Keeping your hiking boots in top condition is an essential part of enjoying the outdoors.
Whether you’re tackling a challenging trail or just out for a leisurely stroll, having clean and well-maintained boots can make all the difference.
Washing your hiking boots may seem like a daunting task but with the right supplies and technique, it can be done quickly and easily. We take a look at the best way to wash hiking boots.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need: warm water, mild detergent (dish soap works great), a soft brush (a toothbrush works best), a cloth rag, and some newspaper for drying.
2. Remove Dirt and Debris
The first step is to remove all of the accumulated dirt and debris from your boots. Start by using the brush to gently scrub away any caked-on mud or dirt on the outside of the shoes.
Then use your cloth rag dampened with warm soapy water to wipe away any remaining grime on both the inside and outside of your boots.
Be sure to focus on any areas where there is visible wear or tear as these are likely spots for bacteria and mold growth if left unchecked.
3. Clean the Laces and Insoles
Next, take care of your laces and insoles. Soak them in warm soapy water before gently scrubbing away any dirt that has built up over time.
You may need to use an old toothbrush or small brush to really get into those hard-to-reach areas between eyelets or treads.
Once you’ve finished cleaning them, hang them up somewhere safe until they are completely dry before putting them back in your shoes.
For insoles, use a damp cloth rag to wipe off any excess dirt or sweat that has built up over time before allowing them to air-dry completely before putting them back in your shoes.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Reassemble
The final step is drying your boots thoroughly before reassembling them with their laces and insoles intact.
To do this, stuff some newspaper into each boot then leave overnight in a well-ventilated area such as outside in direct sunlight (if possible).
This will help absorb any moisture that might still remain after the cleaning which could cause mildew if not taken care of properly. Once dry, put the laces back in place and reinsert the insoles into each boot before wearing it again!
Conclusion
Keeping your hiking boots clean is an important way to ensure they last longer while also keeping you comfortable during outdoor activities!
With these tips on how to wash hiking boots, caring for your boots should be easy as long as you have all the necessary supplies beforehand and allow enough time for them to dry completely after washing them down with mild soap and warm water.
Make sure you check out our other articles for more helpful tips on how to keep all of your outdoor gear well-maintained, including if you can wash hiking boots in the washing machine?