Playa Boots

Leather boots worn at Burning Man need special attention.

Burning Man is built on a prehistoric lakebed (the playa) in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Playa dust is extremely basic (high pH) because that ancient evaporated lakebed is filled with concentrated salts and minerals: silicon dioxide (silica), aluminum oxide, sodium oxide, iron oxide, etc. It is extremely alkaline and microscopically fine. When playa boots are then taken home to perhaps a higher humidity location the playa dust will absorb water vapor from the air, which creates a high pH coating on the leather. Playa dust is caustic and will slowly degrade and ruin leather.

Removing playa dust from boots is not as simple as washing them off or even using traditional leather cleaning products such as soap and water.

STEPS TO CARE FOR PLAYA BOOTS

• Do not bring them into your home. Leave them in your garage or outside in a plastic bag until you can start with the cleaning process (as soon as possible).

 

• The initial cleaning process should be done outdoors, or at least in a garage or other area not in the house. If you have respiratory problems it is advised to wear a mask.

 

• Remove any laces. It’s easiest and safer to get rid of these and purchase new ones. Alternative, clean them in a 1:3 white vinegar and water bath (one part white vinegar to three parts water), agitating vigorously. Repeat in a fresh vinegar/water bath then rinse well in clear water and let dry.

 

• Use compressed/canned air to blow as much dust out as you can, inside and out. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner as playa dust can damage the mechanics of the machine. 

 

• Make a white vinegar and water bath of a 1:3 ratio (one part white vinegar to three parts water). Thoroughly wet the boots, inside and out with this solution using a soft brush or cotton rags. Pay special attention to stitched areas, overlapping leather pieces, grommets, and seams. Rinse with fresh water. Let dry at least 24 hours. Repeat process using a fresh vinegar/water bath.

 

• Any rags used in the above process should be thrown away. Any brushes should be set aside and only used for playa leather in the future.

 

• Once the boots are dry, clean them again with soap. I recommend using a clear glyceryn based soap with a small amount of water in a bowl. Work this into a lather with a soft, damp sponge or soft brush. The lather and only the lather is then applied to the boot in a circular motion. Then, remove soap residue with a wet cotton rag.

 

• Let dry and then condition with your chosen product. (I do not recommend Neets Foot Oil or Mink Oil). Let that conditioner penetrate the boot and, if needed, apply a bit more. The high alkaline playa dust and the vinegar baths will dry out the leather.

 

This information comes from various skilled bootblacks, leather care experts, and cobblers. (Myself included….27 years of bootblacking and leather care).