Hiking boots can experience lots of wear and tear. All the dirt can get stuck in your boots so you may find them hard to clean. Do you know that if your hiking boots are not dirty then it means that you are not adventurous enough? So getting dirt on your boots is good but cleaning them is hard. But you can keep your boots in mint condition by following the steps here.
This will increase the life of your boots. Then you can start your hikes with clean boots every time. Continue reading to know more.
Why you have to clean the hiking boots quickly?
Dirty hiking boots will be an inconvenience if you are an experienced hiker. If there is a lot of dampness and mud in your boots, then it can ruin them quickly. So if you want to take care of your expensive boots you have to take time to clean them from time to time. Also, the dirt in the boots can damage the fabric.
The sweat and the dirt can also become a breeding place for bacteria in your boots. It can make your boots smell. So every time you wear the boots a bad smell will emanate from it. That is why cleaning the boots will keep them fresh and clean. Never skip the steps to maintain your boots.
What are the different kinds of hiking boots?
There are different kinds of hiking boots. So you have to know how to clean the type of boots you are using. The hiking boots get designed by having the terrain in mind. So the hikers are very careful to buy boots that suit the terrain.
Here are the different types of boots and their cleaning methods.
1. Trail hikers
For the muddy trails and very steep terrain, the trail hikers are the best. These kinds of hiking boots have a supportive design. So these boots are hard and also give good support for the hiker’s ankles. However, the mud in the trail can get inside the boots and ruin the fabric. Therefore, you have to take better care of such boots if you are using a pair.
2. Mountain boots
The mountain hiking boots are suitable for high-intensity adventure. Also, it is good for bad weather conditions too. You can use a boots conditioner to clean the boots to save them from wear and tear.
3. Trail boots
The trail shoots are beneficial for hikers journeying in dry climates. But this boot is only used in less challenging terrain. So it is quite easy to clean the boots. You just have to remove the mud and dirt from it.
How to clean the hiking boots?
1. Get rid of the dirt
If there is lot of dirt in your hiking shoots, then you have to get rid of it before it gets dry. Then it will be easy for you to clean. You can use a damp towel to wipe the boots. Then take care to clean all the nooks and corners of the boots. Furthermore, you can use an old toothbrush to take out all the tough dirt. Remove the leaves and also other dirty things on your boots with the brush.
2. Tidy up the inside
Your feet can sweat so it can dampen the insides of the boots. Therefore, to get rid of the moisture you have to take out the insoles and launder them. Then you can use a damp cloth to clean the insides of the boots. This will help you to keep the inside of the boots dry.
3. Dry out the boots
It is good to dry the boots naturally. You can keep it in the sun for several hours. This will make the boots dry and ready for the hike. Also, do not keep the hiking boots in damp locations. This can ruin the boots and it can start the smell. Try stuffing the boots with dry balls of paper. Furthermore, you can remove the stuffing and put in another stuffing if the dampness is still there.
4. Wipe the extra dirt
There may be still dirt in the boots. Therefore, you can try slamming the boots on the wall. By doing this you can get rid of all the mud sticking in the boots. The dried dirt will come out easily. Also, you can use some water to wipe out the tough dirt.
5. Use a boot cleaner
Sometimes your boots may be muddy. So in this situation, you can clean the hiking boots with a detergent or a boot cleaner. There are lots of cleaning solutions available in the market to clean boots. Or else you can use basic detergent to clean the boots. But there is no need for you to fully soak the boots in water and detergent. Just wipe them with detergent water and clean them.
Conclusion
These are the ways that will help you to clean and take care of the boots. Enjoy your treks and hikes by wearing clean boots.
Also read: 7 Best Hiking Snacks to Pack for Beginners
