I’ve seen firsthand how much work boots are put through on a daily basis. Whether you’re traipsing through muddy construction sites or navigating wet, slick surfaces, your boots get a workout. However, keeping them clean is more than just about beauty; it’s about extending their life and keeping your feet comfortable and safe. You may be wondering how to wash work boots without damaging them, which is exactly what I’m going to cover in this article.
In this post, I’ll provide the most effective methods for cleaning work boots. From removing stubborn stains to maintaining the material, I’ll walk you through each step. By the end, you’ll have all the advice you need to maintain the best possible condition for your boots.
How to Wash Smelly Work Boots?
We all go to work with the finest intentions: arrive on time, dress appropriately, do a decent job, and leave without causing any problems. Even with proper personal hygiene, undesirable odors could get into our work boots. These odors, which are frequently caused by a lack of regular cleaning or foot odor, are always unpleasant. But don’t worry, I have some simple remedies to eradicate unpleasant odors. These tried-and-true methods are easy to implement and take little work. Simply follow my guidance and witness the difference.
By Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is an antiseptic which makes it so much more useful in many areas including smelly work boots. It has a high absorption capacity due to its porous nature which helps it absorb various kinds of bacteria along with the bad smell causing chemicals inside your boots.
Steps to Follow
The best way to use baking soda for this purpose is to sprinkle it generously inside your work boots and then let it sit for about an hour. After that, just brush away the residual powder with a dry toothbrush or cloth. You can also add some more baking soda if you feel that some of them are still left behind after the first application.
By Using Lemon Peels
Lemon is another natural ingredient that can be used to remove bad smells from work boots. The acidity present in lemon helps kill bacteria and reduces foot odor. Plus, the pleasant smell of lemon will also help mask any unpleasant smells coming from your work boots.
Steps to Follow
The process is simple. Just cut a lemon into two halves and then rub it generously all over the inner surface of your work boots. Leave it overnight so that the lemon can work its magic and the next morning, just brush off the residue with a dry cloth or toothbrush.
How to Clean Leather Work Boots with Household Items?
Leather boots are expensive and need to be taken good care of so that they last longer. If you want to clean them at home, then you can use some common household items which will do the job just as well as any expensive leather cleaner available in the market.
Steps to Follow
All you need is a little dish soap, water, and a soft cloth. mix the soap in water to form a cleaning solution and apply it to the cloth. Rub gently on the leather surface to clean away any dirt or grease. Then, wipe off the excess with a fresh cloth dampened with clean water and let them air dry at room temperature.
How to Wash Leather Boots Inside?
If you think that the leather on your boots is getting too dirty and greasy, then there is no need to take them to a professional cleaner as you can easily do it yourself right at home.
All you have to do is follow these simple steps:
- Take off the shoelaces from your work boots so that they don’t get wet
- next up, apply some dish soap onto the inner surface of your boot
- now using a damp cloth or sponge, rub in small circular motions.
- Finally, wipe it all away with a fresh cloth and they dry naturally at room temperature with the shoelaces removed
Baking Soda
The next ingredient we want to introduce you to is baking soda and here's why: it has a natural deodorizing and cleaning property and that means that along with repelling shoe odors, it can also help clean up your boots quite effectively.
All you need to do is simply sprinkle some baking soda inside your work boots and let it sit for about 15 minutes or so. After that, just brush away with dry toothbrush or cloth and see the difference yourself by using this simple home remedy.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another multi-purpose product that is ideal for keeping your work boots odor-free as well as fresh smelling. This is how you can clean your work boots using toothpaste:
Dish Soap
Another great way to clean your leather boots at home without spending too much money is by using dish soap. Here’s what you need to do:
How do you Wash Work Boots in the Washing Machine?
If you really don't feel like cleaning your work boots by hand then you can also wash them in the washing machine. Just make sure that you take some precautions first:
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before washing your work boots in the machine
- Use cold water only as hot water can damage the leather
- Use a mild detergent or soap that is specifically designed for leather items
- Do not put them in the dryer, instead, let them air dry naturally.
CAUTION!
When washing work boots in the washing machine, always remember to take caution as you might damage them if not done properly. Also, do not overload the washer as it can cause your work boots to lose their shape.
How to Wash Work Boots in the Washing Machine?
Now that I have told you how to wash your work boots in the washing machine, let's give you a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Make sure your boots are machine washable. Avoid washing leather or suede footwear in this manner.
- Remove the laces and insoles. Wash laces separately, and clean insoles based on their material.
- To remove tough stains, use a mild detergent or stain remover. Scrub gently with a gentle brush.
- Put your boots in a mesh laundry bag to protect both them and the washing machine.
- Choose a moderate or gentle cycle with cold water to reduce wear and tear.
- To prevent damage to the material, use a tiny amount of mild detergent.
- Remove the boots soon when the cycle is completed and allow them to air dry. Avoid using a dryer since excessive temperatures can damage the boots.
Are Wheel Shoes Safe?
You can see that kids with wheels on their shoes are having fun. However, the people who advise against these types of shoes base their argument on something else than just looking cool. They say that roller shoes may be dangerous for your feet because they promote bad habits in young skaters, which could lead to serious injuries down the road.
How to Wash Steel Toe Sneakers?
You can also use soap water to clean your steel toe sneakers.
- You can dry your sneakers using a dryer but I recommend drying them in air-dry open to the sunlight.
Conclusion
There you have it, your personal guide to washing work boots. By following these procedures, you will keep your boots clean, sturdy, and ready for any work. Maintaining your work boots in good condition not only increases their lifespan but also ensures your safety and comfort on the job. Happy cleaning!
FAQ About: How To Wash Work Boots
How often do you need to clean your boots?
It is important to clean your work boots regularly, but how often you need to clean them depends on a few factors: the type of material the boots are made from, how often you wear them, and what kind of environment you work in. In general, most people need to clean their work boots every other week.
Can you put steel-toe boots in the washing machine?
Yes, you can put steel toe boots in the washing machine. However, it is important to understand that this will not clean the steel toe part of your work boot because this would cause damage to the electrical grounding. The only way you can get rid of any dirt on your steel toe boots is by using a brush or rag.
How to wash steel toe work boots?
The best way to clean your steel toe work boots is by hand scrubbing them with warm water and soap (dishwashing liquid works well). If you're strapped for time then just put some dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and use a brush or sponge to scrub off any dirt then rinse with lukewarm water and let them dry.
How to clean suede work boots?
Cleaning suede work boots is pretty easy, here are the steps to follow: First, take the dirt off the shoes, use footwear cleaner or dishwashing liquid mixed with water. Make sure you don’t use dishwashing liquid directly because this will strip away all the oils in the leather and ruin the material. Apply the solution using either your hands or an old pair of sticks then scrub until clean, rinse with cold water and let them dry.
Hi, I’m Regina. I’m a writer on Headphones, Shoes, for your unique needs. Regina is a self-professed Headphones, Shoes with a passion for experimenting with the latest Headphones, Shoe products, and trends. She helps create engaging content for smartliter.com’s audience.