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I think we can all agree that wearing rubber boots is great fun; you can wear them and give in to your mud-stomping impulses and feel like a kid again. They will keep your feet dry and toasty even in wet weather and will protect your feet from snakes, which makes them perfect for outdoor activities. But then comes the vexing adult task of cleaning them up. This step is a must if you want your rubber boots to be flexible and look their best. So, keep reading to learn more about how to clean your rubber boots fast and easily.
Steps to Clean the Rubber Boots
Rubber boots (rain boots) are one of the easiest boots to clean, and it will take almost no effort; you can usually do it by using only a garden hose. So, try to clean your rubber boots as soon as you come home because leaving them for later will only dry and harden the mud and dirt, and it will take you much more time and effort to clean them.
Cleaning the inside of your rubber boots is simple, too, although not as simple as cleaning the outside. But do not worry, it will only take you some minutes, and you will only need a few things. Let’s discuss the cleaning process in more detail below:
How to clean the outside of rubber boots?
The easiest and fastest way to clean the outside of your rubber boots is to use a garden hose. It will remove most of the dirt and mud, especially if you use it as soon as you come home while the grime is still wet. Take your rubber boots to a suitable area and spray them with water from a hose. It may take some minutes before the mud loosens and comes off. If you don’t have a yard where you can do this, a shower or a bathtub should work just fine.
If the mud has hardened or the garden hose did not take everything off, then there are some other steps that you can take.
What will you need?
Take a damp cloth and mix one tablespoon (5 ml) of detergent with one liter of water. Douse the material in this mixture and clean your boots after each time you wear them. After doing that, wipe them with a clean cloth and water and let them air dry.
If there is still some stubborn dirt that just does not want to come off, mix one tablespoon (5 ml) of baking soda with half a cup (237 ml) of warm water and rub this mixture onto the mud. Wait for 20-30 minutes before you rinse it off.
Don’t forget the soles of your rubber boots. The grime will likely get stuck there, so you might think you need to use a brush to remove it. Don’t use any brush; stiff bristle brushes can harm your boots. Instead, choose a soft bristle brush to clean your rain boots. Clean them gently, and do not apply a lot of pressure while scrubbing. You can also use your old toothbrush to clean the soles and the small grooves of your boots.
Mud and grime are often not the only concern for rubber boots owners; these boots often get scuff marks and discoloration. In that case, go to your kitchen and get some oil (preferably olive oil) and apply it to a soft cloth. Rub the cloth on the scuffed parts in a circular motion to make them disappear. If this did not work, try removing them with a regular gum eraser.
And finally, wipe it all away with a dry clean cloth, and leave them to air dry. You can also insert wads of newspaper into your boots to absorb the moisture and keep their shape.
What about the inside of rubber boots?
Even though people do not usually see the insides of your rubber boots, they sure can smell them. So, pay attention to them too if you want to keep your feet healthy, fresh, and bacteria-free. Here is how to do it:
What will you need?
For the inside of your rain boots, mix one tablespoon (5 ml) of detergent with one liter of hot water. Douse a clean cloth or rag in this mixture and wipe the inside of your boots with it. Repeat this process as needed, and when you’re done, use a clean wet rag and wipe the detergent away.
If you want to get rid of bad odors inside your rain boots, take a spray bottle and fill it half with white vinegar and half with water. Spray this mixture inside your boots, and it will eliminate bad odors and bacteria.
How to Dry Rubber Boots?
After cleaning your rubber boots, allow them to dry naturally, and keep them away from direct heat sources like full sunlight or heaters since they can damage the material.
But, if you really need to wear them and they are still wet, wipe out the water inside the boots with a cloth, and use a hairdryer on a low setting to help them dry out. But be careful not to burn them.
How to Store Rubber Boots?
When you’re not wearing your rubber boots, store them in a cool, dry place, and avoid extreme temperatures. Store them upright with rolled-up towels or boot trees in order to prevent sagging or folding. Also, you can add cedar, lavender, or plain baking soda if you store them for a long time so that they keep the insides of the boots smelling fresh and clean.
Extra Tips to Maintaining Rubber Boots
- Always wear socks when you’re wearing your rubber boots; they will absorb the extra moisture, thus preventing bad odor and stains.
- Leave the rubber boots to dry between wearings entirely.
- Add a shine to your rubber boots by applying an automotive tire protectant on them once or twice a year.
- Do not use shoe polish on rubber boots.
- Cover the boots in a brown paper grocery bag to keep them out of the light.
- Wad pieces of newspaper and stuff them in the boots to help them keep their shape.
Rubber boots are great for keeping your feet dry and warm in cold, wet weather. While it is true that these boots are generally durable and are designed to get wet and dirty, they still need a little bit of attention and care. But thankfully, cleaning and maintaining them is pretty easy. Simply follow the mentioned instructions to keep your rain boots looking dry, clean, and shiny.
