You should never put your work boots in the washing machine.
According to footwear care guidelines, placing work boots in a washing machine is not recommended and can cause significant problems.
Why Washing Work Boots in a Machine is Not Recommended
Attempting to clean work boots in a washing machine can lead to several negative outcomes, impacting both your boots and the appliance itself. Based on the provided reference, key reasons include:
- Destroys Integrity: The rigorous motion and force of a washing machine cycle can compromise the structural integrity of your boots, potentially weakening materials, seams, and adhesives. This can shorten the lifespan of your footwear.
- Decays Waterproofing: Many work boots feature waterproofing treatments or membranes. Machine washing can strip away protective coatings or damage internal waterproof layers, rendering your boots less effective against moisture.
- Damages Washer: Heavy, sometimes metal-reinforced, work boots can be abrasive and unbalanced in a washing machine drum. This can cause excessive shaking, noise, and potential damage to the machine's components.
The Recommended Method: Hand Washing
Instead of using a washing machine, hand washing is a much safer and more effective way to clean work boots routinely. This method allows for targeted cleaning without the risks associated with machine agitation.
Here's a basic approach to hand washing work boots:
- Remove Excess Dirt: Brush off loose dirt, mud, and debris using a stiff brush (like a shoe brush or old toothbrush).
- Remove Laces and Insoles: Take out the laces and insoles. These can often be washed separately by hand or gently wiped down.
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild soap (like saddle soap or a dedicated boot cleaner) with lukewarm water.
- Clean the Exterior: Dip a cloth or soft brush into the solution and gently scrub the exterior of the boots. Focus on soiled areas. Avoid saturating the boots completely, especially if they are leather.
- Clean the Interior: Wipe down the inside lining with a damp cloth. For odor control, you might use a diluted mixture of water and baking soda or a specialized boot deodorizer.
- Rinse (Carefully): Wipe away soap residue with a clean, damp cloth. Do not submerge the boots in water.
- Dry Properly: This is crucial. Stuff the boots with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and help them keep their shape. Allow them to air dry naturally away from direct heat sources (like radiators or blow dryers), which can crack materials, especially leather. Drying can take 24-48 hours.
By cleaning your work boots by hand routinely, you can keep them clean while preserving their condition and protective features.
