave them overnight to air dry.

With Baking Soda

  1. Remove the shoelaces: Take the shoelaces out of the boots.
  2. Clean shoelaces: Add two tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl of warm water. Add the shoelaces and let them soak for one hour before scrubbing them together to remove stains. Rinse them well, before hanging to air dry.
  3. Brush the boots: Brush the soles and body of the shoes well with a soft-bristled brush to remove gravel, stones, and other debris.
  4. Sprinkle baking soda: Prop the shoes upside down, making the soles accessible. Spray the bottom of the shoes with water. Then sprinkle baking soda over the soles.
  5. Rub and leave: Rub the baking soda into the bottom of the shoes with a cloth to apply it evenly. Leave for one hour. The baking soda will absorb dirt.
  6. Wipe: After the hour, wipe the soles with a damp cloth to remove baking soda and dirt.
  7. Sprinkle shoes: Turn the shoes over and sprinkle baking soda over the rest of the shoes. You might need to do one side at a time to prevent the baking soda from falling off the shoes. Leave the shoes for one hour. The baking soda will absorb oily and greasy stains.
  8. Wipe: After the hour, wipe the baking soda off with a dry cloth. Repeat on the other side of the shoe if necessary.

With Baby Wipes

  1. Remove the shoelaces: Remove the shoelaces and wipe well with baby wipes. If this doesn’t work, you can clean them using one of the above methods.
  2. Brush the shoes: Brush the entire Timberlands with a soft-bristled brush to remove surface-level dirt and debris.
  3. Wipe the soles: With the baby wipes, clean the entire shoe. Start at the top of the shoe and work your way down, finishing with the sole. Replace the baby wipe with a fresh one whenever necessary. Continue until the shoes are clean.
  4. Air dry: The shoes will be slightly damp, so give them time to completely air dry before you wear them again.

With Timberland Cleaning Kit

If you want to stick with the brand you trust, you can invest in their own cleaning kit, available on their website.

Here’s how to clean Timberland boots at home with this kit:

  1. Remove the shoelaces: Remove the shoelaces and wash them according to any of the above methods.
  2. Brush the shoes: Use the nylon brush to brush the shoes, removing dirt and debris. Don’t forget the soles and in between the treads.
  3. Erase stains: Rub the eraser on stains to remove them. This doesn’t help deep clean the soles, so we recommend choosing one of our above methods for cleaning them.
  4. Brush shoes again: Use the nylon brush to lightly brush the shoes again. This will bring back the original texture of the boots.

Timberland also has a boot kit for deep cleaning their leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas boots.

  1. Brush the boots: Start by brushing the boots to remove surface-level dust and debris.
  2. Apply boot cleaner to a cloth: Apply the boot cleaner directly to a dry cloth.
  3. Apply to boot: Wipe the cloth over the entire boot to cover in boot cleaner. Let the boots air dry out of direct sunlight.
  4. Condition the boots: Use the boot conditioner next, following the same method. Apply it to a cloth first, then the boots. Let the boots air dry out of direct sunlight.
  5. Brush the boots: Brush the boots again to fluff up the texture.
  6. Spray the boots: Spray the Balm Proofer six inches away from the boot. Go back and forth to apply evenly. Don’t forget to apply it to the seams. This is a water and stain-repellent to protect your boots.
  7. Clean the soles: There’s nothing in the kit to clean the soles, so you should brush them well with the brush. Then use one of our methods above to deep clean them and remove stains.
  8. Dry: Allow the boots to air dry for 24 hours before wearing them again.

If you don’t want to invest in the Timberland cleaning kit, many more options are available. Just make sure to get one that corresponds with the type of shoe you have. For instance, the Gear Aid Revivex is a fantastic option if you have suede or nubuck boots.

Cleaning Different Types of Timberlands

While our methods work well for all types of Timberlands, we have some specific cleaning advice for the varying materials.

Suede

We recommend investing in a suede brush, like the Shacke brush, to protect the material for suede shoes.

A suede eraser is also a good investment, rather than a generic pencil eraser.

We also recommend dry cleaning your boots where possible because water can stain suede. In that case, the baking soda hack is great. Or use the Timberland cleaning kit, which is specially designed for suede.

Nubuck Leather

Nubuck leather is more resistant to water marks, so you can use any of our methods. But above all, dry cleaning the nubuck Timberlands is still the safest option.

You should also note that nubuck stains easily, so we don’t recommend skipping out on a protectant spray.

Leather

When brushing leather shoes, always prioritize a soft-bristled brush. Stiff bristles can damage your leather shoes.

Try to condition your leather shoes frequently to prevent them from drying out. We also recommend using a water-repellant protectant spray. Water and leather do not mix — it can cause permanent damage.

How to Protect Timberlands

When you’re done cleaning Timberlands, protect them so they last longer. Here are our top tips for keeping your boots in mint condition:

  • Use shoe protectant: One of the most significant ways to protect your Timberlands is by using a shoe protectant. Use one specifically made for the Timberlands you have — suede, leather, or nubuck — and reapply every few months. Timberland recommends its own product Balm Proofer.
  • Stuff suede shoes: If you have suede Timberlands, stuff them with paper while they are drying or not in use. This will encourage them to keep their shape. Don’t use newspaper, though, as the ink can bleed and stain your boots.
  • Brush your shoes regularly: Brushing your shoes every few wears can remove dirt and debris. Removing this will prevent stains from forming.
  • Store properly: When you’re not wearing your Timberlands, keep them upright in a cool place away from direct sunlight. This will prevent fading. If you’re putting them in storage for the summer, put them in a shoebox so they don’t get scuff marks from other items.

How to Waterproof Timberlands

Before you waterproof your shoes, make sure to clean and dry them using one of our above methods. Then you can apply a waterproof spray, such as Balm Proofer, or wax to your shoe. If using wax for leather boots, try Timberland Waximum.

Take Note: This product isn’t suitable for suede, nubuck, or canvas shoes. Make sure the waterproofing spray or wax dries completely before you wear your shoes again.

FAQs

How Can I Clean My Timberlands Without Ruining Them?

Our methods can help you deep clean your Timberlands without causing damage. Always make sure to use as little water as possible to avoid new stains. When in doubt, use Timberland’s own cleaning kit, which they made especially for their shoes.

Can I Put Timberlands In the Washing Machine?

Nope! This is not a good idea. The water and agitation will ruin the shoes and cause permanent stains.

If you’re without a cleaner and think the washing machine is a suitable replacement, delay cleaning your shoes. Wait until you have a good cleaning solution at hand.

Can You Clean Timberlands With Water?

You can use a little water alongside our other cleaning products, such as dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda. But if you use too much, you can cause stains or damage the material. Follow our instructions carefully to avoid damage.

Where possible, avoid using water to clean your suede Timberlands. Water can cause stains on suede.

Can Magic Eraser Clean Suede?

A magic eraser is fantastic for cleaning scuff marks off suede shoes. Dampen the eraser before rubbing it onto the stained areas. Note that it won’t remove stubborn stains, dirt, or mud.

Which Polish is Best for Timberland Boots?

The only Timberland boots you should polish are leather ones. Timberland recommends their Waximum protector.

If you’re in the market for something else, customers love the Soft Sole Mink Oil, which conditions leather.

Polishing Tip

When choosing a leather polish, ensure it corresponds with your shoe’s color. For instance, if you have a wheat color shoe, don’t choose a black polish.

Feedback: Was This Article Helpful?
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Thank You For Your Feedback!
What Did You Like?
What Went Wrong?
Headshot of Beth McCallum

About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!