How to Clean Hiking Boots?[Full Guide]

Exploring nature and being surrounded by breathtaking scenery is an unrivaled experience. But when we go on these trails, we’re accompanied by our trusty hiking boots. They are made to withstand the hardships of the trip. Mud, rocks, water, and other elements take their toll, reminding us of the problems and miles we’ve conquered.
In this guide, we will delve into how to clean hiking boots. Every part of a boot tells a story. I’ll show you how to clean different boots and discuss the tools you need. And I will give you tips on how to make your boots last longer.
So whether you are a seasoned hiker or a fledgling novice, join us on this journey.
Together, we’ll take care of the boots through mountains, valleys, rain, and many happy moments.

What Happens If I Don’t Clean Hiking Boots?

● When your boots bend, dirt, grit, or sand gets deep into the leather and fabric and rubs off like sandpaper.
● Dirt soaks up the leather’s wetness as it dries. It makes the leather less flexible and speeds up the aging process.

How Often Should You Clean Hiking Boots?

Even if you don’t think so, you should clean your hiking boots whenever you use them. It sounds time-consuming, but it isn’t. At the end of every hike, you don’t need to clean your boots with a brush if you can walk across wet grass or swim through a puddle or shallow stream.

●If your boots are only slightly dirty when you get home, wipe them down with a wet cloth, put them somewhere out of the sun, and heat them to dry.
●Follow these steps if your boots get very dirty after a walk in the woods or if you go hiking often and need to clean them monthly for care.
Items needed to clean your hiking boots:
● Specialized boot brush, old vegetable brush, or toothbrush
Specialized boot cleaner, soap, or a solution of mild detergent and water

How to Clean Hiking Boots?

Time: about 10 minutes!

Non-leather hiking boots:

It’s better to clean your boots in the yard than inside, where you might leave a puddle of sewage on the floor.
You can wash your boots in a tub, shower, sink, or bucket if you can’t do this.

1. Fill the sink or bucket
   Use water and a bit of detergent. If you use boot cleaner, read the instructions first.
2. Remove the laces and pull on the insoles
   If dirty or smelly, put them in a small bucket or bowl with a little dish soap and scrub them gently with a brush.
   Then let them dry while you clean the rest of the boot.
3. Brush off dry dirt
   While the dirt is still dry, use a brush to remove as much dirt as possible.
4. Start scrubbing
   Put the brush in the water and cleaner, and then follow the directions on the cleaner to scrub the boots clean gently. When cleaning a tongue with corner braces, pay extra attention to the folds where food and other things can easily get stuck.
5. Rinse your boots.
   Remove all soap with water.
6. Waterproof your boots
   If you waterproof your boots, follow these steps while they are still wet. If not, dry your boots in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources like campfires, stoves, or heaters.
7. Store boots in a dry place at room temperature
   Reattach the laces and replace the insoles before storing the boots somewhere dry and at room temperature.

Leather hiking boots:

Do not use soap or other cleaners on leather hiking boots. Instead, you’ll need to use a leather hiking boot cleaner and follow the steps below:

1. Remove laces and insoles
   If the laces need cleaning, wash them in warm soapy water. Otherwise, set them aside.
   You can wash the insoles by hand with warm water and soap, let them air dry, or put baking soda on them to eliminate the smell.
2. Brush off dust and dirt
   Use a soft boot brush to remove dust and dirt outside your boots. You can do this outdoors, at the sink, or over a trash can to prevent your house from getting too dirty while cleaning your boots.
3. Cleaning leather hiking boots
   If you only want to clean the outside of the boots, wrap a towel around your hand and place it inside so that the inside doesn’t get wet. Turn on the faucet and rinse the boots with warm water. Spray some leather hiking boot cleaner onto the boots and gently scrub the exterior with a soft cloth. Then rinse off the cleaner.
   If the inside of the boots also needs cleaning, wipe them down with a damp sponge or soft cloth.
4. Waterproof Your Leather Hiking Boots
   If you plan to re-waterproof your boots, apply a wax or waterproofing agent while the boots are still wet. Just wait for it to dry.
5. Dry your leather hiking boots
   If you use a towel for cleaning, leave it inside the boots while drying or stuff the boots with newspaper. Then let the boots air dry at room temperature, away from heat or direct sunlight.

Precautions:

●Even though most shoe cleaners can be used on a wide range of materials, make sure yours can be used on boots. Please read the directions, and do as they say.
● Do not use soaps or detergents; many contain additives that may harm the leather or waterproof membrane.
● To clean mold, mix 80% water and 20% vinegar.
● Always rinse your boots thoroughly with water afterward.
● Do not put your boots in the washing machine, which can damage them.
● If you intend to waterproof your boots, do it while they are still wet. Most boots are waterproof when you first buy them. You don’t need to waterproof them until you notice that water droplets no longer form beads on the surface.

Tips for Drying and Storing Hiking Boots

● At the end of the season, or if you don’t plan on using your shoes for a few months, rinse them out and let them dry completely.
● Remove the insoles and store your shoes in the open air, away from moisture and sunlight. Do not place them in any plastic bag or sealed box!
● Cleaning your hiking shoes is as important as cleaning your sneakers, road shoes, or trail running shoes. It is part of taking care of your gear to make it last longer. When dirt gets into the cloth, it speeds up the fibers’ natural wear and tear. Also, when dirt dries, it forms a crust that hardens the cloth on the outside and makes it weaker where it folds.
● Another piece of gear that is essential for hiking is a clean pair of socks. Changing into a new pair of shoes daily while hiking will make you feel better and reduce smells.

Conclusion

We wrap up this lesson on how to clean hiking boots. Remember every scuff, stain, and mark on your boots. They represent a chapter in your outdoor adventures.
The cleaning process isn’t just about keeping your boots looking good. It’s about cherishing what they’ve been through. You may assure that your boots will serve you dutifully for many more kilometers with a little care.
As the sun sets, let’s take on tomorrow’s journey in clean and tidy boots that carry a remarkable story. Only the wilderness and you can create remarkable stories together.
Happy hiking, and may your boots carry you to new horizons with every step.