Cleaning Wellies
The winter weather calls for a sturdy pair of Wellington Boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Most of us own a pair of wellies and wear them knowing that they’ll come back wet and muddy, making the idea of cleaning them seem like an endless task. However, there are steps that can be taken to ensure easy cleaning which will help to keep your boots in top condition, prolonging their lifespan.
Cleaning the Outside of Wellies
Cleaning the outside of your boots should be done regularly to keep them in good condition. Thorough cleaning should be done weekly or fortnightly, but wiping them down after every use is a must. Not only will this ensure longevity, but it will also help to keep you looking your best with a stylish pair of wellies.
White Film
To remove white film known as ‘blooming', you can apply a few drops of olive oil to a dry cloth and rub it onto the boot in a circular motion. This is an easy at-home method that can remove the film gently without damaging the boot. Take care not to get oil on the sole of the boot, as this will make it slippery.
Dried Mud
To remove dried mud, create a solution of one teaspoon of dish soap with two cups of luke-warm water. Use a soft bristled brush to gently scrub off the mud, or an old toothbrush if you need to get in between the treads of the sole.
Once the mud is removed, wipe with a cloth and some warm water and allow the boots to air dry. Do not dry them in direct sunlight, as this can cause damage to the rubber, resulting in peeling or cracking.
It is important to remove the mud as soon as possible, as dried mud and dirt will draw the moisture from your boots which will make them peel and reduce their lifespan. If the mud refuses to budge during cleaning, soak a rag with the above solution and let it sit for 30 minutes before returning to clean.
Cleaning the Inside of your Wellies
Cleaning the inside of your wellingtons is just as important as cleaning the outside when it comes to ensuring that your wellies are kept in optimum, long-lasting condition. It’s imperative that you take extra-care of wellingtons that are made of rubber as without proper care they can be prone to cracking and peeling.
Long Wellington Boots
To wade through puddles and mud terrains many of us opt for long boots. Whilst these boots are strong and durable to keep water and dirt out, this can also make the interior harder to access and clean. Cleaning the inside of your Wellingtons helps to keep harmful bacteria away, and prolongs longevity of the boot.
Here is our simple five-step process for the best way to clean your wellies:
- Firstly, create a cleaning solution consisting of 2 cups of hot water, with one teaspoon of non-bio laundry detergent or dishwashing soap.
- Get a rag or soft bristled brush and wipe down the inside of the wellies as much as you can.
- Rinse off the solution with another rag soaked in clean water.
- Create a secondary solution with a 50:50 ratio of water and white vinegar. Lightly spray the inside of the boot to kill any odours and prevent bacteria.
- Finally, air dry the boots upside down. You can also stuff the boots with newspapers to absorb any extra moisture, just make sure to regularly change the newspaper until the boots are completely dry.
Ankle Length Wellington Boots
Shorter wellies are easier to clean inside. The same process as above can be followed. Though if your wellies have come into contact with contaminated flood water, you can take care to add an extra step of sterilising the interior of your boots with a tougher disinfectant spray.
When the boots are dry, you may wish to add some baking soda to the inside and leave overnight to freshen them up, tipping it out before wearing the boots again. Baking soda has mild antibacterial properties and is able to neutralise acids while absorbing moisture to reduce odours and prevent bacterial growth.
Important
It is important to note that you should never clean rubber wellies with a bleach solution, as this will react with the natural rubber and cause damage to the boots. With regular use, it may be best to clean the inside of your boots at least once a fortnight.
For more information on Wellies Boots care, follow the link here
