12 Genius Ways to Use Plywood That You Never Thought of Before

Protect Your Lawn

When entertaining in your yard, put 3/4” plywood sheets under heavy items like tents and food stations. “It will distribute weight evenly, rather in small, specific areas,” says lawn expert Steve Corcoran. “This helps prevent holes or ruined small patches of grass.”

When it’s muddy, you can also use plywood for temporary walkways. “Plywood sheets have enough surface area that they will not sink into the ground,” says home improvement expert Bruno Mendolini.

• Safety tip: Sprinkle sand or add wood cleats on top for traction.

Give Your Seedlings A Boost

Create sturdy seed-starter carts with wheels, so you can roll them toward sunny windows.“Watching those tiny seedlings sprout while it’s still cold outside is incredibly motivating and gets you ahead on gardening,” says Goranson.

• Pro-tips: Try tomatoes, peppers, herbs or flowers, and “opt for birch plywood for a smooth, attractive finish that takes paint or stain beautifully to match your home decor,” says Goranson.

Organize the Mudroom

Build custom entryway storage for wet boots, coats and other gear. “Ditch the soggy floors and welcome spring with a tidy, inviting entryway that makes coming home feel great,” says Goranson.

• Pro-tips: Before your final assembly, apply multiple coats of polyurethane sealant to prevent warping or molding. For extra protection, place a rubber liner inside the boot area, and don’t forget to anchor the assembly so it doesn’t pose a safety hazard.

Create Art

Plywood makes an excellent medium for projects like paintings and abstract sculptures. “I’ve seen some interesting wall art made from leftover plywood from other home improvement projects,” says home painting expert Carr Lanphier. “There are some great tutorials online for those who are less artistically inclined, and plenty of images to draw inspiration from as well.”

Dampen Noise with Acoustic Panels

Plywood’s cross-grain construction naturally dampens annoying echos. In his quest to build a home recording studio, DIY enthusiast Cody Schuiteboer used 3/4” panels with acoustic foam backing. “The transformation was immediate and dramatic,” he says.” Pro-tip: Instead of making the wall uniform, stagger panel heights to attenuate sound in multiple directions.

Mendolini created his acoustic panels slightly differently, with strips of plywood, of varying widths, glued to a frame at different depths. “Plywood is the ideal material for this because it is rigid enough to bounce sound around but light enough to hang on the wall safely,” he says.

Build a Skateboard Ramp

Instead of buying an expensive quarter-pipe, Schuiteboer built one for his son for just a few hundred dollars. “Plywood has a good surface and texture for skaters,” he says. “I also added a smooth plastic coating to the ramp’s top to make it easier for skaters to glide.”

Use 2x4s to build the base, then bend 1/2” plywood to the curve and secure it with screws at 6-inch intervals. “The biggest mistake is cheap framing, which leads to horrible flex during riding,” he says.”

Stabilize the Washer

If your washing machine vibrates intensely or is damaging he subfloor, this is the plywood project for you. Simply glue or screw two 3/4-inch plywood pieces together and place them underneath the appliance. “It’s incredibly dense and will distribute the weight across multiple floor joists,” says Mendolini. “This will prevent the washing machine from walking across the floor and will reduce the noise level considerably.”

Protect Cabinets from Leaks

A slow leak under your sink can ruin your expensive cabinet base before you even realize what’s happening. To prevent this, place high-quality 1/2” plywood, primed and painted with waterproof exterior paint, above the cabinet floor. “This liner will save your cabinet’s structural box from water damage by absorbing initial moisture and providing a bright surface that can be easily cleaned,” says Mendolini.

Transform Your Ceiling Beams

When contractor Andy Gibbs found an outdated wooden beam under some drywall, he decided to update its look to faux gluelam. His technique: cut dozens of 1-1/2” strips of plywood of different lengths, then laminate them to the old beam with a pin-nailer. Next, he filled and sanded the entire assembly and finished it with polyurethane. “The bottom of the beam was finished with 2X8s cut to the same width as the faux glue lam finished width,” he says. “Stunning!”

Add Pizazz to Your Vanity

Gibbs also built a floating vanity by cutting 3/4” plywood into 1-1/2” strips, then flipping them 90 degrees, so the ply laminations showed at the top. “This one came out beautifully,” he says. “You can only see the zebra effect of the edges of the plywood slats looking straight down, but from a distance, it’s a solid glossy slab with solid wood strip edge trim.” Pro-tip: Use cabinet-grade plywood, and finish with four coats of clear polyurethane.

