To clean your laces, rinse them with warm water and dish soap, then leave them out to dry.
If your boots have stubborn salt stains, soak them in water for an hour or two. [3] X Research source
Use a toothbrush to scrub hard to reach nooks and crannies. Try using a pencil eraser to remove any scuffs that don’t come off with dish detergent. [5] X Research source
When the cloth gets soapy, rinse it under running water, squeeze it out, then continue wiping the boots until you’ve sopped up all the soap.
Spray them while they’re still damp to best impregnate the material and prevent future water absorption. Waterproof your boots whenever you wash them. To keep them in the best shape, give them a spray or wax the day before you go hiking.
While too much moisture is bad for hide-based boots, the right amount will help prevent them from wearing or cracking. It’s best to condition your leather boots whenever you wash and waterproof them. Just don’t apply too much conditioner at one time, or your boots will become too soft. [9] X Research source
Try sprinkling baking soda and placing crumpled newspaper inside the boots to help them dry out and remove odors. Replace the newspaper whenever it becomes damp.
The hot sun will have the same effect as a radiator or dryer, so avoid leaving your boots outside to dry.
Try not to leave your boots in the car after using them, or you’ll end up with moldy, stained boots.
