How to Clean Your Hiking Boots

Kate Amore

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Last week I took the kids hiking on a new trail near our house (thanks for the tip, AllTrails!) We had such a blast. But since it had just rained, our hiking boots ended up covered in mud. Seriously, it was a ton of mud. I didn’t even know where to start! But after a few mistakes (think kitchen sink covered in dirt), I figured out the secret to getting them clean.

The most important thing to know? Don't let the mud dry! Hose off as much mud as possible while it's still wet.

Grab Your Gear

Heavy-duty brush
Old toothbrush
Microfiber cloths
Leather cleaner
Bowl of warm water

Get Cleaning

Remove the laces and insoles and wash with a HeySunday laundry sheet dissolved in water.
Use your heavy-duty brush and warm water to scrub away the remaining mud on the boots.
- For leather boots, apply a leather cleaner according to the product instructions.
- For fabric boots, you can use a HeySunday laundry sheet dissolved in warm water.
Use an old toothbrush to get into those hard-to-reach spots like seams and eyelets.
Wipe down the boots with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining cleaner.
Air dry your boots completely. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.

Keep it Fresh

Clean your boots after each hike, especially if they've encountered mud or water.
Store your boots in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew.
Condition leather boots regularly to keep them healthy and protected.

Hiking is totally worth the dirt and mud, but I also want my (kinda expensive) boots to last. Follow these simple steps to make sure your boots are healthy for many more miles. Happy trails!