Keeping your work boots clean increases their lifespan and allows them to maintain their effectiveness. This is important for safety footwear and work boots of all types, especially if you work in potentially hazardous environments.
Naturally, work boots are rarely going to be spotless due to the nature of their use, but it’s important to keep them as clean as possible for safety and aesthetic reasons alike.
Check out our guide for keeping your work boots clean below.
How often should you clean work boots?
We’d recommend cleaning your work boots properly at the end of every week, or every time they get particularly dirty, as well as giving them a quick wipe down/brush off at the end of every shift.
You may need to clean your boots more/less frequently based on the nature of your work, especially if you work in wet or muddy conditions.
Should you machine wash work boots?
Unless their label explicitly states that they are suitable for machine washing, you should avoid putting work boots, or safety boots/shoes in the wash. This is because the heat and vigorous spinning can be damaging to materials such as leather, suede, and other similar materials.
You also run the risk of damaging your washing machine due to the heavy weight of the boots and force created by the spinning.
Also check out our guide to washing workwear.
Materials for hand cleaning work boots
You’ll need some basic supplies for hand cleaning work boots, and there are some optional extras too which may be useful in some cases:
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Warm water
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Mild soap/detergent
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Stiff brush
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Soft brush
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Microfiber cloths or sponges
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Newspaper/paper towels
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(Optional) Leather conditioner
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(Optional) Waterproofing wax
Hand cleaning work boots without damaging them
Work boots are sturdy, so they’re not easily damaged. However, it’s still important to use the right cleaning materials and techniques to avoid degrading materials.
Here is our step-by-step guide to hand cleaning your work boots:
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Remove laces - This allows you to reach under the tongue and reach all crevices easily.
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Remove loose dirt - Using a stiff bristled brush, clear any dried mud or hard debris from the surface of the boots.
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Rinse boots - Use running water that isn’t too hot (a hose works well) to rinse away excess surface dirt. Don’t soak the boots however.
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Prepare cleaning solution - Mix mild soap or detergent with warm, but not boiling, water.
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Scrub uppers - Use your soft brush with your cleaning solution to gently scrub the upper of the boot, targeting any stains or dirty patches.
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Clean soles - Using your stiffer brush, thoroughly scrub the treads and soles to remove embedded dirt and debris. This increases the grip of your boots.
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Rinse - Take a clean, damp cloth and remove all soap residue from the boots, ensure no soap remains on leather or soaked into materials.
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Air dry - Allow your boots to dry by stuffing loosely with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture. Avoid direct heat or sunlight whilst allowing boots to dry in a well ventilated area.
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(Optional) Condition and treat - For leather work boots (such as the Apache Mens Waterproof Safety Boots), it’s a good idea to condition using a leather conditioner to uppers. This prevents cracking and increases lifespan.
How to dry your work boots after cleaning
To dry work boots after cleaning, stuff the boots loosely with newspaper, this helps them maintain shape whilst drying, and absorbs moisture.
Then, place your boots in a well ventilated area out of direct sunlight and allow them to dry naturally. Placing the boots on or near a heat source could cause damage, so we’d recommend avoiding this too.
Don’t put your boots in the dryer, as this will damage them and reduce their safety benefits.
Check out the Dewalt Reno Honey Safety Pro Lite Boots for the highest quality safety boots.
Tips for maintaining work boots
Here are our top tips for maintaining work boots:
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Remove dirt and debris daily
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Clean weekly (at least)
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Avoid washing machines and tumble dryers
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Condition leather periodically
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Use waterproofing spray/wax
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Store in a dry environment to avoid mould or damage
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Regularly check for wear and tear
Work boots need a bit more care and attention than many other types of footwear, because damage or wear to them can actually be a safety hazard.
Check out our full selection of grinders safety boots, mens safety footwear, or grafters work boots for high quality and affordable work footwear.