Men’s boots, women’s boots—if they’re work boots, they’ll get dirty over time. Especially when you step on mud, rub oil, and go into the workshop every day. The question is, how to wash work boots, you can’t just throw them into the washing machine, right? Hold up—don’t go doing something crazy. That’s a quick way to ruin them! Don’t worry, today we’ll show you how to clean work boots without messing them up.
Step 1: Give ’em a good knock—seriously, it matters
Once your boots are dry, the mud on the soles and uppers gets rock hard. Grab a brush or just gently knock them against the ground to shake off the dried dirt.
Tip: Don’t knock on the floor at home, go to the balcony or outside.
Step 2: Take off the laces—don’t be lazy
If you skip this step, you’ll miss all the dirt stuck in the creases. By the way, take out the insoles as well and wash them separately. Shoelaces can be soaked in warm water with some laundry detergent. Let them soak for a few minutes, then rub them clean. Easy.
Step 3: Go gentle—no rough scrubbing
Fill a basin with warm water and add a mild detergent—dish soap or laundry detergent works fine. Dip a soft-bristle brush into the water and slowly brush back from the toe of the shoe. Take your time. No need to scrub like you’re sanding wood. Go easy to avoid scratching the surface.
Step 4: Clean the inside too—don’t skip this
Some people only wash the outside, the shoe stinks with the fermentation of the same. Use a clean wet cloth or old toothbrush to gently brush the inside of the shoe. If the smell is really bad, sprinkle some baking soda inside and leave it overnight. Shake it out in the morning, and the smell will be much better.
Step 5: Air dry—no sunbathing
Don’t rush to put the balcony in the sun after washing, especially the leather work boots. Direct sun exposure will make the shoes harden and crack. Instead, let them dry in a cool, breezy spot. Stuff them with newspaper to soak up moisture and help them keep their shape.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Care Oil (Especially for Leather Boots)
Once your boots are dry, wipe them down with a bit of shoe polish. Leather boots will be softer and more durable. This step can be skipped, but it’s better if you do it.
By the way, if your shoes have stains or squeak, don’t worry! You can check out our earlier posts for tips on how to get a stain out of shoes and how to get rid of a squeak in a shoe. These articles will help you tackle those problems too!
See? How to wash work boots is not as troublesome as you think. With a little effort, old boots can be made new. Give ’em some love—they’ve been through a lot with you!