Maintaining your mountain footwear in good condition not only extends its lifespan but also enhances your safety and comfort on every trail. Knowing how to clean hiking boots correctly is essential to preserve their properties and functionality.
In this guide, you will learn how to clean hiking boots and trekking shoes, how to dry them, and how to store them properly.
Importance of keeping mountain footwear clean
Mountain footwear is constantly exposed to mud, dust, moisture, and all sorts of aggressive elements. If not cleaned correctly, dirt can damage the materials, reduce the footwear's breathability and waterproofing, shorten its lifespan, compromise grip and stability... Ultimately, it negatively affects its functionality and, therefore, your safety. That's why keeping your hiking boots clean and well-maintained is as important as choosing a good pair.
How to clean hiking boots or trekking shoes step by step
Whether you're wondering how to clean hiking boots or how to clean trekking shoes, these steps will work for any type of outdoor footwear:
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Remove the insole and laces
Before starting the cleaning process, remove the laces and, if possible, the insole. You can wash both separately if you see they are dirty. Wash the laces and insole with warm water and neutral soap. You can do this by hand or, if you prefer, in the washing machine. To dry, hang both items outdoors. -
Clean off mud and superficial dirt
Using a brush or a damp cloth, remove dirt and debris from the surface of the boots. Shake and tap one boot against the other occasionally to dislodge everything. To clean mud from hiking boots, you can let it soften a bit with warm water before brushing. -
Clean with water and neutral soap
Use a soft sponge or a damp cloth with warm water and neutral soap. Avoid abrasive products or harsh detergents that could damage the footwear. Clean both the exterior and interior, especially if it's dirty or has a bad odor. -
Rinse thoroughly
Use clean water to remove any possible soap residue. Make sure not to leave any residues that could affect the materials.
Can hiking boots be washed in the washing machine?
One of the most frequent questions is: can I wash my hiking boots in the washing machine? The answer is no. Although the idea might seem tempting, washing hiking boots in a machine can seriously damage the structure, materials, seams, and membranes, compromising their proper function. It is best and most advisable to opt for hand cleaning.
How to dry hiking boots and trekking shoes
After cleaning boots or shoes, the next step is to dry them properly. Just as using a washing machine is not recommended, neither is using a tumble dryer for this step. Instead, it is better to let them air dry in a ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources.
Ideally, you should stuff them with newspaper to absorb all the moisture and place them upside down. If they are very wet, you can change the paper every few hours.
It is important to ensure that the footwear is completely dry.
Storing mountain footwear correctly
Mountain footwear should be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place to prevent moisture accumulation and potential damage to materials. It is important to avoid enclosed or damp spaces, such as basements or airtight bags. Ideally, store them in a cardboard box or a breathable bag that protects them from dust but allows air circulation. Additionally, to better preserve their shape, you can stuff the interior with newspaper or use shoe trees.
Extra tips for caring for mountain footwear
- Always consult the specific instructions for each model
- Air out your boots and let them dry after each use
- Clean stains as soon as possible and regularly
- Avoid storing dirty footwear
- Laces also accumulate dirt, so wash them separately from time to time
- Regularly check the condition of soles and seams to detect signs of wear before your outings
- If the boots are leather, you can apply grease or wax to moisturize and maintain flexibility
- If necessary, you can re-waterproof the footwear
Now that you know how to clean hiking boots correctly, you can enjoy your trails with the assurance that your footwear is in optimal condition. Good maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your hiking boots and trekking shoes, but it also improves your experience in the mountains. Invest some time in caring for them properly, and they will repay you on every outing.
