Wet and Muddy Shoe Care Guide
Posted by Pavers Blog Team on
One of life’s great joys is the freeing feeling of being in the great outdoors, and, with our native weather, that can often lead to wet weather and muddy conditions. Whether you are embarking on a lengthy winter walk or just pottering in the garden, there is always the chance of getting caught in a sudden downpour! Don’t let the chance of a spot of mud or rain on your favourite shoes spoil your day out, with the correct after care there are ways to get your favourite boots and shoes in tip-top condition again.
How to Clean Muddy Shoes
Firstly, try to get as much mud as possible off the shoes before heading home. If there is a patch of grass or shallow stream available, try and use your surroundings to remove as much of the mud as possible whilst it is still wet without using any products. In most cases, it is best practice to try and clean the shoes as soon as they get muddy. With waterproof styles such as wellies, try using a hose pipe to spray the mud off the boots, being careful not to get any water inside the boots. Once inside, set the shoes upon newspaper to protect the surface and create a solution of warm water and mild soap such as dishwashing liquid. Use a soft cleaning brush, cloth or toothbrush with the liquid in circular rotations to remove the mud from the shoes, taking extra care around fastenings and details where mud could have gathered. Once they are clean, allow them to dry naturally, before finishing them with the correct care and protection products, for example, leather conditioner for leather boots.
Can You Put Muddy Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Always avoid washing any kind of footwear in the washing machine. It can seem a tempting fuss-free way to clean up, however the constant soaking of water, vigorous movements and high heat can damage the materials and structure of shoes and boots, especially leathers. Plus, there is a chance that the footwear could cause damage to the washing machine. However, dirty laces can be removed and machine washed to restore them to their former glory.
How to Dry Wet Shoes
No matter what your shoes are made from, the best way to dry them is always in natural conditions. On a warm summer’s day, you can always try drying your shoes outside, and this will also help alleviate any odours. Although not necessarily the fastest way to dry out shoes, drying shoes naturally will ensure that materials, fastenings and glues maintain the best condition they can. Putting shoes or boots near a direct source of heat such as a fire or a radiator may cause a distortion in the fit and shape of the shoes, and can damage materials, such as drying out leather, which is a natural and porous material. If you have water which has soaked into the interior and lining of your shoes, adding scrunched up tissue paper to them can help soak it up.
How to Remove Dried Mud
So, you’ve not managed to catch the mud whilst it was wet, and it has now dried onto your footwear. Don’t despair! There is a chance that a great deal of the mud will simply come off with a bang. Banging the sole against a wall or outdoor surface can often shake some of the dried mud free. For the mud that remains, try using a dry brush to brush off the lingering dirt.
How to Clean Muddy Wellies
It’s fair to say that Wellington boots are sure to get a little bit dirty in their lifetime, that’s what they are there for! So, how is the best way to clean them? To stop bringing mud into the house, the best way to clean muddy wellies is to give them a hose down with a hose pipe outside, if you have one. Gently hose the wellies using the water, being sure to pay extra attention to the soles where mud could get stuck in grooves. The best time to rinse them is straight after wearing them, when the mud is still usually wet and will come off easier. If you have been to the beach, salt and sand can help the rubber and dyes deteriorate, so it is best to wash them as soon as you can after wearing them. If you don’t have a hose pipe, a bucket of water with a few drops of washing up liquid and a sponge or cloth will also work just as well. Don’t forget to check the zips and buckles for hidden mud!
What Should I Have in my Care Kit?
Creating a shoe care kit is a great way to know that you have everything you need to look after your footwear. Our cleaning kit essentials are shoe cream, horse hair brushes, wax polish, lint free cloths and a welt brush. Keeping some newspaper handy is also always useful to protect your floors. This set of maintenance essentials will allow you to look after the care of your Pavers shoes and boots with ease.
What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant?
Waterproof and water resistant have two slightly different meanings which describe the level of protection against water which the shoe will give you. Water resistant has the ability to resist water, but only to a certain point, whereas waterproof technically means that it is impermeable to water, thus offering a stronger level of protection.
Can You Waterproof Shoes?
If you have a pair of shoes or boots at home that you think you might like to wear in potentially wet weather, you can enhance their water resistance with a few handy shoe care products. Waterproofing sprays are a simple way to waterproof your shoes quickly. Remove any laces or additional detachable details from the shoes and apply the product per packaging instructions. You can also try waterproofing waxes and creams for your footwear, simply use like you would a leather conditioner to a water resistant coating to your shoes.
