How to clean wellies: The Ultimate Guide
It would not be a true British winter if your wellies did not return from long walks or days out in the country without being affected by the cold, muddy weather.
The build-up of dirt on your wellies can cause cleaning them to feel like a time-consuming, endless task. However, with our step-by-step guide on returning them to their best, you will soon be ready to tackle the outdoors once again.
At Brocklehursts, we understand that our customers are never shy of an adventure, come rain or shine, so we have advised how to clean all areas of wellies, no matter the shape or size. Whether your ladies’ knee-length wellies require a quick rub down or the inside of your men’s ankle wellies have retained water, we have all the answers to ensure they continue to exude their full comfort sooner rather than later.
Table of contents
- How do you make wellies look new?
- How to clean inside wellies
- Can wellies be washed in the washing machine?
How do you make wellies look new?
Wellies can be a staple of your wardrobe all year and may require cleaning even in the best weather. In the winter, the frequent rainy conditions will make them more prone to dirt, increasing the need to return them to their most opulent. While many of our wellies are available in traditional colours such as green and black, particular styles like the Barbour Bede Wellington Boot feature a stunning tartan pattern that deserves to be shown off with every wear.
As a general guide, you should clean your wellies weekly or fortnightly to minimise muddy build-ups and make for a longer cleaning process. It is important to note that the type of dirt on your wellies will determine the most appropriate way to clean them.
Dried dirt
When returning home from a long, wet walk, you last want to tackle the mud your footwear has picked up. Although keeping your wellies clean is a priority, leaving any dirt to dry overnight can often make for an easier tidying-up process. You must not leave dried mud on your wellies for too long, as this can reduce their moisture and weaken their construction and longevity.
How to remove dried dirt from wellies
- Combine a small amount of soap with two cups of warm water to clean your wellies.
- Scrub the mud off using a soft-bristled brush. The brush size may vary depending on the style and shape of your wellies.
- While all soles can be cleaned with a toothbrush to help remove dirt from between the treads, a medium-sized brush is perfect for calf-length wellies and a smaller brush for ankle styles.
- If the mud is too tough and does not wipe off, leave a cloth to soak in the solution for 30 minutes and attempt to wipe your wellies down with it after this time has passed.
- Once you have removed the dirt, wipe your wellies with a cloth and some fresh, warm water. You should leave your wellies to dry naturally, away from sunlight or artificial heat sources, as other drying processes can cause them to peel or crack.
Blooming
Blooming can present on your wellies as a dry, white film caused by insoluble particles rising to the surface due to changing temperatures and humidity. While warm water will temporarily minimise the appearance of blooming, it will not produce long-lasting effects.
Instead, gently apply some drops of olive oil onto a dry cloth and wipe your wellies down using a circular motion. This technique will ensure no damage occurs on your footwear. Please note that the thick, greasy texture of olive oil will cause your wellies to feel slippery, so it is crucial to prevent oil from getting on the soles.
How to clean inside wellies
Cleaning the interior of your wellies is equally important as the outside, as this will help to maintain their durability and longevity. While all wellies should be kept in top condition, maintaining the inside of rubber wellies is especially beneficial as the material is more likely to crack or peel if not looked after.
How to clean the inside of calf and knee-length wellies
Taller wellies such as the Ariat Men’s Burford Insulated Wellington Boot and the Le Chameau Ladies’ Chasseur Neoprene Lined Boot are particularly difficult to clean inside due to their length and their strong weather-proof features, making effective sturdiness. However, with our quick and easy instructions, you can combat your cleaning tasks efficiently, preventing harmful bacteria from building up in the boot and ensuring a longer lifespan.
- Combine 2 cups of warm water with a splash of soap.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to wipe as far down into your wellies as possible. It may be worth using a small or narrow brush to ensure maximum access.
- Wet a cloth with fresh water and rinse the inside of your boots to get rid of the soapy mixture.
- Mix white vinegar and water evenly together and lightly apply it to your wellies to eradicate any built-up bacteria or odours.
- When drying your wellies, either allow them to air dry away from sunlight or any heat source; placing them upside down may dry them quicker and allow any extra solution to drain. Alternatively, stuff your wellies with newspaper rolled into a ball shape and leave it to absorb the moisture.
How to clean the inside of ankle-boot wellies
Styles like the ladies’ Aigle Parcour 2 Ankle Boot or men’s Grubs Midline Neoprene Ankle Boot are generally easier to clean than knee-high wellies. While the previous method can be used when cleaning your ankle boots, their shorter lengths are more prone to absorbing dangerous liquid, particularly muddy puddles or contaminated water.
You can combat this easily by replacing the combination of white vinegar and water with a strong disinfectant spray, as this will sanitise the inside of your boot.
Once your wellies are dry, you can place baking soda into your boot and leave it overnight. Baking soda's antibacterial features help absorb moisture and minimise bacterial build-up and odours; ensure you remove the baking soda before wearing your wellies.
Can wellies be washed in the washing machine?
In the same way that heat can damage wellies if left to try in the sunlight or near a radiator, the temperature of a washing machine can also impact their quality, even if placed on a cold wash. Additionally, the motion of a washing machine can impact the quality of your wellies, with constant rotation potentially causing them to lose shape.
With so much water absorption, the water resistance of your wellies will also diminish after machine washes, making for a very uncomfortable experience on any winter adventure.
Purchase your favourite winter wellies from Brocklehursts!
At Brocklehursts, our range of wellies varies between top-quality brands, such as Aigle, Barbour and Le Chameau, giving our customers peace of mind that they are always provided with the best. Our guide also caters to every type of welly, so whether you want to know how to clean Aigle wellies or spruce up any other luxury brand, you can adapt our instructions easily.
Why not give your boots an added layer of comfort during the colder months? Our range of socks includes styles specifically crafted for wellies, such as the Barbour Fleece Wellington Sock and the Sealskinz Raynham Waterproof Mid-Length Sock, helping you to keep out the breeze during the coldest walks.
Purchase your favourite winter footwear from Brocklehursts today and qualify for Free Standard Delivery On UK Orders Over £75!