Protect Outdoor Furniture

If your outdoor seating has open slats on the bottom, add a thin sheet of exterior-grade plywood underneath the cushions. “It creates a flat, breathable layer that reduces pressure points on foam and also stops water from pooling underneath cushions,” says upholstery expert Mike Handelsman. “It’s a pity more people don’t know about this!”

Pro-tip: drill one-inch holes across the plywood so air can still flow through. “This helps the foam dry faster and also prevents mold,” he says.

Repair Sagging Sofas

If you have sagging sofas or sectionals, plywood can help reinforce them. “Instead of replacing the entire frame, you can just cut strips of plywood and screw them lengthwise across the weakened section from underneath,” says Handelsman. “This works well because plywood distributes pressure across many layers and reinforces strength.” Pro-tip: Round the edges and pre-drill, so it doesn’t split.

FAQ

Is it safe to use plywood for kitchenware (like cutting boards or countertops)?

No. Plywood has several disadvantages here, including toxic glues, seams that can hold bacteria, the tendency to splinter and a lack of durability against knives, heat and moisture. “For any kitchen-adjacent projects, add a separate food-safe surface like laminate, butcher block or a sealed tray on top,” says Goranson.

Can plywood be used in high-moisture areas (like bathrooms)?

Sometimes, if it’s outdoor or marine-grade and well-sealed with a heavy-duty moisture-resistant sealant. But, it is still possible that the moisture could release chemicals from the plywood, says Goranson. “For food-related or steamy applications, consider certified composite alternatives or professional-grade options to ensure safety and durability,” he says.

About the Experts

• Eric Goranson, aka Eric G from Around the House, is a syndicated radio, podcast, TikToc and YouTube video host, and Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) with the National Kitchen and Bath Association. He has more than 30 years of experience, and is a nationally recognized expert in home remodeling, construction and interior design.
• Bruno Mendolini is a home improvement and tile expert, and co-founder of Tile Choices.
• Andy Gibbs is a contractor with five decades of experience in remodeling and building, and used plywood and engineered wood exclusively on his whole-house remodel in Palms Springs. He’s also building RemodX, a deep-content remodeling education platform for homeowners.
• Carr Lanphier is CEO of Improovy, a Chicago-based painting company.
• Steve Corcoran is CEO of Lawn Love, a company that connects commercial and residential customers with local lawn care professionals.
• Mike Handelsman is CEO and owner of FoamOrder, which specializes in tailored foam solutions and performance materials for homes and outdoor spaces.
• Cody Schuiteboer is president and CEO of Best Interest Financial home financing, and a DIY enthusiast.

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Hyundai Issues Massive Airbag Recall After Safety Flaw Discovered

No one wants to get into a car accident. If you’re unlucky and do get into one, you’re relying on your seatbelt and airbags to keep you safe. When they work properly, they can save your life. But if there’s a problem with your airbags, you’re at a much higher risk of injury or even death. Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced that hundreds of thousands of Hyundai vehicles have an airbag issue and are subject to recall. Find out which ones are dangerous and what the company is going to do about it.

Why Is Hyundai Recalling So Many Vehicles?

According to the NHTSA’s recall brief, in the affected vehicles, “the side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash.” Airbags are crucial for keeping you safe in an accident; the NHTSA warns that “improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.”

Given their airbag issues, “these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, ‘Ejection Mitigation.'” If you’re a Hyundai owner, you should refrain from using it as much as possible until you know whether or not yours has this dangerous fault. Don’t take the gamble that you’re the exception; that’s a recipe for disaster.

Which Hyundai Vehicles Have Faulty Airbags?

Per the brief, Hyundai is recalling nearly 600,000 vehicles, including the:

• 2020 Palisade
• 2021 Palisade
• 2022 Palisade
• 2023 Palisade
• 2024 Palisade
• 2025 Palisade

If you own one of these vehicles, you should keep a close eye on your mailbox. The company will be mailing out owner letters in late March 2026. You can also search your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA site if you want to find out sooner.

How Will Hyundai Fix This Airbag Problem?

