Leather boot got soaked in diesel fuel. Will it be OK?

[sixdogs]

One of my beautiful and fairly new (oil resistant) leather Redwing boots got diesel fuel poured all over it by mistake. I've spilled lots of fuel on boots and it seemed to work out Ok but never as much as went on the toe and front part of this boot. I went inside and saddle soaped it and set aside to dry. Surely others have done similar. Think it will be OK?

 

[4570Man]

It’s probably going to stink like diesel for a long time but it won’t ruin it.

 

[Torvy]

Depending on the color, it make be a slightly different shade. That's why they are work boots. Damage will be cosmetic, not functional. May want to keep them on the porch or in garage until the odor fades. I know guys who would intentionally dirty up new boots so they would not look like a greenhorn.

 

[sixdogs]

Will the leather be OK? That's what I care about. Smell or color is no big deal.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^^
Yes

I use oil or grease on my leather boots on a regular basis, to keep them waterproof and prevent the leather from drying out. As previously mentioned though, you might want to leave them outside.

 

[Doofy]

Perhaps filling with charcoal briquettes will help get rid of the smell quicker...

 

[sixdogs]

The boots were new not long ago and before I wore them I liberally applied boot oil and then waxed them with brown polish. Suppose that helped keep a lot of the oil from soaking in?

I ask that because the boots are in the kitchen right now after saddle soaping and they don't smell very bad at all.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

One of my beautiful and fairly new (oil resistant) leather Redwing boots got diesel fuel poured all over it by mistake. I've spilled lots of fuel on boots and it seemed to work out Ok but never as much as went on the toe and front part of this boot. I went inside and saddle soaped it and set aside to dry. Surely others have done similar. Think it will be OK?

I wipe mine down with diesel and oil so. they will last. I think yours will be fine.

 

[the old grind]

Put 'em on a boot drier in a cool area for a while (days?) and see if they don't get too hot while on there. This could do much to remove/evaporate the diesel odor. I suspect you'd know it's really gone by the time your socks don't smell of diesel.

 

[Cougsfan]

I have 2 pair of Redwing boots. An old pair I use for working and a newer pair I wear seldom to slowly break them in. The old ones have been soaked with diesel more than once and show no ill effects and still look as good as new except for a few scrapes. When they get grungy I brush the outside with soapy water, rinse them, let them dry then apply Urad leather conditioner. Good stuff!