Ah, rubber boots – the unsung heroes of rainy days and muddy working conditions. Rubber boots are some of the most durable footwear you’ll ever lay your hands on. They’re waterproof, slip-resistant, and offer an unparalleled level of comfort for anyone who wears a pair.
However, even these trusty companions can use a little TLC every now and then. Not cleaning your rubber boots properly will lead to dirt and grime buildup that will shave off months of your boots’ lifespan. That’s why every hard-working man needs to learn how to clean rubber boots inside and out.
Taking care of your rubber boots will prolong their usability and keep your feet protected for much longer. We’ll show you how to take care of your rubber boots as well as how to keep them in tip-top shape inside and out.
Ready? Roll up those sleeves!
Say Goodbye to Grime: Cleaning the Outside of Your Rubber Boots
Ah, the old-age question of how to clean rubber shoes. After a long day of hard work, your boots need rinsing as much as any other piece of clothing. Use regular old water (preferably mild) to clean your boots and get rid of dust and dirt. Impurities can damage the outer layers, making it imperative to learn how to clean rubber boots before it happens.
However, if it’s been too long since the last cleanup and the mud has dried, you’ll need a medium bristle brush to get it off. Brush the mud off until it’s all gone, and you can actually see the rubber. Once the hardened layers of mud are gone, get a soft cloth or a clean towel and some warm water to clean the remaining grime with the damp cloth.
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How to Get Stains Out of Rubber Boots
Salt stains and heavier soil are more difficult to get out of rubber work and rain boots but far from impossible. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of detergent and two cups of hot water and wipe the boots from top to bottom. And voila – your boots are as good as new!
How to Remove Scuff Marks from Rubber Shoes
Ah, the eternal struggle of keeping our beloved rubber boots in shape. Luckily, we have just the solution you need to get rid of those pesky scuff marks and restore your shoes to their former glory.
First, grab a trusty cleaning solution – white vinegar and baking soda are two great options. Next, mix a small amount of your chosen solution with warm water to create a paste. Apply the paste onto the scuff mark with a dry cloth or brush and scrub gently in a circular motion, and the scuff mark should disappear before your very eyes.
If the scuff mark is particularly stubborn, try using a pencil eraser or magic eraser to rub away the mark, but be careful not to rub it too hard and damage the rubber.
How to Clean White Rubber Shoes
Although they’re not the ideal color for a pair of work boots, keeping your white rubber shoes pristine doesn't have to be a Herculean task! You just need a few simple ingredients and some elbow grease.
Start by mixing a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Dip a cloth or brush into the solution and give your shoes a good scrub. For any particularly tough stains, mix baking soda and clean water to form a paste and apply it to the stained area. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it away.
But wait, there's more! To keep your white rubber shoes looking fresh and bright, try using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe down your shoes. This will help remove any yellowing that may occur over time.
How to Clean the Inside of Boots
More often than not, the question of how to clean boots inside is not about getting the dirt out (although it’s also possible); rather, it’s about preventing bacteria from growing and unpleasant odors from setting in.
Heavy-duty laundry detergents can help you break apart soil buildups that got in by accident. Mix one teaspoon of either Tide or Persil with two cups of warm water. Using a clean cloth, wipe the inside of your rubber boots with the solution you just mixed. Don’t forget to use the second piece of cloth soaked in warm water to wipe away any remaining residue after the initial wipe.
The steps above will ensure your boots remain clean and soil-free, but if you want to prevent bacteria from growing with a natural product, it’s best to use white vinegar. Mix it with water in a spray bottle and use it to keep the boots fresh and clean. Spray just a little bit of the solution into the boots to disinfect them.
How to Get Rid of Odor in Boots
Simply sprinkle a bit of baking soda or activated charcoal inside your boots and let them sit overnight. The powders will absorb any funky odors and leave your boots smelling fresh as a daisy.
Learning how to clean rubber boots on the inside is not so much about their longevity as it is about hygiene. There’s no reason not to keep your rubber boots odor-free and protect your feet from the unpleasantness of athlete’s foot fungi.
Bonus Tips: How to Clean Rubber Soles of Shoes & More
Tired of scuffed and dirty rubber soles on your favorite pair of boots? Simply grab an old toothbrush and some soapy lukewarm water, and give those soles a good scrub.
For extra tough stains, add a bit of baking soda to your scrubbing mixture. With a little elbow grease, your rubber soles will look brand spanking new, just like the insides and outsides of your rubber boots, in no time.
Shoe Polish 101: How to Shine Rubber Boots
Want to give your rubber boots some extra TLC with a glossy finish? We have a quick and easy solution to shine your rubber boots and keep them looking their best.
Simply grab a rubber conditioner for boots – this will not only help shine your boots and soften them to make them more comfortable but also protect them from the elements. Apply the conditioner to your boots with a cloth, covering every inch of the surface. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before wiping away any excess with a clean cloth.
To give your boots some extra DIY shine, and avoid commercial sprays, mix a small amount of olive oil with warm water and apply it to your boots with a cloth. This will give your boots a glossy finish that's sure to turn heads and repel water and other elements.
What Not to Do to Your Rubber Boots
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When it comes to taking proper care of your rubber boots, there’s no difference between how you clean your hunting boots or the regular pair of rain boots that everyone has around the house.
Just as there are numerous similarities between rubber boots cleaning methods, there are also some mistakes you don’t want to make. Avoid these common mistakes to prolong your rubber boots’ life span and keep them in working order for years to come.
Don’t Heat Up Your Boots
You might be tempted to speed up the drying process by exposing your rubber boots to heat. However, using blowdryers or other direct heat sources on your boots is never a good idea. Keep them away from fireplaces and radiators as well – let them dry off naturally, at their own pace.
Don’t Store Them While They’re Still Damp
Putting damp rubber boots in cold, dark places is a one-way ticket to a fungi infestation. While it’s true you shouldn’t try to speed up drying, you should also never store your rubber boots while they’re still damp. They need to breathe, so air drying is the way to go. Leave the boots in a well-ventilated area.
Never Use Detergent Alone
While a solution of warm water and a small amount of detergent is helpful, you should never use the detergent, even a mild detergent, on its own. They’re generally considered aggressive products that can harm the outer layers of your boots. Chemicals are just as dangerous for the longevity of your rubber boots as dirt and grime, so make sure you always dilute them with some water.
Take Care of Your Rubber Boots & They’ll Take Care of You
There’s nothing worse than treating your rubber boots as expendable pieces of footwear that you’ll never miss. If you just leave them encrusted in layers of dirt and mud, then you shouldn’t expect much from them in return. They’ll wear out faster and lose any semblance of quality and support before you know it.
Now that you know how to clean rubber boots, there’s no reason to let them fall apart. If you take care of them after every use and wipe them down every time they get dirty, you’ll have a trusty pair of rubber boots that you can always count on.
Happy cleaning, and may your rubber shoes always shine bright! Have your trusted rubber companions served their time? Need a new pair? Browse our collection of the best rubber boots on the market to find the perfect one.