How to clean hiking boots?Hiking boots are essential for any hike, big or small. They protect your feet from the elements and provide traction on uneven terrain. But after a long day of hiking, your boots are bound to get dirty. So, how do you clean them? In this blog post, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to clean your hiking boots so they’re ready for your next adventure.
What You’ll Need
Assuming you will be cleaning your hiking boots with soap and water:
-A sink or basin
-Water
-Mild liquid dish soap or boot cleaner
-A soft brush, like an old toothbrush
-A clean, dry towel
-Optional: a hairdryer set on low heat
If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can clean your boots with:
-A clean, dry towel
-Baby wipes or another type of wet wipe
-A hairdryer set on low heat (this will help to remove any remaining dirt or debris)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Boots
If your boots are starting to look a little worse for wear, it’s time to give them a good clean. Here’s how to clean the outside of your hiking boots:
1. Start by removing any mud or dirt that’s caked on. Use a brush or old toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn bits.
2. Once the majority of the mud has been removed, it’s time to tackle any stains. For light stains, use a damp cloth and some mild soap. For tougher stains, you may need to use something like saddle soap or rubbing alcohol.
3. Once all the stains have been dealt with, give your boots a final rinse with clean water.
4. Let your boots dry completely before storing them away.
Cleaning the Inside of Your Boots
Assuming you don’t have a shoe dryer, the first thing you’ll want to do is remove the laces and insole from your boot. These can usually be washed with soap and water.
Next, you’ll want to brush off any dirt or debris from the outside of your boots. A soft bristled brush should do the trick.
Now it’s time to focus on the inside of your boot. The best way to clean the inside is with a damp cloth. You can also use a slightly soapy solution if needed. Be sure to wipe down the tongue as well.
Once you’re satisfied that the inside of your boot is clean, put the insole and laces back in and you’re good to go!
Dealing With Tough Stains
If you’re dealing with tough stains on your hiking boots, here are a few tips to get them clean. First, try using a damp cloth or brush to scrub the stain. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a mild soap or detergent. Be sure to rinse the area well afterwards. You may also want to try using a vinegar solution to help remove the stain. Just be sure to test it on a small area first to make sure it won’t damage the boot.
Tips for Keeping Your Boots in Good Shape
-Before you even think about cleaning your boots, make sure they are dry. Damp or wet boots will only make the dirt and grime stick around, and make them harder to clean.
-To clean the outside of your boots, start by using a soft brush to loosen any dirt and debris. Pay special attention to the seams and crevices where dirt likes to hide.
-Once you’ve brushed away the surface dirt, it’s time to break out the soap and water. Use a mild soap and warm water to create suds, then scrub your boots from top to bottom. Rinse thoroughly when you’re done.
-If your boots are really dirty, or if they haven’t been cleaned in awhile, you may need to repeat the above steps a few times. Be sure to let them dry completely between each cleaning.
-Once the outsides of your boots are clean, it’s time to move on to the inside. Start by removing the insoles and giving them a good shake (this will get rid of any loose dirt). then use a cloth or brush to remove any remaining dirt from the inside of the boot itself.
-If your boots have laces, now is a good time to wash them as well. Just throw them in with your regular laundry – no need for anything special there.
-Once everything is clean, put your boots back together and you’re good to go!
The best way to clean your hiking boots
Assuming you don’t have a dedicated boot cleaning station, the best way to clean your hiking boots is to remove the laces and insoles and brush off any large debris with a stiff bristled brush. Next, mix up a small batch of soapy water using gentle soap like Nikwax Tech Wash and use a second brush to scrub away any remaining dirt, mud, or grime. Rinse your boots with clean water and stuff them with newspaper to help them retain their shape as they dry.
Other ways to clean your hiking boots
There are plenty of other ways to clean your hiking boots if you don’t have access to a sink or hose. You can use a cleaning brush to remove any dirt and debris from the surface of your boots. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down your boots. If your boots are particularly dirty, you can try using a mild soap or detergent on a damp cloth to help loosen and remove any tough dirt and grime.
Once you’ve removed all the dirt and debris from the surface of your boots, you can use a dry cloth to wipe them down. This will help remove any remaining dirt and help your boots dry faster. If your boots are still wet, you can stuff them with newspaper or another absorbent material to help speed up the drying process.
Once your boots are completely dry, you can apply a waterproofing treatment to help protect them from future damage. Waterproofing treatments can help keep your boots clean and dry, and they can also extend the life of your boots by protecting them from salt, water, and other harsh elements.
Tips for preventing dirt and grime
It is inevitable that your hiking boots will get dirty and gritty after a hike – but there are some things you can do to prevent this from happening too much. Here are our top tips:
1. If possible, avoid walking through puddles or mud – try to stick to drier ground where possible.
2. If your boots do get wet, make sure to clean and dry them as soon as possible afterwards.
3. Use a boot brush or old toothbrush to remove any dirt or grit from the surface of your boots before storing them away.
4. investing in a good quality waterproofing spray will help to repel water and dirt, keeping your boots cleaner for longer.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean hiking boots, you can keep them looking like new for many years to come. With a little bit of elbow grease and the right products, your boots will be shining in no time. Do you have any tips on how to clean hiking boots? Share them with us in the comments below!
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