How to Clean Hiking Boots: Step-by-Step Instructions

Adventures in the wild mean epic trails, rocky paths, and a whole lot of fun. So, people, if you’re trekking through the stunning trails of Salt Lake City, the magical Havasupai Falls, or your favorite local spot, your trusty hiking boots are right there with you, taking on the mud, grit, and all the action. But let’s face it: nothing ruins the vibe like tossing those muddy heroes into your closet without giving them some TLC. Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean your hiking boots like a pro so they’re always ready for your next big adventure.

Pre-Cleaning Step to Clean Hiking Boots

The first step in washing hiking boots is pre-cleaning. Remove the ace system and insoles before you begin cleaning your boots. This will enable you to clean the boot fully and let the insoles and laces dry completely.

Let’s see what you need to clean those grimy boots:

Soft Brush or Cloth: To remove loose dirt and debris.
Bucket or Bowl of Warm Water: For soaking or dampening the boots.
Mild Soap or Boot Cleaner: Gentle cleaning agents safe for boot materials.
Old Toothbrush or Small Brush: This is used to clean tight spots like eyelets and seams.
Towel: For wiping and drying during the process.

Clear Out Any Loose Debris and Dirt

When planning to clean hiking boots, you must first clean the surface grime. Use a boot brush or a towel to clean the outside of your boots of any loose dirt or debris. Since dirt tends to gather there, pay close attention to the seams and soles. If your boots are really filthy, knock them together to remove larger mud clumps. Clean, muddy places to prevent material damage. It is paramount to clean a walking boot.

Time to Clean the Uppers

The cleaning products you use for your muddy hiking boots will depend on whether they are made of leather, synthetic material, or a combination of both.

How to clean each type of muddy boots is as follows:

Leather Boots: Use a solution of water and mild soap or a leather cleaner. Apply the cleaner and carefully scrub away any dirt with a soft cloth or brush. Steer clear of strong chemicals, as they can harm leather.
Synthetic Boots: For synthetic materials, a solution of water and mild soap works well. Make sure to get into all the crevices and nooks while using a brush to scrub the boots.
Nubuck or suede boots: These materials require extra attention. To clean suede or nubuck, use a brush made especially for them; do not soak them in water. Instead, carefully remove the grime with a damp cloth.

Tidy Up the Soles

Your hiking boots’ soles can gather a lot of dirt and debris, which may impair their grip and functionality. To get rid of any stuck dirt or stones, scrape the soles with a hard brush and water. Using a toothbrush to get into confined spaces might be useful for removing tough dirt. Avoid putting shoes in the washing machine as this could harm the boots. However, if you plan to wash the boots in the washing machine, you have to exercise caution.

Give It a Good Rinse

After washing your boots, give them a good rinse with clean water to remove soap or cleaning agents. Make sure no residue is left behind, as this can eventually draw in more dirt and cause the material to deteriorate. Steer clear of soapy water that could leave behind residues. It is important to thoroughly clean the hiking boots.

Make Sure Your Boots Are Dry

Maintaining the shape and integrity of your hiking boots requires proper drying:

Avoid Direct Heat: Keep your boots away from direct heat sources like campfires and radiators to prevent the materials from warping or cracking.
Air Dry: Allow your boots to air dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated environment. You can pack them with newspaper to help them absorb moisture and keep their shape.
Take Out Insoles and Laces: To guarantee thorough drying and avoid the formation of mold, separate the insoles and laces. Moreover, to expedite the procedure, you may want to use a boot dryer.

Condition your Boots

To keep the materials flexible and water-resistant, it’s crucial to condition and waterproof your boots after they’ve been cleaned and allowed to air dry. Apply a waterproofing spray appropriate for the material of your boots and leather conditioner if you have leather boots. For optimal results, adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will preserve the waterproof membranes.

Routine Maintenance

After cleaning the walking boots, following maintenance tips is important to ensure they remain clean.

Tips

After Every Hike: Brush your boots to get rid of dirt and allow them to breathe.
Monthly Deep Clean: Depending on how often you use your boots, give them a thorough cleaning and conditioning once a month.
Examine for Damage: Check your boots frequently for signs of wear and tear, such as loose seams or worn-out soles, and take quick care of any problems you find.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, the article covered details on how to clean hiking boots to maintain their form and look. So, if you are a hiking lover and explore rugged paths more often, it is paramount to clean your muddy shoes once in a while, and our article guide can help you do that.