Work boots are an essential piece of protective gear for those who are involved in physically demanding jobs. However, after an extended period of use, they may become prone to accumulating dirt, grime, and unpleasant odors, which can be an irritating problem to deal with.
The maintenance and proper care of work boots play a crucial role in ensuring their long-lasting performance and durability. With the right tricks to clean boots and the use of common kitchen items, you can easily keep your work boots in excellent condition for a long time to come.
In this blog, we will explore various tricks to effectively clean work boots based on their materials using items readily available in your kitchen.
What Household Items Can You Use to Clean Boots?
Baking Soda
It is not only a versatile ingredient, but baking soda can also serve as a natural deodorizer that is effective at removing stubborn stains as well. You can make a cleaning solution out of baking soda and white vinegar that can be used to remove dirt and grime from boots.
White Vinegar
As well as being a kitchen staple, white vinegar is also an effective cleaning solution that can be used to clean and deodorize work boots. White vinegar has powerful cleaning and disinfecting properties, which means that it is adept at removing grease, dirt, mineral deposits, grime, oil stains and the like.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is an effective cleaning product for boots. It can be used to get rid of dirt, mud, and other debris that has accumulated on the boots' surface.
Additionally, it can also be used to clean the inside of the footwear, ensuring that they remain fresh-smelling inside.
How to Clean Different Kinds of Work Shoes
Leather Work Boots
A classic look and durability make leather work boots a popular footwear choice. To clean them, you will want to start with a slightly damp cloth or brush that is dabbed in equal parts white vinegar and water, which will help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on them.
Next, prepare a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Take a clean cloth and dip it into the solution, and then gently rub the surface of the boots in circular motions with the cloth. Make sure you keep wiping the boot until it is completely clean on all surfaces of the boot.
Rinse the cloth and wipe away the soap residue. Allow the boots to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Finally, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and maintain its moisture.
Suede or Nubuck Work Boots
Suede and nubuck work boots require special care to preserve their texture and appearance. Use a suede brush or a soft toothbrush to lightly scrub off dirt stains that have accumulated on the surface in one direction. For stubborn stains, create a paste by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water.
Apply the paste to the stained area to loosen the stains and gently scrub with a soft brush. When the stains have been removed, use a clean cloth to blot any excess moisture from the boots and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
Rubber Work Boots
Rubber work boots are well known for their waterproof properties, ruggedness and durability. Cleaning them is a relatively simple process. Start by rinsing off any loose dirt or mud using a hose or under running water. Then you will need to use equal amounts of white vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution.
Apply the solution to a sponge or cloth and wipe down the rubber boots. For stubborn stains, you can use a soft brush to scrub the affected areas. Rinse the boots thoroughly and let them air dry.
To maintain rubber boots in good condition, you can apply a thin layer of silicone-based protectant to the surface. Silicone-based products form a thin, invisible film on the rubber surface that keeps moisture locked in, preventing it from drying out or cracking.
Additionally, the protectant is also capable of repelling dirt and water, which makes cleaning easier and more convenient.
Canvas or Fabric Work Boots
Work boots made from canvas or fabric are lightweight and breathable, making them an ideal option for industries. To clean work boots that are made from canvas or fabric, begin by removing any loose dirt or debris from the surface using a soft brush or cloth.
Next, create a mixture of warm water and mild laundry detergent. Take a clean cloth and dip it into the solution and gently scrub the surface of the boots. Rinse the cloth and wipe away any soapy residue. Allow the boots to air dry naturally.
Conclusion
Cleaning work boots based on their materials doesn't have to be a daunting task. The right cleaning tricks to clean boots combined with the right household items found in the kitchen, will enable you to clean and maintain your work boots effectively and efficiently.
Please keep in mind that the cleaning tricks to clean boots you use should be appropriate for each material, whether it is leather, suede, rubber, or fabric.
Regularly cleaning and caring for your work boots can help you extend their lifespan and improve their overall comfort, allowing them to continue to provide you with the necessary protection and support during the workday.