Rain boots are a handy form of footwear that everyone should have. They let you walk through the wettest, muddiest, and snowiest areas while keeping your feet protected and dry. But it is important to care for your rain boots properly. They may be sturdy, but that should not suggest that they do not require regular care to ensure they remain fully functional and still looking great. Here, we will outline some of the most important tips to keep in mind when caring for your rain boots.
Choose Carefully
Believe it or not, your first step to caring for your rain boots 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 is 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 faster if you allow dirt or mud to remain on them.
Wondering how to clean your rain boots? Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your boots. Ordinary dishwashing liquid, vinegar and water, or baking powder and water are ideal for cleaning them. To clean the inside, all you need is a low-pH shampoo and some water. Avoid using abrasive scourers or brushes to prevent scratching your boots. Soft cloths are best. And never wash your rain boots in the washing machine.
You should clean your rain boots 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 rain boots 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 mould to grow, and not only can this make your boots smell bad, it can also reduce their lifespan as mould can wear them out.
The safest method of drying your rain boots 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. Extremes in temperatures, either hot or cold, 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 rain boots 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
There are several useful products on the market that can help you care for your rain boots. The Merry People Care Kit uses a silicon treatment to create a protective coating on the outside of your boots. It essentially provides an extra layer to the rubber, meaning the boots can withstand more exposure to water, dirt, mud, and snow without becoming damaged. Silicon spray is more commonly used on dress shoes to protect them from the rain. However, it can also be used on rain boots to give this sturdier footwear that extra bit of protection.
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 rain boots only. It is not designed to be used on the inside. It is 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. These pouches are placed inside the rain boots and prevent moisture from building up. Even if you use these, you should still ensure your boots are completely dry before storing them; however, these pouches can help prevent any additional buildup of moisture that might occur while they are being stored.
Summary
High-quality rain boots 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 rain boots provide function without compromising fashion and fun styles.
