Care Guide

While there are many methods for care and cleaning, this is our version which all of us at shop like to use. Always spot test on a small inconspicous area first to see how the material reacts as some methods may change the color or finish of the item. Try out different techniques and choose one which works for you! Enjoy!

 

DENIM CARE

We recommend wearing your denim for as long as possible, but eventually there will come a time that it needs a wash because, let's face it, if you can smell it, everyone else can too.

  • Fill tub or sink with enough cold water to fully cover the denim.
  • Add 4-5 cups of distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent, disinfectant, and deodorizer. It also sets dark colors like indigo or black. Since it's not a detergent and has no fragrance, it's better for the environment as well as your skin.
  • Turn the denim inside out. Rub or agitate the water around the areas of your denim which have the heaviest soiling (i.e. seat, knees, cuffs). Allow denim to soak for 20 minutes then drain.
  • Refill tub or sink with cold water only. This will be the final rinse. Soak the denim again for another 20 minutes.
  • Remove denim from water and hang to dry. If you hang it inside, place an old towel down to catch any of the excess water and indigo drip. Once dry, the denim will be clean and smell like new again.

We recommend repeating the procedure every 3-6 months depending on where you live and how hard you wear your denim. Our denim washing procedure applies to denim shirts and jackets as well. 

 

LEATHER CARE

Generally, using your belt and wallet on a daily basis allows them to soak up enough of your natural oils. Every now and then, give them a light coating of Red Wing oil, conditioner, or Bear Grease with a brush/soft cloth. Let it dry for 24 hours after applying and buff out. Beware that using a conditioner or oil will darken the leather.

 

BOOT CARE

Leather boots require cleaning and conditioning from time to time. Most new leather products already have enough oil embedded into them to protect it, but from age and wear, this protectant dries out.

  • Make sure the leather is clean and dry. For boots, remove the laces as well as any mud, dust, and debris with a stiff brush or damp cloth. Allow to dry.
  • Use Red Wing leather cleaner and rub in with your hands or a soft cotton cloth. This will remove build-up, dirt, and other grime.
  • Wipe away with a fresh cloth and let dry.
  • Apply Red Wing leather conditioner or Bear Grease with a dauber brush and work into the leather, paying special attention to the seams and welt.
  • Buff with a shoe brush and finish with a soft cloth if you desire a bit of a luster.
  • Allow 24 hours for the conditioner to soak in and dry.

Use a cedar shoe tree to help keep the shape of the toe area and help dry out the boot in between wears. Cedar is also a delightfully aromatic and fights odors!

If you get caught in the rain or have stepped into a few puddles, you'll want to get your boots dry as soon as possible. Stuffing newspapers into the toe box as well as the rest of the interior of the boot will help soak up water and help the boot keep its shape. Do not place the boot in front of a heater or fireplace to dry. This will cause the leather to stiffen and dry. It may also cause the boot to take on an uncomfortable shape. Once dry, condition the leather with Red Wing leather conditioner or Bear Grease.

Red Wing Shoe oil is fantastic should you live in wet or snowy climates. Apply more often if this is the case, but in general, twice a year is good for most boots. When applying, be careful because a little goes a long way. Applying a conditioner every few months helps too!

 

WAXED GOODS

To clean, use a cold damp cloth and gently rub on the soiled area. Re-applying wax often isn't necessary unless you machine wash the piece or wear it everyday. Once or twice a year should be sufficient. Re-waxing will restore the waterproof qualities as well as darken the fabric and add luster. 

  • Start with a clean surface
  • Heat the fabric with a hair dryer to warm it up a little bit. This will help the fabric absorb the wax.
  • Rub a bar of Otter Wax along the fabric. Be careful around the seams. If you go over a seam, it will grab a chunk of wax and will make spreading the wax difficult.
  • Work the wax in with your fingers. Make a nice even coat, then use your hair dryer to help heat the applied wax and allow it to soak in evenly into the fabric.
  • Let the fabric dry and the wax to soak in. It will take a few days for the stickiness to go away.