How To Clean Hiking Boots In 10 Minutes Or Less
How To Clean Hiking Boots
Want your hiking boots to last longer? Tired of losing tread while hiking? Learning how to clean your hiking boots the proper way leads to longevity of your boot as well as your ease of hiking.
Hiking boots are designed to roll with the muck and gravel. It’s not a good idea to stuff your filthy boots into the closet and forget about them. If you take care of them, you’ll have many years of fun together on the trail and less need to replace them too soon.
Proper care for leather boots and synthetic boots is crucial. Clean ‘em the next day if you’re too exhausted from your hike right away. I have been hiking for over 15+ years I have had three pairs of hiking boots in that time, because I know how to properly clean them.
Take care of your boots so they can take care of you, this is what I have learned as an experienced Mountain Guide. If you have not purchased hiking boots yet you may want to check out: The Best Hiking Boots.
How to clean hiking boots key takeaways
Cleaning hiking boots can be an easy way to add longevity to your hiking boots and enjoy your hikes without losing your traction or early breakdown of the hiking shoes
Clean your hiking boots with a soft brush, use cleaner if you would like. Brush the outsoles and remove any dirt or debris that is caught in the tread
Allow your hiking boots to dry naturally in a low humidity area, DO NOT place them in the dryer. Clean your hiking footwear after each hike.
What you’ll need for hiking boot cleaning
Time: about 5-10 minutes
A boot brush or toothbrush
Professional boot cleanser, saddle soap, or a mild dishwashing soap and water solution.
How To Clean Hiking Boots
Remove the laces prior to cleaning. Remove the insoles first. You’ll want to take your boot cleaner and gently remove the dust and dirt. Next, you’ll want to add clean water while scrubbing with your soft brush. While scrubbing use soft smooth strokes as if you are painting.
If your boots are only lightly soiled, use a damp cloth for a quick and effective clean on the outside. You may start scrubbing your insoles next with water and your cleaner of choice.
To help speed up the drying process you can stuff rags into the inside of your shoe. For gentle scrubbing, use a soft cloth to avoid damaging the materials. Never place your shoes out in the sun to help dry quicker, this will damage the shoe.
Cleaning The Top Of The Boot With A Soft Brush
Although most footwear cleaners work on a variety of materials, always double-check to make sure the cleaner is safe to use on your boots and read and follow the instructions.
Use of bar soap or detergents is not advised because many of them have chemicals that can damage waterproof membranes or leather.
To remove mold, add 20% vinegar and 80% water.
Afterward, always completely rinse your boots under clean water.
Boots can be damaged by putting them in a washing machine or dryer.
If you are going to waterproof your boots, you must do so BEFORE drying them.
Cleaning Hiking Boot Outsoles
Removing caked-on mud will give your boots back their full traction. This will help you enjoy your hiking without losing grip.
To remove trapped pebbles, brush the outsoles firmly. For firmly clogged dirt, wet only the outsoles and then power-wash the gunk off with a hose.
I like to put on gloves and personally pluck the small rocks out of the outsole. Soak the soles in lukewarm water for a few hours to effectively remove dried mud without causing damage.
Hiking Boot Drying
Take off the insoles and enable them to dry by air apart from the boots.
Dry boots in a low-humidity area at regular temperature. Use no heat source (warmer, radiator, fireplace, campfire, wood burner, etc.). Adhesives are weakened and leather matures too soon by high heat.
Put on a fan to dry things more quickly.
To hasten drying, you can also shove a dry rag into the boots
Boots should be kept in a well-ventilated area with a normal and steady temperature. Boots should never be kept damp, heated, or in an unventilated area, including attics and garages.
How Often Should I Clean My Hiking Boots?
We recommend you clean them after each hike. If you don’t have the time the best thing is to give a quick wash-down of the outsole of the shoes, this is where most of the debris gets tracked.
We also recommend giving one full wash down after you are done hiking for the year. I always like to give all my hiking boots one good wash down before I put them away for a few months in the winter.
How To Store Your Hiking Boots
When the season ends or if you won’t be using your shoes for a few months, give them a good cleaning and let them dry entirely. Proper care and maintenance of full grain leather and leather hiking boots are essential to ensure their durability and appearance.
Take out of the insoles and keep your shoes inside.
Like with your sneakers, road shoes, or trail running shoes, washing your hiking shoes is a necessary component of maintaining your equipment to extend its life. The fibers wear down mechanically more quickly when dirt gets within the fabric.
This is especially important for synthetic footwear, which requires different cleaning methods compared to leather. Hiking shoes such as the Salomon X 4 Ultra require this special cleaning for the synthetic material.
Apart from that, a crust that dries out stiffens the outside cloth and weakens it at the creases. Cleaning and re-waterproofing waterproof hiking boots is crucial to maintain their effectiveness.
One last piece of advise is to use hiking-specific shoes only never your regular sneakers or running shoes. Hiking shoes will make you happier and more comfortable. After cleaning, applying a waterproofing treatment is necessary to protect your boots from the elements.
Thank you for taking a look at our guide on how to clean your hiking boots. Keeping your boots in great shape and maintaining them will not only increase the longevity of your boot, but your hiking experience as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my hiking boots in the washing machine?
You should not put your hiking boots in a washing machine. Hiking boots made out of leather will deteriorate in the washing machine.
How To Clean Salomon Hiking Boots?
Salomon hiking boots are cleaned the same way as detailed in this guide. Wash the outsole, brush the leather, and dry them properly.
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Adventure Awaits,
Tyler