According to Hyundai, “The remedy is currently under development.” When the remedy is available, schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience. And until then, as stated earlier, minimize your use of the vehicle, especially the third row. You don’t want to risk the lives of your passengers if you can avoid it. Instead, you should use another one of your vehicles, carpool with friends, or try pubic transit or a rideshare service.

If you have any further questions, you can reach Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 292, and the NHTSA number is 26V034000.

Source

Side Curtain Airbag May Deploy Improperly/FMVSS 226, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2026.

RELATED:

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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Your Ultimate Guide to Silencing Spam Calls

If you’ve noticed an uptick in annoying spam calls lately, you’re not alone. Thanks to AI technology, spam calls are more advanced and common than ever.

You might have heard of the Do Not Call Registry as a way to decrease spam calls. But is there any other methods for putting a stop to them for good? Or are spam calls an unavoidable headache of our modern world? We spoke to two cybersecurity experts to help answer those questions and more.

Why You’re Getting Spam Calls

The hard truth is: if you have a phone number, you will receive spam calls, either from legal telemarketers or scammers. Telemarketing calls are irritating, but the scam calls are the real danger. “Fraud has become cheaper, more scalable, and far more convincing than ever,” says cybersecurity and digital fraud expert Shlomi Beer. “Fraudsters use AI voice bots, dialers and human call centers that sound natural, making scams harder to detect.”

And sadly, senior citizens are not the only ones falling for these fraudulent calls (although they are the primary target of fraud calls and texts, racking up more than $3 billion in losses annually, according to the FBI). Even an average, fairly tech-savvy person can fall for scams. “Stolen personal data is widely available, allowing callers to reference partial details about you to appear legitimate,” says Beer. “Or criminals pretend to be banks, delivery companies, or tech support; often targeting people who recently searched for help online.”

How Not to Respond

The number one thing to remember: do not engage with spam callers. Even correcting the scammer about what bank you use or what state you live in can help them with future, more convincing calls. “The safest rule is simple: don’t correct, don’t confirm, don’t explain, just hang up,” says Beer.

You can block the number, but that might not get rid of the scammer for good. Often, the number you see is “spoofed“, meaning the number has been falsified on your caller ID display to disguise the scammer’s identity. “Scammers will rotate through a long list of fake numbers that will show up on their target’s phones. Not answering is the best approach,” says cybersecurity expert John Lemay.

Use Built-In Phone Tools

The good news is, spam calls can be avoided with features already built into your phone. You’ve probably seen the familiar message, “Potential Spam Call” or “Scam Likely” on your caller ID. Your phone can identify potential spam and scams using network data and analyzing spammer behavior, but you can take spam blocking even further with just a few tweaks to your settings.

iPhone Tools

On the iPhone, you have the option to silence or filter unknown callers, which are any numbers not on your contact list. Just be careful with this setting because it can cause you to miss important calls that aren’t saved, like from a doctor’s office. You can also choose to silence spam callers; with this setting, all calls identified as spam or fraud are silenced, sent to voicemail, and moved to your Spam list.

Android Tools

If you have a Samsung/Android phone, you can use a feature called Smart Call. Navigate to the settings menu and tap the switch to “Block spam and scam calls”. You’ll have the option to block all spam calls or only block high-risk calls.

Use Third-Party Spam Call Blocking Apps

According to Lemay, there is little, if any, need for third-party blocking apps. “The carrier protections coupled with the iOS and Android protections do an excellent job once set up,” he says.

However, if you want that extra layer of protection, “apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and Nomorobo are effective because they rely on large, frequently updated databases of known scam numbers and real user reports,” says Beer. “They can automatically block or label suspicious calls before you ever answer.”

What to Do If Spam Calls Keep Coming

If spam calls are still getting through your phone settings and apps, try adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry as another preventive measure. It’s free and easy to register. Keep in mind that the Do Not Call Registry only stops unwanted sales calls from legitimate companies that follow the law. Unfortunately, it does not stop illegal scammers from calling your number.

FAQ

Why are spam calls so common now?

“The simplest answer is because they work,” says Lemay. “Spam calls can be automated, and this is easier than ever with the use of AI. If a bad actor gets one victim for every 100 or even 1000 calls made by their automated dialer system, that is a win for them.”

Why do spam calls come in waves?

