Is your Ren Faire season over? Then it's time to get all clean!

Renboots with example cleaning tools

Autumn has arrived, bringing with it colder air, shorter days, and the lull of Renaissance events across the United States. While a few wintery events spring their way through the snows here and there, a majority of vendors and event organizers take the late fall and winter months to shut down, recoup from the busy year, and begin plans for the next year's flurry of activities. We (Kommando Kilts/Renboots) are no different, taking stock of inventory, getting schedules in place for next year, and allowing time off for our [very exhausted] workers to spend some uninterrupted peace at home with family and friends! But, what do you do as a faire-goer? Do you also plan for next year's schedule of events? Make a plan of what garb to get, where the gaps in your armor need to be filled? Or, more than likely, find that you need to make repairs to your torn dress or clean your dusty leather boots? If you're in the cleaning mindset, we can help you - with the leather boots, at least!

Why is it important to keep your leather cleaned, you may ask. Well, while we assure you that true leather is forever, its durability doesn't magically happen on its own (although we wish it did). Leather, although tough and durable, can be susceptible to the elements, and without the proper maintenance or care techniques, will decay over time with not much hope of recovery. We take pride on our leather products, but highly encourage you to maintain your leather boots, shoes, pouches, or whatever you may purchase from us, so you can ensure your investment does, indeed, last a lifetime.

So, where to begin with leather care? It's not as simple as using hand soap, but it's also not complex as some may think. We have a full guide available for step-by-step cleaning instructions, to include what items and tools you'll need, but here's a quick summary of what proper care entails:

1) Materials typically needed are an old or ragged (but clean) cloth, horsehair brushes, clean dry and wet rags, saddle soap, small applicator brush, and of course leather conditioner and polish/wax.

2) Throughout the process, you'll be doing a lot of brush, wipe, apply, dry, repeat for each type of soap/conditioner/wax application. This process takes time, and should not be rushed to meet a deadline. Without proper drying time for each application, the leather can become scuffed or marred in quite an unflattering look, and can cause discomfort for your feet.

3) If you really insist on doing the minimum, at least apply a conditioner to keep the leather supple and hydrated. Once leather goes dry and starts to crack, there is nothing that can fix it, and you'll need to replace your item(s).

4) We recommend a deep clean at least once a year, or every 3 months if you wear your boots and shoes for daily wear or wore them through harsh weather or terrain.

For the full guide, we have our steps posted here: Leather Care - Renboots

For our signature polish to match your leather colors, buy here:

Leather Weatherproof Dressing

From$9.00

Buy Now

We've had a great time seeing you all this past season, and we can't wait for the fun to be had next year! Huzzah!