Taking proper steps to care for your gumboots is essential to keep them looking great and performing well for years. Gumboots are built to protect your feet from mud, water, and snow, but regular use means they can get dirty, scuffed, or lose their shine over time. The good news is that cleaning and maintaining them doesn’t have to be complicated.
By following simple gumboot cleaning tips, you can safely remove mud, stains, and even scuffs, while protecting the rubber material from cracking or fading. From using household products like dishwashing liquid and vinegar to applying silicone spray for moisture protection, these easy steps will help your boots stay fresh, functional, and ready for every adventure.
| Step | How to Do It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Remove Dirt & Mud | Brush off excess dirt and debris before cleaning. | Prevents scratches and buildup that can damage the boot’s surface |
| 2. Clean Exterior | Use a damp cloth with dishwashing liquid, diluted vinegar, or baking soda solution. | Gently removes stains, mold, and caked-on dirt without harming the material |
| 3. Clean Interior | Use mild detergent mixed with warm water and wipe gently. | Removes odors and prevents bacteria/mold growth inside the boots |
| 4. Dry Boots Properly | Air dry in a well-ventilated area; avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. | Prevents cracking, fading, and mold growth while maintaining boot shape |
| 5. Remove Scuffs & Scratches | Rub gently with a pencil eraser; wipe away residue. | Restores appearance without damaging the rubber |
| 6. Protect & Moisturize | Apply a silicone spray or oil on the boot exterior (avoid soles). | Maintains flexibility, repels water, and prolongs boot lifespan |
Dish Soap
Not just good for washing dishes, dish soap can of course be used for other things. A good mix is one tablespoon in two cups of warm water.
Dip a cloth in and, as with the above mentioned methods, always wash your boots from top to bottom and afterwards wipe them clean with plain water. Dish soap is also good for removing mold from your boots if needed.
Silicone Oil
Using a good quality silicone spray or oil does wonders for protecting and moisturizing your boots. This will prevent them from cracking when going from wet to dry conditions and helps to repel the water.
Spray a small amount of silicone oil over the boots and then gently rub in with a soft cloth. Allow to dry and repeat if they still feel dry. Be careful not to apply to the soles of the gumboots as this may cause a slipping incident.
Vinegar
It is no secret that vinegar is a useful cleaning product. When using vinegar to clean your gumboots, it is very important to remember to water it down. Applying undiluted vinegar can damage and discolor your boots. One tablespoon of white vinegar in one cup of warm water is usually all you will need.
You need to ensure you mix the solution thoroughly and use a clean cloth to apply it. Clean your boots from top to bottom and then wipe them down again with another clean cloth and some plain water.
Vinegar is also handy for removing tough stains from your boots. You may be tempted to use a less diluted vinegar solution, but a word of caution: this can be a mistake, as strong vinegar solutions can actually damage your boots.
For tough to clean spots and stains, simply use the same diluted concentration of vinegar and rub the cloth a little harder over the stained areas. Patience and persistence will pay off.
Baking Soda
Another well known home-made cleaning product is a baking soda solution. Not only is it powerful, it is also gentle, and you can make solutions of varying strength depending on your cleaning needs. Usually, one teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in one cup of warm water should be enough.
For tougher stains, and especially caked-on dirt and mud, you can use less water to create a more concentrated paste, which you can use to scrub the boots. As with the vinegar method, you should clean them from top to bottom and then wipe the boots with a cloth and plain water.
Washing Machine
It is tempting to just want to throw your gumboots in the washing machine as it may seem easier; however, this is not advisable. While their exterior may be sturdy, they are not designed to be washed in a machine.
This can damage them, both the interior and exterior. That’s why it is always best to wash them by hand, then you can give them a thorough clean without risking damage.
Washing the Inside of Your Gumboots
To wash the inside of your gumboots, you want to choose a mild detergent and gently clean them by hand. This will prevent damaging the material inside.
Use a damp cloth and mix the detergent with some warm water to create a soapy solution. Once the smell of the detergent is gone, use a cloth dampened with plain, clean water to remove any detergent residue still clinging to the inside lining.
Drying Your Gumboots
After washing your gumboots, you will need to dry them. The best method for this is setting them aside somewhere to air dry. You should avoid leaving them outside, and also not place them close to a direct heat source.
Patience is key when drying your boots, as they will take quite some time to dry completely. But it’s important that you let them fully dry before wearing them or storing them, as otherwise you risk accidentally allowing mold to grow inside your boots.
Removing Scratches or Scuffs From Your Gumboots
When wearing your sturdy gumboots, it is almost inevitable they will get scratches and scuffs. This can be frustrating and even upsetting. Fortunately, there is a very easy solution. This handy little life hack is a surprisingly simple, cheap, and effective method that uses something found in almost every household: a pencil eraser.
Simply rub the scuff or scratch with the eraser, pausing in between to gently wipe away the excess eraser shavings with a dry cloth as needed. Keep going until the scratch or scuff is gone, then clean and dry your boots as normal, using one of the methods outlined above.
In Summary
A great pair of gumboots can last you years, as long as you take the right steps to keep them in great condition. Cleaning your gumboots doesn’t have to be a big chore, and can easily be done in just a short amount of time. Use the tips we’ve shared above to keep your boots looking brand new and protected across all their years of use!
