How to Clean Muddy Boots

Embarking on outdoor adventures often means facing the unavoidable reality of muddy boots.

Cleaning muddy boots might seem like a big task, especially if your shoes are caked in set-in mud stains. However, the process is extremely straightforward if you know the proper techniques.

All boots are different, so we have put together separate guides for cleaning muddy hiking boots and leather boots below.

These expert methods are designed to leave your shoes looking pristine without causing damage.

 

How to Clean Muddy Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are designed to get a bit muddy from your adventures, but they often face rugged conditions and can get dirty pretty quickly!

Cleaning muddy hiking boots can thus take a little time and effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process as easy as possible:

1. Allow mud to dry: Wipe as much mud off your boots on the grass outside before entering the house. For any remaining mud, leave it to dry completely. This makes it easier to remove the bulk of the mud without smearing or damaging the boots.
2. Knock boots together: After the mud has dried completely, take your books outside and tap them firmly together or against a hard surface like a wall. This helps to dislodge any remaining loose dirt and caked-on mud.
3. Remove excess mud: Use a stiff brush, such as a specialised boot brush or an old toothbrush, to scrub off as much of the remaining mud as possible. Pay attention to the treads when cleaning the soles of your shoes and any seams where mud may be lodged.
4. Use water and a soft brush: Dampen a soft brush or sponge with water and gently scrub the remaining mud stains. For stubborn areas, you might want to soak the soles of your hiking boots in water to help the hard-dried mud loosen.
5. Use a mild soap solution: If water alone doesn’t do the trick, create a solution of mild dish soap and water. Dampen a with this solution and gently scrub the side of the boots and the bottom of the shoes. Make sure to rinse the boots thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
6. Remove insoles: If your hiking boots have removable insoles, take them out and clean the insoles You can wash them with washing up liquid and water, ensuring they are completely dry before reinserting them into the boots.
7. Leave the boots to dry: Allow your hiking boots to dry completely before using them again, putting them into storage, or reproofing your shoes. Never put your hiking boots in the tumble dryer; allow them to air dry naturally.
8. Waterproof the boots: If your boots are made of waterproof materials, consider reapplying a waterproofing treatment after cleaning and drying your shoes. This will help extend the lifespan of your hiking boots and keep your feet dry when you’re out on your adventures.

Importantly, this is a general guide for cleaning muddy hiking boots. Materials and construction of hiking books can vary substantially—some are made of synthetic materials, whereas others are made of leather or nubuck.

Depending on the material, you might need a slightly different cleaning method. Therefore, always follow the care instructions for your specific hiking boots for best results.

 

How Do You Clean Mud Off Leather Boots?

Cleaning mud off leather boots requires a slightly more gentle approach to avoid damaging the leather.

Here’s a step-by-step guide that works both for cleaning leather shoes and boots:

1. Allow mud to dry: Let the mud on your boots dry entirely before beginning the cleaning process. Attempting to clean wet mud can smear it on other parts of the shoe (such as the laces or other fabric areas) and potentially damage the leather.
2. Brush off excess mud: Once the mud is entirely dry, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to clean the shoes and gently brush off as much dry mud as possible. Be careful not to be too heavy-handed or use a rough brush on leather boots, as this may scratch the leather.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth: Dampen a clean, soft cloth (such as a microfibre cloth) with water. Wring the cloth out and then use it to wipe the boots and remove any remaining mud. Avoid using excessive water, as leather doesn’t respond well to soaking.
4. Use a mild soap solution: If the mud persists, mix a small amount of gentle washing-up liquid or a leather cleaner with water to create a mild soapy solution. Dampen a cloth with this solution and gently wipe the muddy areas on your leather boots.
5. Rinse and dry: Wipe the boots with a damp cloth to remove any soapy residue. Then, dry the boots thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid direct heat sources like hairdryers, as excessive heat can damage the leather.

After cleaning, applying a conditioner (or a natural leather conditioner like olive oil) to your boots is a good idea. This helps keep the leather supple and prevents it from drying out. Follow the product’s instructions for the conditioner you choose.

If your boots are polished leather, you can also use matching shoe polish to restore shine and colour. Apply the polish with a soft cloth and buff the boots to a shine.

 

Can You Put Muddy Boots in the Washing Machine?

It’s generally not recommended to machine wash your boots. Machine washing can cause your boots to break.

The force of the water can be harsh on the shoes, and the spinning motion may cause deformation or damage to the structure.

However, whether or not you can put muddy boots in the washing machine depends on their material, construction, and design.

Always check the care instructions that come with your boots, as different materials and boot types may have specific cleaning recommendations.

If your boots are labelled as machine-washable, you can follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

If machine washing is not recommended, it’s best to clean muddy boots manually using the steps above.

 

How Do You Dry Hiking Boots?

Drying your boots after washing is essential to avoid damage and keep them smelling fresh.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dry your hiking boots for best results:

1. Remove insoles and laces: If you haven’t already removed the laces and insoles when washing your muddy boots, take them out now. This allows air to circulate better and ensures that these components dry thoroughly.
2. Wipe excess moisture: Use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe off any excess water or moisture on the outside of the boots. This initial step helps to speed up the drying process, as less water will need to evaporate.
3. Dry in a well-ventilated area: Place your boots in a well-ventilated room to dry. Avoid putting your shoes in the tumble dryer or drying them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as excessive heat can damage the boots.
4. Stuff with newspaper or paper towels: Stuff your boots with crumpled newspaper or paper towels. This helps absorb moisture from the inside and maintains the shape of the boots. Replace the newspaper or paper towels periodically until the boots are completely dry.
5. Reinsert laces and condition/waterproof: Once your boots are thoroughly dry, reinsert the insoles and re-lace them properly. You can also consider conditioning or reproofing your waterproof boots at this stage to keep them in top condition.

When drying your boots, remember that patience is key. You must allow sufficient time for your boots to air dry completely.

Rushing the process may result in retained moisture, leading to unpleasant odours or, in the case of leather boots, potential damage.

 

Essential Tips for Cleaning Muddy Walking Boots

To summarise the essential take-home points we’ve covered, take a look at this list of tips before cleaning your muddy boots:

• Wipe away excess mud on the grass while it’s wet, but allow the remaining mud to dry before trying to clean your shoes.
• Knock your boots together or on an outside wall to remove excess dry mud. Most of the remaining dry mud can then be removed with a stiff brush or old toothbrush.
• Remove the laces and insoles when cleaning your boots. The insoles and laces can be washed This also makes it easier to clean mud from hard-to-reach areas.
• While cleaning, inspect your boots for any damage, loose seams, or wear. Address any issues promptly to ensure the longevity of your walking boots.
• Make sure your boots are completely dry before using them again or putting them in storage. Let them air dry naturally, avoiding heat sources.
• Reproof your boots with a specialist waterproofing product to ensure their protective coating remains intact after washing.
• Leather boots can be conditioned and polished. This prevents the material from drying out and gives them a like-new finish.