According to the global cybersecurity company ESET, spam calls come in waves because of autodialing, which can make millions of calls each day. Autodialer software can rapidly cycle through massive lists of phone numbers, either randomly generated, bought from a third-party public data provider, or obtained from data leaks and breaches.

About the Experts

• John LeMay is the founder and principal consultant of Oceantec, an IT services provider. He leads the firm’s strategic direction and guides organizations through today’s complex IT and cybersecurity challenges.
• Shlomi Beer is the co-founder and CEO of ImpersonAlly, a cybersecurity company focused on detecting and stopping impersonation and fraud scams. He holds a PhD in Computer Science with a specialization in AI and has spent over a decade building large-scale fraud detection systems.

Related

• See a Green Dot on Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Means
• If You Get a USPS Scam Text, You Need To Do This Immediately
• This Is How Often You Should Restart Your Phone

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The Benefits of Sleeping With a Weighted Blanket

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you may be looking into things like white noise machines and other tricks to get a better night’s sleep. But you can also try switching up your bedding. Many people, myself included, swear that weighted blankets are the key to a good night’s sleep. There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence out there that they help, but is there any scientific evidence to back them up?

Do Weighted Blankets Help with Anxiety?

Admittedly, the studies on these blankets and their effects on sleep are sparse. Most of them freely admit that more research needs to be done, with larger sample sizes, before there can be broad, sweeping claims. But that doesn’t mean there’s no research. In a 2020 study in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), researchers looked at the effects of weighted blankets on patients with anxiety and insomnia.

The literature review looked at eight different studies and concluded that “weighted blankets may be an appropriate therapeutic tool in reducing anxiety; however, there is not enough evidence to suggest they are helpful with insomnia.”

Do Weighted Blankets Help with Insomnia?

Four years later, a study in BCM Psychiatry looked specifically into whether or not weighted blankets help with insomnia. Over the course of the study, the researchers found that these blankets had positive effects on sleep quality and “a range of sleep-related negative emotions and daytime symptoms.” The researchers also concede that more studies, both longer-term and larger, are needed. However, their own study seemed to show that weighted blankets are “an easy-to-use non-pharmacotherapy option for adults with insomnia.”

What Do These Findings Mean for You?

Like with most interventions, everyone is built a little differently. What works for me might not necessarily work for you. None of the studies we found showed that weighted blankets degrade sleep quality. So, if you are someone who has anxiety or insomnia and finds physical pressure to be soothing, it’s worth trying them.

General guidelines say you should start with a blanket no heavier than 10% of your body weight. From there, you can scale up or down to find your comfort zone. Worst-case scenario, you find out you don’t like the blanket, and you can donate it to a friend who does.

Sources

Weighted Blanket Use: A Systematic Review, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2020.

Effect of weighted blankets on sleep quality among adults with insomnia: a pilot randomized controlled trial, BCM Psychiatry, 2024.

RELATED:

• 7 Signs You’re Over-Decorating
• 18 Cheap Decor Ideas That Look Expensive
• 14 Traditional-Style Home Decor Ideas That are Still Cool

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A Guide to Protecting Your Plants From a Snow Storm

When snow is in the forecast, concerns usually center around power outages, school closings and dangerous driving conditions. But you might also worry about your outdoor plants and how they’ll survive the storm. The truth is, most plants can weather snowstorms just fine on their own, while some may need help to avoid permanent damage. It really depends on the plant and the amount of snowfall. Ahead, we break down the best winter plant care tips with expert Sharon Yiesla, Plant Knowledge Specialist with the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum.

Understanding How Snow Affects Plants

Snow can both help and harm outdoor plants. A bit of snow cover actually helps insulate perennials and groundcovers from drying winter winds and freezing temperatures. It also insulates the ground, protecting delicate roots and bulbs from frost damage.

However, heavy snowfall can crush plants or break branches, particularly evergreens. “The branches may just bend under the weight, or they may break if the snow load is very heavy or if the snow is mixed with freezing rain,” Yiesla says. Large piles of snow from storm cleanup can also crush shrubs and bushes.

Which Plants Need Protection?

