How to Clean Koolaburra Boots?

Koolaburra boots are an extremely popular footwear choice, known for their comfort, durability, and stylish design. However, like any shoes that see a lot of wear, Koolaburras need proper care and cleaning to keep them looking their best. Cleaning your Koolaburras regularly and properly will help extend their lifespan so you can enjoy them for years.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about keeping your Koolaburra boots fresh and clean. We’ll cover basic care, how to clean the upper, proper cleaning for the sheepskin lining, removing stains and dirt, cleaning the sole, and preservation techniques. You can keep your Koolaburras in tip-top shape with the right techniques and products. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Basic Care Tips for Koolaburra Boots

Try to avoid wearing your Koolaburras in rain or snow. The sheepskin lining soaks up water and takes a long time to dry out fully. Exposure to excess moisture can ruin the lining over time. Discover the main difference between uggs and koolaburra.
Use shoe trees after each wear. Shoe trees absorb moisture and help the boots maintain their shape.
Allow boots to air out for 24 hours between wears. This gives the lining time to fully dry.
Store boots away from direct sun or heat sources. High temperatures can cause the sheepskin to become brittle.
Apply protective sprays. Use a sheepskin protector spray to guard against water and stains. Apply every few months.
Brush suede uppers gently. Use a suede brush weekly to revive the nap and remove dust.
Avoid using harsh cleaners. Stick to gentle cleansers formulated for suede and sheepskin. Harsh chemicals will damage the materials.

The uppers of Koolaburra boots are typically made from suede, leather, or textile fabric. Here are tips for cleaning each material:

Suede Uppers

Remove dirt with a suede brush. Gently brush uppers to lift dirt and restore nap.
Spot clean stains with suede cleaner. Apply cleaner sparingly and blot gently. Avoid saturating.
Use a suede eraser for stubborn marks. Rub gently to lift stain without abrasion.
Apply protective sprays. Spray suede protectors add water resistance and repel stains.
Avoid submerging suede in water. Allow professional cleaners to wet clean suede uppers if needed.

Leather Uppers

Wipe down with a damp cloth monthly. Use a mild leather cleaner or gentle soap and damp cloth.
Condition regularly with leather lotion. Keep leather flexible and moisturized.
Polish with shoe cream or wax as needed. Buff gently to blend away scuffs.
Use saddle soap for dirt buildup. Lather soap with a damp cloth then wipe away residue.
Treat spills immediately. Blot excess then clean with a pH-neutral leather cleaner.

Fabric Uppers

Spot clean stains immediately. Apply stain remover and dab gently with a cloth.
Hand wash in cold water if needed. Use a mild detergent and air dry away from direct heat.
Check care tag instructions. Some fabrics may require dry cleaning or washing on a delicate cycle.
Use fabric protector spray. This guards against moisture, dirt, and stains. Reapply after a few wears.
Avoid heat tools. Don’t use hairdryers or irons to dry wet fabric uppers. Air dry only.

Cleaning the Sheepskin Lining

The plush sheepskin lining is one of the standout features of Koolaburra boots. Take special care when cleaning the lining to avoid damage.

Shake out loose dirt. Turn the boots upside down and gently shake out debris in the wool fibers.
Spot clean stains carefully. Use a clean cloth dampened with cold water. Blot gently and air dry away from direct heat.
Freshen up with deodorizing powder. Sprinkle baking soda or odor-eliminating powder, then vacuum it up after several hours.
Hand wash gently if needed. Use a wool wash solution with cold water. Rinse thoroughly. Dry flat, away from heat.
Avoid using heat tools. Don’t use hairdryers, irons, or direct heat when drying the lining. This can burn or damage the sheepskin.
Do not submerge in water. Getting the sheepskin lining soaked will make it very difficult to dry out fully. Spot clean only.
Get professional deep cleans annually. Take boots to a specialty cleaner for an intensive cleaning of the lining every year.

Removing Stains and Dirt From Koolaburra Boots

Even with precautions, stains and dirt buildup happen. Here are some tips for removing the most common marks and messes on Koolaburras:

Mud or Dirt

Allow mud to dry fully then brush off excess dirt with a suede brush.
Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Apply to stain with cloth, let sit 5 minutes.
Wipe clean using circular motions. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
Stuff boots with paper towels to absorb moisture and speed drying.

Salt Stains

Sprinkle baking soda generously on the stain. Allow to sit for 2-3 hours.
Using a soft brush, gently scrub baking soda into the stain to lift the residue.
Vacuum up baking soda using a brush attachment. This pulls salt from the fibers.
Repeat the process if needed for stubborn stains. The baking soda will draw out the salt.

