When it comes to footwear, leather boots are a league apart. It is because the quality of shoes is defined by the quality of material that they are made up of, and when it comes to leather, the quality speaks for itself.
Leather is a natural and breathable material that has ample benefits, which include lack of moisture and fungal formation, elimination of foot odor, etc. But as nothing is invincible, leather is also impervious in nature, which means that it needs to be taken care of else it wears out and deteriorates in quality.
To help you out in keeping your boots in pristine condition, there is a perfect match for it, often referred to as saddle soap.
It is a compound that is used for cleaning and protecting leather. In this article, we will try to learn all about saddle soaps and how they can be used for protecting your beloved boots.
WHAT DOES SADDLE SOAP DO?
Saddle soap or sometimes referred to as leather soap, is a compound material that is mainly used for cleaning, conditioning, and protecting leather.
What does saddle soap do is something that I am asked often, so let me tell you that it ensures the longevity of leather by removing external impurities collected in the form of dirt, dust, etc. It helps to keep leather flexible and smooth.
Types of saddle soap for leather
There are various types of saddle soaps based on the materials that are used to make them. They can be of the following types:
Glycerin saddle soap: Glycerin is the major component of this type of soap. Glycerin helps the leather to maintain its moisture, which protects it from deteriorating.
Lanolin saddle soap: Lanolin is a substance that is released by wool-bearing animals. It helps to retain the moisture of leather and conditioning it.
Beeswax saddle soap: Saddle soaps can also be made of beeswax. Beeswax repels water and keeps leather safe and supple.
Neatsfoot Oil Soap: Neatsfoot oil is used as a conditioning, softening, and preserving agent. Technically, it is used as a leather softener. It can also be termed as the best saddle soap for boots.
How to Use Saddle Soap on boots
In this, we will learn how to use saddle soap on boots. To use saddle soap, you can follow the below steps-
Is It Safe To Use Saddle Soap For Leather?
Yes, it is safe to use saddle soaps. In fact, it is a boon for leather products as it helps to preserve its shine and makes it last longer. Cleaning leather with saddle soap doesn’t have side effects and is mostly safe to use.
Benefits Of Using Saddle Soap On Leather
Using Saddle soap has plenty of benefits like
MINK OIL VS SADDLE SOAP FOR BOOTS
Mink oil and saddle soaps are two materials that are used for ensuring the long life of leather products. Though they both are very different in their composition, their application is similar.
Mink oil is used more as a conditioning agent and has waterproofing properties, whereas saddle soap is used as a cleaning agent and also has conditioning properties.
SADDLE SOAP VS MINK OIL BOOT - WHICH ONE TO USE
The use of either saddle soap or mink oil depends upon the kind of result that you want. Saddle soap for boots serves the primary purpose of cleaning them and also if you are planning on moisturizing them.
Mink oil for boots, on the other hand, revolves around waterproofing and deep moisturization, if that is your intended use, then go for it.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How Often Should I Use Saddle Soap?
To ensure maximum protection and shine, use saddle soap on your leather boots every few months, which will ensure that it doesn’t wear off.
Saddle soap also forms an essential part of leather boot care, but know that conditioning them too much will permeate the leather with too much moisture, which can discolor them or can lead to premature cracking.
2. What Type Of Saddle Soap Should I Use?
You can use saddle soaps that use glycerin, beeswax, neatsfoot oil as their primary ingredient. Before using any one of these, think of the kind of need that you have because every ingredient has its purpose. For example-
Neatsfoot oil is used more as a conditioning and waterproofing agent and not a cleaning agent. If you aren’t using the substance for its intended purpose, then you are bound to get disappointed.
3. Can I Use Vinegar And Olive Oil To Clean My Boot?
Vinegar should only be used if you have some tough stains on your boots like stains of food, wine, curry, etc. For using vinegar, take a clean cloth and take a small amount of white vinegar in it.
Now take the soaked part and rub it gently on the stained area and let it dry. After that, run it with a cotton cloth. Olive oil is mainly used in place of mink oil, whose main purpose is to moisturize the leather.
Use a soft cloth to apply the olive oil on your boots, but avoid olive oil as it can affect your boots in the long term.
CONCLUSION
We hope that you must have learned some helpful tips on how to care for leather boots in this article. If cared for well, leather is a substance that has the potential to last long, but most people neglect them and don’t provide the necessary care that they need.
Don’t be that person and follow the instructions provided in this article. Ensure that your leather boots are properly cared for and show them some love. Properly cared leather boots will shine, won’t crack, be durable, and will easily outlive your synthetic shoes, and above all, will look great.
All these benefits are what make them perfect for many.
Justin is a Master Fitness Trainer, coach, and consultant. Justin holds Science degrees in biological science, natural life science, and human anatomy focus. He has been assisting as a Fitness trainer for over 15 years in the health and fitness industry. He enjoys teaching others to achieve their goals and wellness using his expertise.