“Most outdoor plants don’t need protection,” Yiesla says, but evergreens, deciduous plants and new plantings will benefit from some additional winter plant care. “Among the evergreens, we sometimes see more damage on arborvitae given their open structure with multiple trunks that can catch and hold snow,” Yiesla says. “Deciduous plants that have delicate stem structure, like small Japanese maples, could also be at risk from the weight of heavy snow.”

Also, if you live in an area that doesn’t typically get snow, your plants may need some extra protection to survive freezing temperatures, snow and ice.

Tender vs. hardy plants

Whether a plant is considered hardy or tender will be determined by the USDA Hardiness Zone where you live. Hardy plants can survive the lowest winter temperatures in your hardiness zone, while tender plants cannot. For example, a plant considered hardy in the south may be considered tender, or even an annual in the northeast. It’s best to cultivate hardy plants for your zone that can survive winter without protection.

Preparing Plants for Snow

Protect plants ahead of the storm for the best results. Here’s how:

• Loosely tie together evergreen branches that tend to splay open, like arborvitae. “Using something flexible, such as strips of fabric or old pantyhose, loosely tie the branches together so they don’t bend under the weight of snow,” Yiesla says.
• Add stakes around deciduous shrubs to mark their place and avoid piling snow during storm cleanup.
• “Enclose ornamental grasses in large tomato cages or enclosures made of heavy wire to keep the grasses upright,” Yiesla says.
• Protect young or tender plantings with wooden A-frames.
• For snow in atypical areas, use sheets or cloth tarps to temporarily cover low-doming shrubs with woody branches and bring potted plants inside. Avoid covering more delicate plants that could be crushed flat by the weight of the snow.

Protecting Plants During the Storm

During the storm, monitor evergreens and deciduous trees and, if possible, periodically remove heavy snow. “For evergreens, snow can be gently brushed off the branches. If the snow has frozen to the branches, or if it requires a vigorous shake to remove the snow, it is best just to leave the snow alone and let it melt off naturally,” Yiesla says. “At cold temperatures, branches can become brittle and shaking them too hard could cause them to break. Gentle brushing can also be used on deciduous trees and shrubs that might have accumulated a heavy snow load.”

Avoid wrapping plants if possible

“Wrapping plants is not really the best option for snow protection,” Yiesla says. “A wrapped plant could collect a larger quantity of snow and be more at risk for damage. Wraps can also get wet on milder days, and that can be harmful to the plant,” Yiesla says. Evergreens should never be wrapped because they need to absorb light through their needles.

FAQ

Should I leave snow on my plants?

Accumulated snow that is not breaking branches or crushing plants can be left alone. A good winter care practice is to gently remove heavy snow from the branches of evergreens, deciduous trees, and young plantings to prevent damage.

Can snow actually protect plants?

“Like mulch, snow can insulate the soil and keep soil temperatures more moderate, which is good for roots. A covering of snow can also insulate the plants themselves. Snow cover can be very beneficial to evergreen ground covers, such as pachysandra, juniper, and vinca. Snow protects them from the drying winds of winter and provides a source of water when it melts in spring,” Yiesla says.

About the Experts

• Sharon Yiesla is a Plant Knowledge Specialist with the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum outside of Chicago, Illinois.

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The Right Way to Remove Snow Without Damaging Your Deck

Regardless of the type of surface, removing snow with the wrong tools and ice melts can lead to aesthetic issues like scratches, cracks, and discoloration. It can also compromise the lifespan of wood and composite decks.

“The biggest problem isn’t the snow,” says Dave Kile, deck expert and owner of Trex Protect. “It’s how people try to remove it. They wait too long until snow compacts into ice, then they have to scrape aggressively.”

Here are other pitfalls to avoid when removing snow from decks and other surfaces without damaging them.

Why It’s Important to Remove Snow From Your Deck

The obvious reason to remove snow from your deck is to keep people safe from slipping and falling. But removing snow is also important to protect your deck’s lifespan.

“Snow isn’t usually what damages a deck,” says Kile. “It’s what happens after the snow. Freeze–thaw cycles cause slow damage as moisture expands and contracts, which can loosen hardware and widen small cracks over time.”

Also, when that moisture seeps into cracks, it can damage paint and cause boards to warp or rot. If it’s a heavy snow, all of that weight can also compromise a deck’s structural integrity.

