Hiking shoes can get pretty dirty after a hike, but it’s not always easy to know how to clean them properly. If you’re not sure how to clean your hiking shoes, you could end up damaging them or making them less effective when it comes time for your next hike.
So How to Clean Hiking Boots? When it comes to keeping your hiking shoes clean, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Different hikers have different preferences for how to clean their shoes, and what works for one person might not work for another. However, there are a few general tips that should help you get your shoes looking and smelling fresh again.
However, in order to preserve their life, you should clean your hiking boots when they become dirty. Dirt and caked-on mud can dry out leather and abrade the fibers of your shoes, causing them to wear out faster. Fortunately, it is simple to clean your hiking boots and shoes after learning how.
We’ve put together a simple guide on how to clean hiking shoes that will help you get them back to their former glory in no time.
How to Clean Hiking Boots: Synthetic Hiking boots
If your footwear isn’t made of leather, follow these procedures to clean them properly. You may simply want to give your boots a wipe and wait until you’ve had a rest day before putting them back to use them again if you intend to use them the next day.
1. Remove the Laces and Insoles
To get started, take out the laces and insoles from your boots. These can usually be washed separately from the rest of the boot, so it’s best to remove them first.
Remove the laces and insoles first to make it simpler to clean up the minute details of your boots. Rinse the laces in warm water with a tiny bit of dish soap and hang them out to dry.
The insoles may also be hand-washed with warm water and a little dish soap then set out to dry. Sprinkle the insoles with baking soda and leave them out to air.
2. Brush the Mud Off your Synthetic Hiking Boots
If your boots are mudded up, clean them first with a shoe brush (a toothbrush or a nail brush will also work). You may do this outside in the driveway, in the garage, or over the sink to prevent dirt from all over your house.
Gently brush the mud off your boots, taking care not to damage the fabric. Rinse them with a hose if you’re brushing them outside, then bring them inside to finish cleaning.
3. Wash your Synthetic Hiking Boots
Fill your sink with warm water and a little bit of dish soap. Swish the boots around in soapy water, then use a soft brush to scrub away any remaining dirt or debris. Rinse the boots thoroughly with clean water when you’re done.
You can wash the inside of synthetic boots in the same way as leather boots by submerging them in water and then exhausting them until they’re full, washing out the interior, and then using the brush or towel on both sections.
When you’re finished cleaning your boots, take a clean towel and dampen it before wiping away the soap.
4. Waterproof your Synthetic Hiking Boots
If you want to waterproof your trekking boots, do it while they’re still wet and follow the procedures outlined in our guide on how to waterproof hiking boots.
After you’ve cleaned your synthetic hiking boots, it’s important to waterproof them. This will help protect them from the elements and extend their lifespan.
There are a number of different waterproofing sprays on the market designed specifically for hiking boots. Follow the instructions on the spray to apply it properly.
5. Dry your Synthetic Hiking Boots
To dry your boots away from heat sources, stuff them with newspaper and set them out to drain.
Once you’ve waterproofed your boots, let them air dry in a cool, shaded area. Do not put them in direct sunlight or near any heat source, as this could damage the fabric.
If your boots are still wet after following these steps, stuff them with newspaper to help absorb the moisture. Let them dry completely before wearing them again. Now that you know how to clean your synthetic hiking boots, you can keep them in good condition for years to come. With a little bit of care, they’ll be ready to hit the trail whenever you are.
How to Clean Hiking Boots: Leather Hiking Boots
If you’re wearing leather hiking boots, don’t use soap or detergent on them. Instead, get a leather hiking boot cleaner (opens in a new tab) and follow these steps:
1. Remove the Laces and Insoles
As with synthetic boots, remove the laces and insoles from your leather boots before you start cleaning. These can usually be washed separately from the rest of the boot, so it’s best to remove them first. Use a shoe brush (a toothbrush or a nail brush will also work) to gently brush the mud off your boots. You may do this outside in the driveway, in the garage, or over the sink to prevent dirt from all over your house.
If your boots are extremely muddy, you may need to rinse them with a hose before brushing. Be sure to let them dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Follow the instructions on the leather cleaner to apply it to your boots. Most cleaners will need to be worked into the leather with a soft brush before being wiped away.
2. Brush Off Dust and Dirt
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt that’s accumulated on your boots. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as this is where dirt and dust tend to build up the most.
Use a soft boot brush to clean the outsides of your boots. You may do this outside, over a sink or the garbage can, to keep your home from becoming too dirty while cleaning your boots.
If you only want to clean the outsides of your boots, wrap a towel around your hand and put it inside the boot. Turn on the tap and wash your boots under lukewarm water. Squirt some leather hiking boot cleaner onto the boot and use a softly-brushed cloth to clean away any debris. Rinse out the cleaner using
If your boots’ insides need to be cleaned as well, you may dampen a sponge or soft cloth and clean them.
4. Waterproof Your Leather Hiking Boots
Use a waterproofing spray made specifically for leather hiking boots to protect them from the elements. Follow the instructions on the spray to apply it properly.
To dry your boots, stuff them with newspaper and set them out to drain in a cool, shaded area. Do not put them in direct sunlight or near any heat source, as this could damage the leather.
Once your boots are dry, use a soft cloth to buff them and restore their shine. If your boots are still wet after following these steps, stuff them with newspaper to help absorb the moisture. Let them dry completely before wearing them again. Now that you know how to clean your leather hiking boots, you can keep them in good condition for years to come. With a little bit of care, they’ll be ready to hit the trail whenever you are.
5. Dry your Leather Hiking Boots
Stuff your leather hiking boots with newspaper and set them out to drain in a cool, shaded area. Do not put them in direct sunlight or near any heat source, as this could damage the leather. If your boots are still wet after following these steps, stuff them with newspaper to help absorb the moisture. Let them dry completely before wearing them again.
Now that you know how to clean your leather hiking boots, you can keep them in good condition for years to come. With a little bit of care, they’ll be ready to hit the trail whenever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hiking boots be washed?
Do not use bar soap or detergents; they can contain additives that are harmful to leather or waterproof membranes. To clean mold, use a mixture of 80 percent water and 20 percent vinegar. Cleaning boots is easy with clean water; never put them in a washing machine because it can damage them.
How often should you clean your hiking boots?
Any sort of buildup within your hiking boot that isn’t checked leads to excessive wear and tear on the boot. Extend the life of your boots by cleaning them after each hike. Don’t sweat it if you’re exhausted after a hike. You can wait a day or two before you do a deep clean of the boot, as long as you follow the proper washing instructions.
How do you deep clean walking boots?
Cleaning boots seems to be the most difficult of all types of footwear to clean. Many people spend more time trying to remove stubborn mud stains than they spend actually doing the work. If you’re like most people, you probably think you’d be better off buying a pair of new boots. Wrong! There are ways to deep clean your boots that don’t involve spending money on new boots.
Can I clean hiking boots with dish soap?
Fill the bathtub or the sink with enough warm water to submerge your shoes. Add a bit of dish soap. Gently scrub your shoes with the brush or cloth provided.
Conclusion
Now that you know How to Clean Hiking Boots? It’s time to get out there and explore some new trails! Before you do, be sure to check our blog for more tips on taking care of your gear. Thanks for following along with us today.
Hiking shoes take a beating on the trail. They get caked with mud, soaked in water, and stained with dirt. But they don’t have to stay that way. A little bit of preparation and some basic supplies can have your shoes looking like new again. In this post, we’re going to teach you how to clean hiking shoes using three different methods: shoe cleaner, dish soap, and baking soda. Which method works best for you will depend on the condition of your shoes and the type of material they are made from.
