How to clean hiking boots: The simple trick to double life

To clean hiking boots, remove the laces and brush off dry mud with a stiff brush. Scrub the uppers using warm water and a boot-specific cleaner or mild soap, then rinse thoroughly. Always air dry your boots at room temperature, as direct heat can crack the leather or ruin the glue.

Knowing how to clean hiking boots is the best way to save your gear from the bin. I used to be the person who finished a trek, threw my muddy boots in the garage, and forgot about them until the next month. I quickly realised that was a mistake when the leather started cracking and the waterproof lining failed during a rainy walk in the Peak District. Mud acts like a sponge, pulling moisture out of the leather and making it brittle. If you want your boots to last a decade instead of a season, a little bit of elbow grease goes a long way.

What you need to get started

You don’t need a professional kit to do this right. Most of the stuff is likely sitting in your kitchen or shed. I’ve found that using the right tools makes the job much faster and prevents you from accidentally scratching the material.

• A stiff brush for the soles and a softer brush for the uppers. An old toothbrush works wonders for the seams.
• Warm water in a bucket or sink.
• Specialist boot cleaner or a very mild dish soap.
• A blunt tool like a screwdriver to poke rocks out of the tread.
• Old newspapers or a small fan for drying.

Step-by-step guide on how to clean hiking boots

I usually do this in the garden or over a layer of old towels. It gets messy, and your partner probably won’t appreciate mud on the kitchen carpet. Here is the process I use after every major hike.

1. Preparation and dry brushing

Pull out the laces and the insoles. This lets you get into the tongue area where sand and grit love to hide. If you leave the laces in, you’ll never get the dirt out of the eyelets. I usually toss my laces in the washing machine if they are really filthy. Use your stiff brush to knock off any large chunks of dried mud. I laughed at how much dirt fell out of my soles the last time I did this; it was like bringing half the trail home with me.

2. Scrubbing the uppers

Dip your soft brush in the warm water and apply a bit of cleaner. Scrub in circular motions. Be gentle if you have suede or nubuck boots, as you don’t want to ruin the nap of the leather. For full-grain leather, you can be a bit more firm. I always pay extra attention to the flex points where your foot bends. That’s usually where the most grit builds up and causes the most damage. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as they destroy the waterproof membranes like GORE-TEX.

3. Cleaning the outsoles

This is the satisfying part. Use the stiff brush and plenty of water to get the mud out of the deep lugs. If there are stubborn pebbles wedged in there, pop them out with your screwdriver. Clean soles give you better traction, which you’ll definitely appreciate the next time you’re scrambling over wet rocks.

4. Rinsing and conditioning

Rinse the boots with clean water. Don’t submerge them completely unless they are already soaked through. While the boots are still damp, this is the best time to apply a waterproofing treatment. The water helps the treatment soak into the pores of the material. I personally use a spray-on proofer because it’s quick and covers the seams easily.

How to dry your boots without ruining them

This is where most people go wrong. I once tried to speed things up by putting my boots near a radiator. The heat caused the leather to shrink and the soles started to peel away. It was an expensive lesson to learn.

The best way to dry boots is to stuff them with plain newspaper. The paper soaks up the moisture from the inside. Change the paper every few hours if the boots are really wet. Place them in a spot with good airflow and a consistent room temperature. Never use a hairdryer, a tumble dryer, or an open fire to dry your gear. It takes longer to air dry, but your boots will actually stay in one piece.

Common mistakes I see hikers make

I’ve talked to plenty of people on the trail who complain about their boots leaking. Often, it’s because of how they handle the cleaning process. Here are a few things I’ve learned to avoid:

• Using the washing machine: Never put your hiking boots in the washer. The spinning and high heat can destroy the internal structure and the adhesives holding the sole on.
• Ignoring the inside: Sweaty feet leave salt deposits inside the boot. This can wear down the waterproof lining from the inside out. Occasionally wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
• Storing them while damp: This is a recipe for mould and bad smells. I once left damp boots in a plastic bag for a week—the smell was so bad I almost threw them away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fairy liquid to clean my boots?

You can use a tiny amount of mild dish soap if you are in a pinch, but it isn’t ideal. Specialist cleaners are designed to maintain the oils in the leather. Standard soaps can sometimes strip these oils away, leading to cracks over time.

How often should I clean my hiking boots?

You should give them a quick brush after every hike. A deep clean with water and soap is only necessary when they are visibly caked in mud or when you notice the water isn’t “beading” off the surface anymore.

Do I need to clean the inside of the boots?

Yes, but not every time. If you’ve been on a particularly hot hike and your feet were sweating, wiping the inside with a damp cloth helps remove salts. This keeps the waterproof membrane working properly for longer.

My boots still smell after cleaning, what can I do?

The smell usually comes from bacteria in the insole. Pull the insoles out and wash them separately with soap. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar or a specialist deodoriser spray to kill the odour-causing bacteria.

Is it okay to dry boots in the sun?

It is better than a radiator, but direct, intense sunlight can still damage leather and fade the fabric. A shaded spot with a nice breeze is the safest place for them to dry out naturally.

Final thoughts on boot maintenance

It might feel like a chore when you get home tired from a long day on the hills, but taking ten minutes to look after your gear makes a massive difference. I’ve found that my feet stay much more comfortable when my boots are clean and well-conditioned. Plus, there is something quite relaxing about the ritual of getting your gear ready for the next adventure. Learning how to clean hiking boots ensures your feet stay dry and your gear stays ready for the next peak.