Tips to Remove Snow From Your Deck (and Other Surfaces) Without Damage

Shovel Parallel to Deck Boards

Not shoveling parallel is the number one mistake homeowners make, says Kile. “Pushing perpendicular catches board edges, torques fasteners, and leaves scratches you won’t see until spring,” he says.

Avoid Metal Shovels

Metal shovels can harm all surfaces, including wood, composite, PVC, flagstone, and concrete. Instead, opt for a plastic push shovel with a rubber edge, which will help it glide along the surface. Also, try to minimize scraping or hitting the surface too hard.

“Plastic shovels and soft push brooms are your best friends,” says Anthony LaBarbera, president at Rhino Shield Texas. “Metal edges scrape paint even when you think you’re being careful, and once water gets in, the damage snowballs from there.”

Shovel All of the Snow

With wooden and composite decks, don’t just shovel a pathway or half of your deck. The remaining snow will still cause damage. Joe Marchionni, owner at Amity Home Maintenance Solutions, once had a customer who pushed all of their snow to one side of the deck. “Their idea was to get it out of the way so they could walk out onto the deck and into the backyard with the dog, but in doing this they put twice the weight load on one half of their deck,” he says.

Use Calcium Chloride Ice Melt on Wood

With wood decking, Kile recommends avoiding all ice melts except those that contain calcium chloride or eco-friendly, wood-safe alternatives. Steer clear of rock salt, magnesium chloride, dyed products, and sand, which can discolor or scratch the wood.

To use calcium chloride, apply it sparingly. Let it loosen the ice bond naturally until you can sweep the slush away. Then, once the weather allows, rinse your deck.

Use Calcium Magnesium Acetate on Hard Surfaces

For ice melt on stone, flagstone, and concrete surfaces, Kile recommends using calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Magnesium chloride is the second-best choice. Particularly avoid rock salt, as it can stain and cause surface spalling. Pro tip: Pre-treat the surface before a storm to keep ice from bonding, says Kile.

On painted porches, avoid ice melt products altogether. “The chemicals pull moisture into the coating and slowly eat away at the paint,” says LaBarbera. “Most people don’t realize they’ve caused damage until months later, because winter scratches and chemical damage usually show up in spring when paint starts bubbling, peeling, or wearing out far sooner than it should.”

Prep Your Deck for Winter

In the fall, fix any exposed nails and screws so they’re flush or recessed into the wood or composite. That way, they won’t snag your shovel. “This should be done even without worry of a shovel, though, as you want to avoid trip hazards,” says Marchionni.

Repair Damage Promptly

For painted surfaces, if you do make a scratch, dry the area and touch it up as soon as the weather allows. “Sealing it early keeps moisture from spreading under the surrounding paint,” says LaBarbera.

FAQ

Can you use ice melt on the porch?

Sometimes, as long as it’s the right kind. “Calcium chloride is the safest option for decks and porches,” says Kile. “It works quickly and breaks the ice bond without attacking the surface.”

On wood and composite decking, avoid rock salt, magnesium chloride, gritty blends, dyes, and urea-based “pet-safe” formulas. “These can stain, corrode fasteners, or scratch surfaces,” says Kile.

About the Experts

• Dave Kile is a deck expert and owner of Trex Protect.
• Anthony LaBarbera is president at Rhino Shield Texas.
• Joe Marchionni is owner at Amity Home Maintenance Solutions in Connecticut.

Storm Prep

• Emergency Survival Kit Checklist for Severe Weather
• How To Keep Your Family and Your Home Safe During High Winds
• How To Prepare an Emergency Evacuation Plan

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The Right Way To Clean Work Boots for Long-Lasting Wear

Remove the laces

First, remove the laces to access the tongue and eyelets. If they are frayed or torn, discard them and plan to replace them at the end.

If they are still in good shape, soak them in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of laundry detergent for an hour. For heavily greased laces, use a few drops of Dawn dish soap to break down the grease. You can use an old toothbrush to help with the deep clean. No worn shoelace is going to be 100% stain-free, so focus on removing the grit and grime rather than achieving perfection. Hang them to air dry when finished.

Brush away debris

It’s as easy as it sounds: brush your boots of dirt, rocks, and debris using a horsehair brush. Horsehair is ideal because the bristles are soft enough to avoid scratching the leather but stiff enough to reach into the welt and the folds of the tongue.

