Knowing how to care for rubber gumboots starts with understanding that rubber is durable but not indestructible. Protecting rubber gumboots involves regular cleaning, proper drying, and storing them away from heat and sunlight to prevent cracking and fading.
With just a few mindful habits, you can keep your boots flexible, waterproof, and looking as good as new for years.
Gumboots work hard to keep your feet dry through puddles, mud, and snow, but without care, that same exposure can wear them down faster. From cleaning away dirt with gentle soap to conditioning the rubber and air-drying after each use, small steps go a long way toward preserving both function and style.
Here’s how to give your favorite pair the long-lasting protection they deserve:
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose the right size | Ensure a snug, comfortable fit, neither too tight nor too loose. | Prevents stretching, slipping, and premature wear |
| 2. Clean after each use | Wipe dirt and mud with mild soap, vinegar, or baking soda solution using a soft cloth. | Keeps rubber from degrading and prevents buildup |
| 3. Avoid harsh cleaners | Skip bleach, alcohol, or abrasive scrubbers. | Protects the boot’s finish and flexibility |
| 4. Air dry indoors | Let boots dry naturally in a ventilated area, away from heaters or direct sunlight. | Prevents cracking, melting, and mold growth |
| 5. Condition the rubber | Apply silicone spray or rubber conditioner monthly after cleaning. | Maintains shine, elasticity, and water resistance |
| 6. Store properly | Keep boots in a cool, dry closet with charcoal pouches to absorb moisture. | Extends lifespan and prevents odor or mold |
Choose Carefully
Believe it or not, your first step to caring for your gumboots happens before you even take them home or receive them from your online order; and that’s choosing the right size for your feet. You need to ensure a comfortable fit, not too large and not too small.
If they are too large, your feet will slip around inside them and wear out the inner lining faster. Too small, and your feet stretch them and cause them to lose their shape. Choose the right size and you will prevent these common issues.
Clean Them Properly and Often
Inevitably, your boots will get dirty. In fact, their purpose is to get dirty so that your feet stay protected, but it’s important to clean them thoroughly after a hard day of use. Allowing dirt and mud to remain on them can damage them, both inside and out. You also need to ensure you clean the soles, as while these may be tough, over time they will wear out much more quickly if you allow dirt or mud to remain on them.
Wondering how to clean your gumboots? Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your boots. Ordinary dish soap, vinegar and water, or baking soda and water are ideal for cleaning them.
To clean the inside, all you need is a mild detergent and some water. Avoid using abrasive scourers or brushes to prevent scratching your boots. Soft cloths are best. And never wash your gumboots in the washing machine.
You should clean your gumboots often, ideally after each day of heavy use. For less heavy use, giving them a weekly clean should be sufficient. When you are storing them during off seasons, remember to take them out and give them a clean about once per month to keep them fresh.
Always Let Them Dry
Just as inevitably as the fact that your gumboots will get dirty, they will also get wet. Wearing them in the snow or rain will obviously cause them to get damp and the sweat from your feet will also cause moisture on the inside.
Cleaning them will also result in them getting wet, but you need to make sure you dry your boots properly before putting them away. Storing them wet can cause mold to grow, and not only can this make your boots smell bad, it can also reduce their lifespan as mold can wear them out.
The safest method of drying your gumboots is air drying. Do this inside, in a well-ventilated area. Avoid the temptation to put them close to a fireplace or radiator to speed up drying.
Extreme high temperatures can cause your boots to dry out and crack. And placing them too close to a direct heat source risks melting them. Best to be patient and allow them to air dry naturally.
Never store your gumboots outside in direct sunlight, as you want to protect them from extremes in temperature and light. The best place to keep them when not in use is a cool, dark, dry, insulated and well-ventilated place. A closet is the ideal choice, ensuring it is free from mold or moisture.
Care Products
Several useful products on the market can help you care for your gumboots. The Merry People Care Kit is a three-step system designed to clean, restore, and protect your boots, with everything you need to maintain, nourish, and prolong their life. It includes a Rubber Boot Silicone Treatment spray that moisturizes and nourishes the natural rubber to help prevent drying and cracking, a Buff and Shine protectant for extra shine and a layer of protection that restores rich color and natural sheen, a cleaning brush to remove dirt and debris, and a microfiber cloth. Together they keep the rubber soft and supple, so your boots can withstand more exposure to water, dirt, mud, and snow without becoming damaged.
Rubber conditioners are another handy product, with several varieties available on the market. The best time to apply this is immediately after your boots have been cleaned and fully air-dried. You will want to use the rubber conditioner liberally and rub it into the exterior of your gumboots only. It is not designed to be used on the inside.
It’s also important to remember to clean and condition your boots around once per month during the off-season. The rubber conditioner will help keep the rubber in your boots strong, even when they are not being used.
Another useful product is the charcoal pouch. Placed inside your gumboots, these pouches help absorb odors and some excess moisture, keeping your boots fresher between wears. For drawing out damp specifically, silica gel packets are more effective. Either way, always make sure your boots are completely dry before storing them; a pouch can help manage any lingering moisture, but it is not a substitute for proper drying.
In Summary
High-quality gumboots are designed to last for years if given the proper care and treatment. By following the tips we’ve provided above your boots will keep your feet well protected for years to come! Merry People gumboots provide function without compromising fashion and fun styles.
