Can You Wash Rain Boots in The Washing Machine?

Last Updated on June 27, 2022 by Sarah Jaffe

As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to keep your feet protected from the elements. Rain boots are pretty handy. They keep your feet dry and warm, and they make walking easier in the mud and slush. But, do you know what happens if you put your rain boots in the washing machine? Does it ruin your boot? Does it harm your boots? Will your boots shrink? 

These questions, and more, are answered here including in our guide. Moreover, with our easy guide, you can quickly learn how to clean your rain boots in the washing machine without damaging them so let’s begin. 

Can You Wash Rain Boots in The Washing Machine?

The quick answer is yes, but with certain precautions, you need to take first which we will explain. Washing your rain boots in the washing machine is actually quite easy and it will clean your boots without making them damaged.

However, there are a few things you need to do in order to avoid any issues:

1. First, make sure that your boots are made of materials that can withstand the agitation and heat of the washing cycle.
2. Always put your boots in a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them from being damaged by other items in the load.
3. Use a mild detergent and cold water setting to avoid damaging the boots.
4. Finally, be sure to air dry your boots after washing them to prevent them from cracking or tearing.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your rain boots looking new for years to come.

Precautions To Take for Cleaning the Rain Boots in Washing Machine

Wash Your Boots in Cold Water

Washing your rain boots in hot water or running them through the washer and dryer can damage your boot and ruin the outer surface. When it comes to rain boots, the less you touch them, the better. Washing in cold water helps maintain the integrity of the rubber exterior, which is why we recommend washing in cold water.

Don’t Forget The Insoles!

While you’re washing your rain boots, don’t forget about the insoles. These can be removed and washed separately from the boots. Just pop them out and wash them with your regular laundry. If they’re really dirty, you can scrub them with a brush and some soap before putting them in the wash.

Use the Right Detergent

The right detergent can help protect the interior of your rain boots. For example, you should avoid using detergents that contain bleach or ammonia. You can also look for a stain remover that contains no dyes or solvents.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

While you’re washing the interior of your rain boots, don’t forget about the exterior. You can use a soft brush to scrub away any dirt or mud that’s on the outside of your boots. Just be sure to use soap and water rather than any harsh chemicals.

Let Them Air Dry

After you’ve washed your rain boots, make sure to let them air dry. Again, heat can damage the rubber material, so avoid using a hairdryer or any other kind of direct heat. Instead, stuff your boots with newspaper and set them in a cool, dry place until they’re completely dry.

Dry Your Boots Properly

Be sure to remove any excess moisture from the inside of your boots by hanging them upside down and letting them air dry. If you have any dampness, you can use an antibacterial spray to prevent odor or mold growth. If you must use a dryer, set it to the lowest setting and remove your boots when they are just barely damp. Excessive heat can damage the rubber exterior of your rain boots.

Store Your Boots Properly

Once your rain boots are clean and dry, be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in a humid environment, as this can cause the rubber to deteriorate. If you must store your boots in a damp location, be sure to stuff them with newspaper to absorb any moisture.

How To Clean Your Rain Boots in The Washing Machine Without Damaging Them

Here are 7 Easy Steps to Cleaning Your Rain Boots:

Step 1. Soak Your Rain Boots in Water

Start by filling a bucket or sink with cold water and then submerging the boot in the water. Let it sit there until the water is lukewarm to the touch, which usually takes about 15 minutes.

Step 2. Remove The Boot

Remove your boot from the bucket of water by pulling it straight up. You can use a pair of pliers to pull the boot out if it’s difficult to get it free.

Step 3. Launder Your Boots

If you’re washing your boots in cold water, don’t place them directly in the washing machine. Instead, you should line your machine with a pair of rubber boots to protect the rubber boot’s exterior from harsh conditions.

Step 4. Air Dry Your Boots

Let your boots air dry in a well-ventilated area until they’re completely dry. If you want to avoid stretching your rain boots, air-dry them rather than using a dryer.

Step 5. Put Them Away

Once your boots are dry, put them back on by folding the top part of the boot under the sole. If you wear the boot with the toe pointing up, you can turn the boot right side out, fold the top part over the sole, and put it back on.

Step 6. Wear Your Boots

Once your boots are dry and you’ve put them away, put them on and continue wearing them as usual.

Step 7. Protect Your Footwear

It’s not just raining boots that need protecting. Shoes, slippers, and sandals can get wet and dirty too. So, if you want to keep your footwear in good condition, it’s important to protect them from the rain. You can do this by applying a water-repellent spray to the outside of your shoes before you wear them. This will help to keep the water out and prevent your shoes from getting wet and dirty.

Now that you know how to clean your rain boots in the washing machine without damaging them, you can keep your feet dry and comfortable all season long. Let’s have a look at what other kinds of shoes you can wash in the washing machine?

Conclusion 

As we saw above, there are many ways to clean your rain boots in the washing machine. However, you should always be careful when doing so.

We hope this guide has been helpful to you. If you have any questions about this article, feel free to ask us in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading.

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