Once finished, set this brush aside. Do not use your “dirt brush” for the conditioning or polishing steps, as you don’t want to rub old dirt back into the leather’s clean pores.

Burn off loose threads (optional)

On beat-up boots, look for frayed threads around the collar or eyelets. Take a lighter to quickly fan the flame over the loose thread. Bring the flame in to start the burn, pull back, and repeat until the thread burns down to a small, melted ball against the leather. Rub the charred end with your thumb to eliminate any burnt debris. Avoid holding the flame in one spot to prevent damaging the leather.

Scrub the midsole and welt

Before touching the upper leather, clean the “chassis” of the boot. Take your small horsehair brush, wet it and lather up some saddle soap. Apply the lather to the midsole and welt. For stubborn stains, let the soap sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a medium-bristle toothbrush. Be aggressive when scrubbing with the toothbrush. This deep cleans and will restore some of the color back in the midsole. Wipe away the saddle soap with a damp cloth.

Patience is required for this. For flat-bottom, light-colored wedge soles, use the back of the toothbrush to work the soap into stubborn stains in the midsole. Wipe away any visibly dirty soap when working it in, and reapply as needed.

Wash the leather

Now, lather up more saddle soap and hit the actual leather with the same horsehair brush used for the midsole, no toothbrush needed. Use a circular motion when cleaning the boot, but don’t be too aggressive. This helps penetrate the leather’s pores. Pay close attention to the tongue and creases where dirt hides.

Once finished, wipe away the suds with a dry cloth, then follow up with a damp cloth to remove every trace of soap. Don’t skip the damp wipe! Dried saddle soap can leave a sticky residue that attracts more dirt. Worse, it dries out the leather in the long run, which may cause it to crack.

Let the boots air dry for an hour or two. The leather must be completely dry for the conditioner to absorb properly.

Note: You only need saddle soap if the boots are heavily soiled or have never been cleaned. For regular maintenance, a simple brush and damp wipe are often sufficient.

Apply Leather conditioner

This is the most important part, but be aware that conditioners will darken your leather. Mink oil and beeswax darken it the most compared to carnauba conditioners, so test on an inconspicuous spot first.

I prefer applying by hand, but you can use a clean cloth. The heat from your hand helps melt the leather conditioner, making it easier for the leather to absorb it. Plus, you can feel the texture and see where the leather is the driest.

Spread it thin and even. You don’t want to over-saturate; just give the leather what it needs to stay supple. When the boots are fully conditioned, set them aside for 20 minutes for the leather to absorb the conditioner. After that, take your clean horsehair brush and gently brush the boot off of any residue, smoothing out the conditioner.

Note: Oversaturation can weaken the leather and may permanently discolor it.

Restore and polish

This can be two different steps, but we choose to use a two-in-one color restorer and polish; this will just be one.

Apply the color restorer with a clean cloth to spots on the boot that have faded or have deep scratches. Let it sit for 15 minutes.  Then, use the conditioner brush to lightly buff the spots with color restorer and polish. Go over each spot until you have achieved your desired color and sheen. Reapply and buff as needed.

Re-lace and let dry

Once the boots are dry to the touch, re-lace them with the new or clean shoelaces. Then set them aside for 24 hours before wearing. This ensures the boot has fully dried and has absorbed the conditioning, color-restoring products.

Your boots are now hydrated, protected, and ready for work.

FAQ

Can I use a synthetic brush instead of a horsehair brush?

Yes, but only for cleaning off tough dirt and grime. Try to avoid using this on leather as it will scratch it. Stick with horsehair brushes to do the job. The alternative to horsehair brushes can be boar’s hair brushes. They are a bit softer and not as stiff, but still work great.

What is the best conditioner for leather boots?

Everyone has different opinions on this, and I certainly have mine. This comes down to how much darkening of the leather you care to have and how long the conditioner lasts. There are many different types of conditioners, but the most common are: mink oil, beeswax, and carnauba cream. Mink oil tends to wear off faster than beeswax and carnauba cream. Mink oil and beeswax tend to darken leather more than carnauba cream. Carnauba seems to be the winner here, but some don’t like it. The best way to find the right conditioner is to test each product until you find what works for you.

Can I use Dawn dish soap on leather boots?

No. The degreasing properties of dish soap can strip leather of its natural oils, leaving it dry, cracked, and damaged.

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