After taking a long hike, it’s essential to clean your hiking boots properly to maintain their performance and longevity. Here are some tips on how to effectively clean your hiking boots so they stay in great condition.
Wipe them Off
Start by wiping off any excess dirt or mud that may be caked on the shoes with a damp cloth or sponge. This will help remove any surface dirt and give you a better idea of which areas still require additional attention. It’s important not to use harsh cleaning chemicals at this stage as this could damage the material used in the construction of the boots.
Handwash Gently
Once you have wiped off all loose dirt, immerse your hiking boots in warm water mixed with a mild detergent and handwash them gently using a soft brush or cloth. Avoid machine washing as this may cause damage to the boot materials and impair its performance. Make sure all parts of the shoe are washed thoroughly, including laces, eyelets, tongues and heels etc.
Use Specialty Products For Leather
If the upper is made of leather then it's advised to invest into specialty products such as leather cleaners/conditioners etc. Apply these using soft cloths after having immersed an item within water-mixture previously discussed - this will help enhance durability levels plus keep footwear looking good without making them overly stiff.
Rinse Clean
Rinse out thoroughly with cool water until no longer sudsy then place item near air ventilation source allow dry naturally (avoiding direct exposure heat sources) - if need quickly dehydrate goods then try stuffing paper towels inside provided space increase surface contact coming into contact surrounding environment left away from heating radiators /additional moisture related elements encountered through tiled floors bathroom areas too.
Store Properly When Not In Use
When not in use make sure to store footwear items correctly; try storing inside separate boxes or alternatively contain individual pairs enclosed plastic bags to ensure you don't pick up odors also (eg. strong smells produced cigarettes). If planning to undertake extensive trips/hikes charge then takeaway extra pair spare ones just in case they become worn during course activities.
Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Hiking Boots
Cleaning your hiking boots properly is essential for maintaining their performance and longevity. Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning your hiking boots.
Do Wipe them Off First
Start by wiping off any excess dirt or mud that may be caked on the shoes with a damp cloth or sponge. This will help remove any surface dirt and give you a better idea of which areas still require additional attention. It’s important not to use harsh cleaning chemicals at this stage as this could damage the material used in the construction of the boots.
Don’t Machine Wash
Avoid machine washing as this may cause damage to the boot materials and impair its performance. Instead, use handwashing techniques such as immersing your hiking boots in warm water mixed with a mild detergent and gently scrubbing them with a soft brush or cloth. Make sure all parts of the shoe are washed thoroughly, including laces, eyelets, tongues and heels etc.
Do Use Specialty Products For Leather
If the upper is made of leather then it's advised to invest into specialty products such as leather cleaners/conditioners etc. Apply these using soft cloths after having immersed item within water-mixture previously discussed - this will help enhance durability levels plus keep footwear looking good without making them overly stiff!
Don’t Overdo Water Exposure
When rinsing out thoroughly make sure no longer sudsy then place item near air ventilation source allow dry naturally (avoiding direct exposure heat sources) - if need quickly dehydrate goods then try stuffing paper towels inside provided space increase surface contact coming into contact surrounding environment left away from heating radiators /additional moisture related elements encountered through tiled floors bathroom areas too!
Conclusion
In conclusion, caring for your hiking boots should be something that is done regularly and properly; wiping off excess dirt followed by washing with gentle detergents plus rinsing clean help maintain performance levels while providing added protection items over extended periods time taken deemed necessary here accordingly - remember always check labels brands regarding instructions cleaning guidelines prior beginning said procedures stated above!