- Cloth or brush
- Lukewarm water
- Boot drier (optional)
- Stain remover (optional)
- Water Repellent Treatment (optional)
Step 1: Prep
- Remove the laces, then shake out sand, gravel, and dirt from inside the footwear.
- If possible, remove and shake out the foot bed or insole.
- Prepare some clear lukewarm water with a small amount of liquid detergent in your sink.
Step 2: Brush
- Brush off loose dirt with a sponge or brush.
- For leather shoes, check manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t use bleach.
- Don’t wash in the washing machine.
Step 3: Wash
- Immerse the shoes in the prepared clear water with the liquid detergent.
- Then gently clean the surface with your cloth or brush.
- If you want to wash the inside of your footwear too, fully submerge the boots in the water, one after the other. You can use your finger to remove any dirt or grime on the inside.
FOR FIRE BOOTS:
- When washing, do not immerse the boot completely in the water to avoid any form of contamination.
- Use separate clean water for cleaning the upper material and the lining to avoid possible contamination from the outside to the inside.
Step 4: Dry
- After cleaning, use a cloth to absorb some of the water.
- Dry naturally at moderate temperatures.
- Avoid direct heat.
- Don’t let the footwear stay wet too long. Tip: Convection-style boot dryers work well.
Step 5: Re-Apply DWR
Once completely dry, check on the durably water repellent (DWR) layer on the outer fabric of your shoes. To do so, drop some water onto the footwear and see if the drops bead and run off at an angle. If water pulls into the outer fabric, you should restore the DWR.
- The procedure varies slightly depending on the shoe. Therefore, check which treatment is recommended by the shoe manufacturer and follow the instructions.
- Use a water-based restorative, available as a pump-spray.
- Don’t use waterproofing waxes or greases, as they can affect your footwear’s breathability.
Special Care
Stain Removal
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Make sure to rinse product off thoroughly before washing.
- It is not recommended using stain removers – only liquid detergents.
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