How to clean your dirty hiking boots with 2 ingredients, watch video tutorial
Hiking is a great way to get outside. Whether you’re hiking the rim of the Grand Canyon, opting for a dog-friendly outing in your area or just looking for any excuse to get outside (in some cases, clothing optional!) a reliable pair of hiking boots can, and will, take you a long way.
Hiking boots are incredibly durable and designed to walk long distances, across rocky terrains, wet paths and many environments in between. Since they’re made to get dirty, they don’t need to be cleaned as often as other shoes. However, a little care and TLC can go a long way in helping your hiking boots last longer.
Watch this video to see how to properly clean your hiking boots.
How to clean hiking boots
The easiest way to give them a quick clean is to knock off the loose dirt by hitting the soles together. Then, flip them upside down and give them a good shake to get out any souvenirs that may have hitched a ride in your boots.
To give your hiking boots a deeper clean:
Start by removing the laces and insoles.
Knock out any remaining debris from inside the shoes and use a sturdy brush on the exterior to get rid of the loose dirt.
Dip a rag in a mixture of dish soap and water and get to scrubbing!
When you’re done scrubbing, use clean water and a fresh rag to rinse off any extra soap.
If your boots are made of leather, use a conditioning lotion. If you’re unsure of what material your shoes are made of, check the tag or see if you can find a product description online.
Let the boots air dry in the sun.
Most hiking boots are waterproof, but you can add an extra layer of protection from water and dust with a waterproofing spray. Apply the waterproofer as directed.
Don’t forget to freshen up the inside of the boots! Spray the inside with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and distilled water.
How to clean shoe insoles
The outside may be done, but you want to give the shoe laces and insoles a good clean, too!
For both, start by gently removing dried-on dirt with a small brush or toothbrush.
Then, clean them with a mixture of dish soap and water. If they need a deeper clean, let them soak in the mix for a few minutes, giving them a gentle jiggle every so often.
Rinse them with clean water and let them air dry completely before putting them back in your boots.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to clean hiking boots: Get that gunk off with this video tutorial