Oil or Grease Stains

Sprinkle cornstarch on the stain to absorb grease. Leave for 2-3 hours then brush away.
Dab stain gently with a cloth dampened with vinegar. Vinegar helps cut through oil and grease.
Use saddle soap on leather uppers. Work into a lather then wipe clean.
Rinse suede with cold water and dab dry with a clean absorbent cloth.

Chewing Gum

Freeze the gum using an ice cube or freezer spray to harden it.
Gently scrape away frozen gum chunks with a dull knife or spoon. Avoid abrasion.
Use rubbing alcohol to dissolve the residue. Pour a small amount on the stain, gently rub, then wipe clean.

With patience and proper methods, even tough stains can be removed from Koolaburra boots without causing damage. Remember to fully dry boots after cleaning using shoe trees, paper towels, and cool airflow.

Don’t forget about the soles! Built-up dirt on the soles can make boots slippery and streak floors.

Remove debris with a stiff brush. Scrub soil, stones, salt buildup.
Apply baking soda paste. Make a paste with water and coat the soles. Allow to sit 15 minutes.
Scrub with a toothbrush. Use an old toothbrush to work the paste into sole grooves.
Rinse clean. Wipe away all paste residue with a damp cloth.
Clean with mild soap if needed. Use a mild dish soap for stubborn buildup and scrub gently with a cloth.

Preserving Your Koolaburra Boots

With regular care and cleaning, you can add years to the lifespan of your Koolaburras. Here are some tips for keeping boots in great condition:

Use protective sprays. Apply waterproofing and stain-resistant sprays before wearing boots in rain or snow. Re-apply every 1-2 months.
Allow boots to rest between wears. Rotate your Koolaburras with other footwear and avoid wearing them two days in a row.
Store properly. Keep boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not being worn. Use shoe trees to retain shape.
Inspect routinely. Check for scuffs, worn treads, and stitching issues. Make repairs promptly to avoid bigger problems.
Deep clean annually. Take boots to a specialty cleaner once a year for an intensive cleaning and conditioning of suede, leather, and sheepskin.
Replace insoles. Worn-out or compressed insoles negatively affect the fit and support of boots. Swap insoles every 6-12 months.

FAQs

1. Can you put Koolaburra boots in the washing machine?

No, you should never put full Koolaburra boots in the washing machine. The sheepskin lining and leather/suede uppers require very gentle cleaning only. At most, removable insoles can be washed on a delicate cycle and air-dried.

2. How do you soften up stiff new Koolaburra boots?

Wear thick socks and walk around indoors to break them in gradually. The warmth and movement will soften the leather.
Apply leather conditioner. Rub into any stiff spots then wear boots until they feel normal.
Stretch tight spots gently using your hands, but avoid overstretching seams.
Ask a shoe repair shop to stretch any tight spots on new boots professionally.

3. What can you use to waterproof Koolaburra boots?

Use a sheepskin protector spray to waterproof the lining. Apply a light, even coat and allow to fully dry.
For the suede or leather uppers, apply a suede or leather protector spray. This adds a water-resistant barrier.
You can also use a beeswax-based waterproofing cream. Massage a thin layer into uppers and wipe away excess.
Limit waterproofing applications to every 2-3 months. Too much can damage the breathability.

4. How do you get foul odors out of Koolaburra boots?

Lightly sprinkle baking soda or odor-eliminating powder into the lining. Leave overnight then vacuum out.
Use paper towels to absorb moisture and odors. Replace towels daily until the smell dissipates.
Use an antibacterial spray formulated for shoes and fabrics. Mist lightly inside boots and allow to dry fully.
Place boots outside in direct sunlight. The UV rays help neutralize odors naturally.
Get a professional deep clean annually to deodorize the lining thoroughly.

5. What’s the best way to dry wet Koolaburra boots?

Absorb excess moisture with paper towels or a clean towel. Remove insoles and stuff boots fully.
Allow boots to air dry fully, away from direct heat. Place near a fan on a low setting if needed.
Insert shoe trees after towels are removed. This helps maintain shape as they finish drying.
Once fully dry, apply moisture-absorbing powder like baking soda to the lining.
Spray suede protector on uppers to help repel water next time.

Conclusion

Koolaburra boots require special care and cleaning techniques to keep them looking fabulous for future seasons. With the proper products, methods, and routine maintenance, When considering how to wear jeans with boots, it’s essential to strike the right balance between style and practicality; not only does this enhance your overall look, but you can also preserve your boots and ensure they stand the test of time. Taking good care of your Koolaburras will save you money in the long run by extending their lifespan and avoiding expensive repairs or replacements. Always use gentle cleaners and methods safe for suede, leather, and sheepskin when cleaning your boots. With a little TLC, your Koolaburras will deliver lasting comfort and style for years of wear.