Can you wash hiking boots in the washing machine? Washing hiking boots in a washing machine is generally not recommended. That is unless you want them damaged and, in most cases, beyond repair.
This is primarily due to the potential damage that can occur to both the boots and the washing machine. Hiking boots are often made from materials that can degrade when exposed to the agitation and heat of a washing machine. Additionally, the rigid structure and heavy soles of hiking boots can damage the drum and internal mechanisms of the washing machine.
Even though there’s this notion your hiking boots should be a lot like your overland truck—rough, rugged, raw, and covered in dirt—not only does that give them character, but it gives them that been through it all and came back look that most outdoor lovers like.
The simple truth is that leaving your hiking boots without the necessary boot care they need will not only shorten their lifespan but could also damage them. Quick answer? No, you shouldn’t wash hiking boots in washing machine.
So, yes, you should take proper care of hiking boots. And that means giving them a thorough cleaning after every hike. How do you do it? How do you properly and safely clean hiking boots, so they don’t lose their structural integrity? Here’s a step-by-step guide that should help.
Table of contents
Step by Step Guide on How to Clean Hiking Boots
Your best hiking footwear, not just the boots, needs a good cleaning after every outing. While the procedure is often different depending on the type of footwear in question, the process is almost always similar to a point. For example, leather shoes won’t need to be worn through every single step like your more athletic shoes.
- Step 1: Gather the Essential Cleaning Materials
You already have most of what you need to clean your hiking boots at home. You can easily get what you don’t have from your nearest store. Here’s a quick list of the materials you will need to clean your hiking boots:
Scrubbing brushes: You might need a few of these, but you can use one depending on the kind of hiking boots you have. You’ll often need a boot brush (a hard or soft scrubbing brush). In some cases, you can get away with using an old toothbrush, and in other cases, all you’ll need is an old vegetable brush.
An old rug: Anything that’s absorbent and doesn’t leave its fibers or coloring on the boots will do. You could also use a soft cloth.
Mild detergent: In many cases, you’ll find that a mild dishwashing soap works just fine. You might want to purchase a special boot cleaner or cleaning gel. If you are going to use a special boot cleaner, make sure it is specifically made for your boot type since suede, leather, and other types of fabrics require different types of cleaners. Refrain from using hand soap or laundry detergent. These tend to damage the waterproof membranes of the boots.
Old newspapers: These will be used later on in the drying process.
Water: Cold or lukewarm water works just fine. In some cases, the boots may grow mold or begin to smell bad, especially when you haven’t washed them in a while. Mixing water with vinegar (20% vinegar and 80% water) is advisable.
The dirty boots: If you have more than one pair, you can have a big cleaning day for all of them. - Step 2: Scrub off the Dust and Dirt
Getting as much dust and dirt off your boots as soon as you take them off after a hike and before you put them away is advisable.
There’s a very simple method of doing this:
Take your shoes off
Tuck in the shoelaces
Insert your hands into your boots
Bang them together against one another
Quite a bit of the dust and loose dirt should come flying off the more you bang them together. Once done, remove your hands from inside the boots and hold them by the soles.
Bang the top of the boots together several times to get rid of any dust and loose dirt on the fabric.
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Step 3: Scrub off the Dirt
Using your boot brush, scrub off the remaining dirt and dust from the boot’s fabric. Pay special attention to areas with stubborn dirt. You can also use a tent peg, or something just as pointed, to get rid of the mud from the soles.
If that doesn’t work to your satisfaction (chances are that it won’t), soak the soles in clean water for a little while—20-30 minutes should do just fine—and then use a durable boot brush to get rid of the mud and clean the soles.
Step 4: Remove and Clean the Laces
You will have to remove the laces to clean the boots’ uppers. Soak the laces in clean, soapy water and give them a good rinse before leaving them out to dry.
Step 5: Wash the Boots Using Warm Water and Mild Soap
If your boots have stubborn dirt or mud stuck on them, consider soaking them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes—no more than 30 minutes—before using your soft brush to clean them.
