How to Clean and Care for Boots

The majority of people in the UK own a pair of boots. However, very few of us know how to care for them properly. While this might not sound like a big deal, not caring for your boots can significantly affect their lifespan. 

Thankfully, cleaning and caring for boots is much easier and less time-consuming than expected. You can do many simple things to keep your boots looking newer for longer. To learn more, here’s our boot care guide to help you: 

• Put Your Boots on Carefully

When putting your boots on, it’s advisable to use a shoehorn. Using a shoehorn will help to keep the heel of your boot from losing shape. 

• Keep Them Clean

Although cleaning dirt and mud off your boots might feel like a chore, it’s imperative if you want to extend their lifespan. This is because, over time, dirt and mud can cause damage to the material your boots are made of. Thankfully, this is an easy job to do. You simply need to use a soft brush to remove most of the dirt before wiping them with a damp cloth. 

• Keep Them Dry

While it’s ok to wear boots in wet weather, it’s essential to dry them as soon as you get home. To do this, you first need to remove the laces and insoles from your boots. Next, you will need to stuff your boots with newspaper. The newspaper will soak up the majority of the water from inside your boots. Finally, you should leave your boots to dry in a warm room. If they are leather, do not leave them near a heat source, as this can crack the leather. 

• Treat Them with the Right Products

Another great tip that will help keep your boots looking their best is to treat them regularly with the right products. However, before you can do this, you first need to determine what your boots are made from. For example, if you own a pair of leather boots, you will need to purchase a product suitable for this type of material. There are some great leather protector sprays out there, such as the ones at burrowsandhare.co.uk.

• Check Them Regularly for Wear and Tear

It’s a great idea to regularly check the soles of your boots for wear and tear. Here are some of the areas you should check:

• The soles – If you notice wear and tear or you notice that you are losing grip when walking, you will need to get the soles of your boots replaced or repaired. 
• The material – when your boots’ material (or upper parts) becomes damaged, water may be able to enter the boot. If this happens and cannot be repaired easily, you may need to replace your boots.

Boots are one of the most expensive forms of footwear you can buy. However, when looked after properly, they can last a lifetime. If you’ve recently purchased some new boots and want to keep them looking like new for longer, try our boot care tips above.