The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Your Work Boots

Our Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning Your Work Boots 

No matter the trade or the industry, your work boots are often put on the frontline. 

They endure the scuffs, scrapes, and seasons to protect and support your feet throughout a busy working day. However, without proper maintenance and care, even the best boots in the business can start to fail and put both your safety and comfort at risk.

Looking after your footwear doesn't have to become a tiresome task you dread. All you need is a bit of consistent cleaning, a few spruce-ups, and regular inspections to keep them performing at their best. 

That's why we've put together this boot care guide to give you a helping hand. We're going to talk you through how to clean your work boots and offer our top tips for storage and upkeep. Quick, simple, and extremely beneficial - we've got all the steps to take for caring and maintaining your footwear.

Supplies Needed

Before we begin, it's important to make sure you have all the materials needed to effectively clean your work boots:

• Soft brush 
• Warm water
• Mild detergent or soap (or a specialised boot cleaner, like the Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel)
• Clean cloths
• Leather conditioner (if you have leather boots)
• Waterproof spray (if you have waterproof boots)

It might be worth keeping the cleaning supplies, like the sprays and cloths, together in your shoe cupboard or garage, so they are always ready to go when you need them.

Cleaning and Maintenance Routine

Once you have ensured you have all the necessary materials, it's time to get down to business!

Let's go through the steps to take to give your work boots some TLC.

When Should You Clean Your Work Boots?

A typical question that gets asked is how often should you clean your work boots? And the answer is, as often as you think they need it!

If you work in a particularly messy or dusty work environment, you might want to give them a brush down after each shift, and then a thorough deep cleaning at the end of the week. But if they don't get muddy or dirty, then this might not be needed - you might just clean them every few weeks.

The key is to pay attention to your pair of boots. Rather than just kicking them off at the end of the day, take a second to check their condition. If they look dirty, give them a quick clean. This way, they shouldn't reach the point where you're despairing over their state.

Cleaning Step-by-Step Guide

To give your boots a thorough clean, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Boots: Remove any laces or insoles and set them aside. Put the shoes on some newspaper or an old clean, dry towel.
2. Brush Off the Visible Dirt: Take your soft-bristled brush and gently remove any loose excess dirt, mud, or debris from the boots' outer surface. Pay special attention to the soles and seams. For safety boots, clean around the toe caps carefully and not with too much force.
3. Make Your Cleaning Solution: In a bowl or bucket, mix warm water with mild soap or detergent. Don't use any harmful chemicals. If you have chosen to use a boot cleaner, follow the instructions on the bottle at this stage. 
4. Softly Scrub Your Boots: Take a soft cloth and dip it into the soapy water. Gently scrub the surface of the entire boots using circular strokes. If they are particularly dirty or there are tough stains, you may have to go over them a few times.
5. Rinse Off: Use clean water and a fresh cloth to rinse off the soap from the boots. Make sure all the residue is removed to prevent damage to the material.
6. Let Them Dry: Leave your footwear to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or under direct heat (such as a hair dryer.)

Please note that if you have suede boots, you may need to invest in a special suede brush or cleaner that is designed for this type of material. 

You can also use a damp cloth and the soapy water to clean the inside of the boots. Use it sparingly and remember to gently rinse off any residue afterwards. 

Leather Conditioning

Leather work boots need to be hydrated to prevent cracking and fading, and to restore the boot oils. 

Products such as the Nikwax Conditioner for Leather are a great option for this part of the process. Always follow the specific instructions on the bottles, but, for some general guidance, consider these steps:

1. Make sure your boots are thoroughly clean and dry before you apply the conditioner. 
2. Use a clean dry cloth to apply the conditioner evenly over the boots. Wipe off any excess conditioner.
3. Let it absorb for the recommended time on the bottle. 
4. Once dry, you can use another cloth or brush to buff the boots to create a nice shine.

Failing to take proper care of a pair of leather boots not only can affect their capabilities, but also their appearance. That's why it's essential to build leather care into your cleaning routine. 

If you have waterproof boots, you may also wish to use waterproofing sprays or creams to help maintain their performance and layer of protection. This YouTube video from Nikwax talks more about how to use such products and is well worth checking out.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is just as important as keeping your boots clean. 

It helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear, potential damage, and loss of structural integrity. 

We've put together some tricks for correct storage:

1. Get out of the habit of just tossing your boots into a corner or in a heap by the front door. This can lead the material to become misshapen and the soles to lose their support. Keep them on a shoe rack if possible.
2. Remove the boots properly every time by undoing the laces (if you have lace-up boots) or using a boot jack.
3. If not wearing for a few days or longer time, use shoe trees or stuff old newspapers inside to maintain the structure of the footwear.
4. Whenever they get wet, let your boots air dry. 

Don't overlook this essential stage of the maintenance process.

Inspection and Repair

Catching small issues early on can prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the line. 

Checking your work boots on a regular basis helps you spot any signs of damage or wear and tear.

Here are a few things to keep your eye on:

• Laces - It's always a good idea to have a spare pair of laces on hand. Laces tend to wear out quickly, and it's a simple process to switch them out when needed. The same also goes for insoles.
• Soles - Look out for signs of the soles becoming worn down or detaching around the seams. This is particularly vital for safety footwear, where the soles might have been designed to be slip-resistant or oil-resistant. 
• Stitching - This can be where the boots begin to fail, particularly if they get worn a lot for active work. 

You may be able to repair some issues relatively simply yourself, but always take them to a professional cobbler if you don't feel confident or it's a more complex repair.

Finally, knowing when to let go of your favourite pair is just as important as taking care of them. If your work boots are no longer providing the protection and support you need for your job, you need to invest in a new pair. Safety comes first, as much as you may love your old boots!

Summary

Cleaning your boots regularly is a simple and easy way to maintain their quality and longevity. Bookmark this guide for future reference, and carve out some time for boot care - you will be grateful for it when your boots last a long time!

In the market for a new pair of work boots? We have a fantastic range of safety boots and non-safety boots from top brands like Caterpillar and Fort. Browse through or drop our friendly customer services team a message - we are always happy to help. 

Matthew Holland brings a wealth of expertise to the world of workwear. With an extensive background in warehousing and outdoor work, he possesses an intricate understanding of the high-quality, functional garments needed for the demands of the workplace. Using his hands-on experience and knowledge gained, he continues to contribute valuable insights that resonate with professionals seeking superior workwear across various industries.