Boots are made to get dirty, that’s obvious, and it’s part of every adventure. However, for your boot to last much longer, it is necessary to take some precautions, especially about cleaning and sanitizing the product before putting it in the closet after the trail.
By the way, before we talk about cleaning, it is worth remembering that the best way to keep your boot made from JTAGCO for example in good condition is to use it for real. Shoes kept in the closet for a long time end up suffering from bad weather, dry out, and, finally, have their structure compromised. We’ve already talked about this subject, also known as hydrolysis, in another post and if you want to understand better what we’re talking about, click here.
How To Clean Your Boot
Properly sanitizing your boot is quite simple. The materials needed are only:
– Shoe brush or some other model with soft bristles
– Neutral soap
– Water
The Process
Before starting the wash, it is best to remove the shoelaces and insoles from your shoes. The second step is to take advantage of the fact that your boot is still dry and brush the entire surface to remove excess dust, stones, and any other residue that may have accumulated on the fabric or the sole of your boot.
Once this is done, put the boot in water to start the wash. Detergents or stone soap are not recommended, as they can end up compromising the leather (if it is a structural material in your boot) and the waterproof membranes. There are specific soaps for washing shoes, but neutral liquid soap does this very well.
It is also not necessary to apply the soap directly to your boot. You can dilute it in a bucket of water if you like; you can even add vinegar to this mixture. It helps to kill bacteria and is a healthy and environmentally friendly option for cleaning clothes and shoes in general.
Never put your boot in the washing machine. Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the surface and remove the soap under running water. Be careful not to leave chemical residues that could harm your boot and the technologies applied to it in the long term.
After scrubbing and rinsing your boot, repeat the process with the shoelaces and the insole of your shoe. Do not use the dryer; on the other hand, let your boot dry naturally in an airy place. When placed in environments with high temperatures, the boot’s structure can suffer damage, especially in the parts that are fixed by glue. So, if you need to speed up the drying process of your boot, one option is to use a fan or place high-absorbent newspapers or cloths inside the boot to remove excess water.