Guides On How to Clean and Maintain Hunting Boots

The hunting boots you wear are one of the most important pieces of hunting gear you have in your arsenal. It is imperative that you know how to clean and maintain hunting boots regularly if you ever want them to remain in great shape for many more seasons or years to come.

It is inevitable that while you are going hunting, there are going to be some elements that will affect your hunting boots, such as snow, rain, stones, and rocky terrain, which will over time cause them to age earlier and sooner. Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can take to minimize the amount of deterioration that occurs.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to clean and maintain your hunting boots in the best possible condition so that they remain in top performance as long as possible.

To begin with, we need to understand how to clean boots.

How to Clean Leather Hunting Boots?

Clean Boots Outside

1. You will need to remove the laces and insoles from the boots and set them aside for cleaning separately.

2. With a damp cloth, wipe off a lot of dirt and debris that may have accumulated on your boots. In the case of dried mud on the surface of the water, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub it away while using warm water to remove the mud.

3. If you need to clean the stitchings and crevices in the leather, you can use a old toothbrush or a smaller brush.

4. Use a cotton cloth or sponge, wipe the boot exterior clean.

Clean Boots Inside

1. If there is any dirt or debris on the inside of the boot, you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner.

2. Once the boots have been cleared of loose dirt, you can begin to scrub the inside of them, using a soft-bristled brush and some mild soap to scrub the inside gently using circular motions.

Drying

Heat can make leather shrink and crack. To ensure that your hunting boots last for as long as possible, never dry waterproof leather boots over direct heat. It is recommended that you never put them near heaters or dry them in a dryer; this can cause damage to the leather, as it will remove all the moisture from the leather, and that will cause the leather to dry out and crack.

It would be better if you stuffed them with newspaper and allowed them to dry naturally by air.

How to Clean Rubber Hunting Boots?

It isn't a problem to dry out and crack rubber hunting boots, but they need to be cleaned regularly to avoid odor. Additionally, water won't damage the boots either, making the cleaning process much simpler.

Clean

The first step should be to rinse the boots with clean water, and then sprinkle baking soda over the wet boots. After that, use a nylon brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt and debris that has accumulated over the boots.

Remove Odor

As a natural deodorizer, baking soda can greatly help to get rid of the smell coming from your boots thanks to its chemical properties. In order to remove any baking soda residue on the boots, you should repeat the rinsing process once you have removed all the grime.

Then, you will need to wipe off any residue left by the solution by using a clean rag after the boots have thoroughly dried so that there are no marks left behind after the boots have been cleaned.

Storage

Make sure your boots are kept dry and cool once you have cleaned and treated them. In this way, you can extend the life of your boots.

Let's move on to the next part, how to maintain hunting boots, which are divided into three categories: leather, synthetic, and rubber.

How to Maintain Hunting Boots?

Leather Boots Care

In order to keep leather soft and supple, you need to condition it regularly in order to prevent it from becoming dry or cracked. Make sure you learn how to properly condition leather boots with mink oil for a longer life, protection from moisture, and to help prevent odors from forming in your boots.

Follow the instructions that are on the bottle when applying the conditioner. Boots made from leather should be treated with a leather conditioner designed specifically for them.

Apply a light layer of leather conditioner over the surface of the boots. After soaking for a few minutes, buff off any excess conditioner with a soft cloth.

Synthetic Boots Care

1. Remove the laces and insoles from the boots.

2. If you are dealing with caked mud or dirt, you will need to use a toothbrush or a boot brush to loosen it up.

3. Put the entire synthetic boot in a sink filled with warm water and some mild dish soap, then submerge it in that water for a few minutes.

4. Cleaning the boots both inside and out with a brush is the next step.

5. Remove the residue from the boot with a cloth.

6. Let the boots air dry naturally.

Rubber Boots Care

If you have rubber hunting boots, make sure they are clean and dust-free before using specific rubber care spray. Spray the entire boot evenly with the spray and let it dry. In the long run, this prevents the rubber from cracking as it ages.

How Often Should You Clean Hunting Boots?

The frequency of cleaning will depend on various factors, including the terrain, weather conditions, and the amount of dirt, mud, or debris your boots accumulate during hunts. The general guidelines to maintain the longevity of your boots are to clean them after every hunt and deep clean them around every couple of months.

By establishing a regular cleaning routine, you can keep your hunting boots in optimal condition, enhancing their durability and performance throughout the hunting season.

Conclusion

With these tips for cleaning and maintaining your hunting boots, you will be able to ensure that they are in good condition and that they are comfortable for your next hunt as well. Maintain your hunting boots properly, and they'll serve you for a lifetime.