With the summertime slowly drawing to a close and the threat of rain clouds quite literally on the horizon, it’s time to reach to the back of your closet, shoe rack, or garden storage for your pair of Wellington Boots - the ultimate accompaniment for the fast approaching wet weather walks in the countryside and winter work.
Some will be met by a rather sad pair of neglected, mud caked and whiffy rubber boots, and for the unlucky few it may even result in wet socks on their next outing! Giving your Boots a regular spruce up will not only extend the life of your wellies but will save you doing one big clean when it’s too late! When it comes to maintenance, what is the best way to care for them?
We’ve gathered some handy Do’s and Do Not’s to help you properly care for your favourite pair of Wellington Boots and help prolong their life. Follow our tips for caring for your wellies and you should find they will last years longer.
After a muddy walk do...
- Take your boots of gently with your hands or better, with a boot jack which will be kinder to your back
- Brush of all excess dirt from your boots after every use, paying extra attention to the soles where mud could get stuck in grooves
- Use cold soapy water or a hose pipe to remove the remaining dirt
- It is especially beneficial to clean your boots if you have been to the beach or farm land as salt and livestock dung/urine will cause the rubber to deteriorate
- If the boots get wet inside, dry the lining thoroughly before using them again. Crumpled newspaper stuffed inside will help to dry them out faster
- If your boots have zips, occasionally spray a little oil or silicon spray on them and open and close a few times, then store them closed
- Let your boots air dry, and store your wellies to dry naturally in a dry and ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and from any heat source
- Occasionally use a silicone spray, polish or an instant boot shine sponge to restore your boot’s natural shine
- Consider storing your wellies in a boot bag, this will provide extra protection during storing and can be really handy for transporting them too
- If storing your boots for a long period, clean them thoroughly and store away from direct sunlight in a dry, cool place
- Try spritzing your boots with an odour-neutralising spray to remove unpleasant scents, or for a more natural version use a home-made vinegar spray solution of three parts water to one part white vinegar before drying and airing well.
But do not...
- Do not toe off your wellies with your other foot, this will result in excessive stress to the heel - leading to splitting
- Do not use aggressive products, like detergents, to clean your boots, these will destroy the rubber
- Do not attempt to wash your boots in a washing machine or tumble dryer
- Do not dry your boots in direct contact with a heat source like a radiator or a fireplace.
- Do not store your boots in a damp condition or folded.
- When cleaning do not forget the zips and buckles, these can also get muddy and can rust, stick or even come off
- Do not panic if you go to get your wellies out of the cupboard and notice they are covered in a white, powder-like residue, this is a natural process called Blooming. Use a rubber buffer cleaning solution to remove any excess bloom from your boots, restoring them to their former glory.
If it is unfortunately too late for your old faithful pair of wellies, and you are thinking of buying a new pair, check out our fine selection of Wellington Boots...
