How to Clean Dr. Martens Shoes: 15 Steps
Dr. Martens shoes are iconic, stylish, and durable, but they still require proper care to ensure they stay looking great for many years. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean your Dr. Martens shoes in 15 simple steps:
1. Gather your tools: soft brush, non-abrasive cloth, clean sponge, warm water, mild soap or Dr. Martens cleaning product, leather conditioner or Wonder Balsam
2. Remove the laces from your shoes
3. Use the soft brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the shoes’ surface
4. Moisten your cloth with warm water and gently rub off any stains or marks
5. Fill a small container with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap; you can also use a dedicated Dr. Martens cleaning product
6. Dip your clean sponge in the soapy solution and gently scrub the entire surface area of the shoes
7. Use a clean sponge dampened with only water to wipe off the soap residue from the shoes’ surface
8. Thoroughly dry your shoes using a soft, non-abrasive cloth
9. Ensure that your shoes are completely dry before moving on to the next step; air-dry them if necessary
10.Apply leather conditioner or Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam to your shoes following the manufacturer’s instructions; ensure that you cover all areas of leather evenly
11.Use a clean cloth to buff the leather with gentle circular motions for increased shine
12.Allow the leather conditioner or balsam to soak into your Dr. Martens for at least 30 minutes before wearing them again
13.Once they’re dry, re-lace your cleaned and conditioned Dr. Martens shoes
14.Maintain regular cleaning intervals based on how often you wear them—ideally once every few weeks if you wear them daily
15.Store your Dr. Martens shoes properly, keeping them in a cool and dry place when they’re not in use to increase their longevity
By following these 15 steps, you’ll keep your Dr. Martens shoes looking fresh and well-maintained, ensuring that they remain a go-to wardrobe staple for years to come.