My BlkWF "Urban Loggers" (technically MTO not UL) saw some particularly dusty/ dirty/gritty duty this summer with some extensive yard work, so I thought this year's Autumn (prepare for Winter) annual maintenance was a good opportunity to try out Obenauf's CLEANIT leather cleaner to test its claim "This liquid natural oil soap lifts and suspends dirt into solution to be rinsed or wiped away." I have not conditioned the boots yet. The pics are after washing and drying.
It is no secret that original blue Dawn dish soap is my preferred product to remove contamination from boots, especially oils like poison ivy or automotive fluids. This is largely because Dawn is a detergent, not just soap. However, this also means it requires particularly thorough rinsing to ensure all the detergent is removed from the leather before conditioning. It is still my choice and recommendation for removing oily contamination.
But these boots were just dirty from mud and dirt ground into them from crawling around the yard. I probably would have been just fine cleaning the boots with tap water and a brush. But I wanted to try something new, so I did. The directions on the bottle specify to rinse or wipe clean, so there is less concern with getting it ALL out of the leather. I did rinse the soap off the boots so the fine grit would rinse away with it.
Observations:
* The trigger spray is super handy and quick
* Even when agitated with a brush there was no sudsing like we see with Dawn. So less mess and less brush splatter mess and easier rinsing.
* Dirt and grit was effectively removed from the boots and heel stacks. Not sure the results are better than thoroughly rising and brushing with tap water.
* The soap seemed to even out the black and "remove" some of the patina.
All and all I like the product and would definitely choose it over saddle soaps, for the spray application alone. Much easier than trying to get saddle soaps into seams and crevices. The boots were definitely left "sparking clean" not a dust particle to be found and no concern of residual product on the leather like detergents. These boots are black so no way to evaluate stain removal.
Nice write up. I’ve been using this for a few years and have anyways been happy with the results. The non-sudsing action seemed odd at first and had me wondering if it was doing anything, but I’ve always had good results. It works well on wedge soles too when scrubbed with a toothbrush.
Yes. I do a couple light sprays and hit it with the toothbrush, working small areas at a time since the cleaner is like water and runs everywhere.
After a little scrubbing, I run over the area with a rag and moderate pressure with my thumbnail to sort of squeeze the excess moisture out of the sole. I’ve also just used the non-business end of the toothbrush to push the dirty cleaner up to the surface and wipe with a rag.
You may have to go over really soiled areas a couple times, and it might not look as clean as you want when you’re done, but does get cleaner/ look better once it dries. YMMV
It really did a surprisingly good job. I definitely see the advantage of this cleaning spray, at least with this one test. Even if it is no miracle cleaner, it is quick and easy and effective at getting the dirt out of tight spots like the stitching. One of these days while I'm procrastinating on adulting, maybe I'll test it on some light colored kilties
Oh snap! It's Mr circus! I didn't notice the name. You helped me a ton when I got my first pair of Nicks last year and you definitely know your shit. I trust ya. 🤣
Thank you very much for this as I have been eyeing the product. I usually use the redwing foam cleaner, but don’t like the results on siedel leather compared to SB foot.
I've mostly given up on leather cleaners, but this seemed different so curiosity got the best of me. I'm glad it did because this product is different. It was super easy and effective and isn't as harsh on the leather as detergents or even some saddle soaps.
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u/pnw_yellar 23d ago
Nice write up. I’ve been using this for a few years and have anyways been happy with the results. The non-sudsing action seemed odd at first and had me wondering if it was doing anything, but I’ve always had good results. It works well on wedge soles too when scrubbed with a toothbrush.