Go over each boot using a soft brush. Pay extra attention to the creases and seams. If the insoles can come out, remove them, and clean them using the brush.
Step 6: Rinse the Boots
Once satisfied that you have given the boots a thorough brushing, it’s time to rinse them using clean water. One of the best ways to do this is under the tap.
Tips on How to Dry Hiking Boots
Once you are done cleaning your boots, it’s time to dry them. However, before you get to that, you need to decide whether or not you want to give your boots a waterproof treatment. If so, it needs to be done while the boots are wet and before you follow the drying procedure.
How to Waterproof Your Hiking Shoes
Waterproofing treatments become necessary as your boots get older. Whether you own synthetic boots, choosing hiking shoes or leather hiking boots, or the best vegan hiking boots, there’s a recommended waterproof treatment solution for them.
You must only use the recommended product for your specific hiking shoes. That said, you will most likely use a waterproofing spray or gel such as Nikwax Fabric.
Once you have all that you need, here are the steps you need to follow to how to waterproof hiking boots:
- Ensure they are damp: Waterproofing works best when your boots are damp or have excess moisture. To properly care for leather hiking boots, you must let them soak right through. This will often be achieved by cleaning them, but if they are clean enough and you only want to waterproof them, you will have to let them soak in warm water for a few hours.
- Read the instructions: Closely follow the instructions highlighted by the manufacturers of your waterproofing treatment solution.
- Leave the boots out to dry: You don’t want to dry your boots directly under a heat source such as a radiator or campfire. Find a well-ventilated place and let the boots dry out slowly. Drying them under a direct heat source might dry out the leather and ruin the shoes.
How to Dry Your Hiking Boots
Here are some steps you can follow to dry your hiking boots properly and away from direct heat sources.
Note: These instructions should only be followed if you aren’t waterproofing your boots. Otherwise, the above instructions should apply.
Step 1: Towel Dry the Boots
Grab an old piece of cloth or a towel and wipe off any excess moisture from the surface of your boots.
Step 2: Stuff the Boots with Newspaper
Crumble up as many newspaper pieces as you can fit into each boot and stuff them in there. These pieces of paper will work to absorb the water from the inside even as the boots dry out from the outside.
Step 3: Leave the Boots Out to Dry
Don’t leave your boots to dry under direct heat, such as a radiator or a tent heater. Leave them in a dry, well-ventilated area so they can dry out slowly. Keep changing the newspapers as they get damp.
Learning how to clean your hiking boots properly will save you money in the long run. Not only does a thorough cleaning give your hiking boots better longevity, but it also helps keep them clean and fresh. You could use an odor eliminator of your choice if you find that they are getting a little funky.
Other than that, the above instructions are sufficient and should help you keep your hiking boots clean and properly functional.
While discussing whether you can wash boots in a washing machine, it’s also useful to know the best practices for another common campsite chore. Learn how to efficiently wash dishes when camping, ensuring you leave no trace and keep your campsite clean.
How Do I Maintain the Condition of My Hiking Boots After Cleaning?
Maintaining the condition of your hiking boots after cleaning involves proper drying, storage, and regular maintenance. Ensure the boots are completely dry before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Avoid exposing them to direct heat or sunlight as this can degrade the materials. Regularly check the boots for signs of wear and treat them with appropriate waterproofing and conditioning products to prolong their lifespan.
Tips:
- Dry the boots completely before storage.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat.
- Regular maintenance with waterproofing and conditioning products.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
The risks of machine washing hiking boots include the breakdown of materials, loss of waterproofing, and potential deformation of the boot structure. The glues and materials used in hiking boots, such as leather and synthetic fabrics, can react adversely to water and detergents.
The heat and tumbling action may weaken glue bonds and cause the boots to lose their shape. Additionally, the waterproofing treatments on the boots can be stripped away, reducing their effectiveness in wet conditions.
Did we miss anything? What’s your tip(s) for cleaning your hiking boots? Leave us a comment below!
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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API