How to care for/look after Wellington Boots

Before you clean your boots, take note of the following.

There are three main types of material used for modern Wellington Boots, 1) plastic/wax coated vulcanised rubber and 2) Plastic/PVC coated canvas, 3) Neoprene. The first step when cleaning your boots is to determine which type of material your boots are made of. The second step is to choose a cleaning solution and cleaning cloth for that type of surface. We highly recommend you try your cleaning solution on a SMALL AREA, such as the back of the heel before attempting to clean the entire boot. Also, wait at least an hour, examine the small area and observe if there is any damage before continuing to clean the boot. This is because there may be a slow chemical reaction that is not easily seen, occurring between your cleaning solution and this protective coating. The coating can easily be damaged and your boots will lose this protective coating forever and be permanently damaged! We recommend a very gentle clean, using a soft cloth with a very mild soapy solution.

Storage for Wellington Boots

Car boot organiser/ pop up/ stores flat/ tidy storage
Car boot organiser/ pop up/ stores flat/ tidy storage 		Boot bag (463)- no more muddy halls or car boots!
Boot bag (463)- no more muddy halls or car boots! (see more boot bags for Wellington Boots) 		Stackable Clear Knee Length Boots Storage Boxes
Stackable Clear Knee Length Boots Storage Boxes

Looking after your Wellingtons

Rubber and sunlight do not go well together. Rubber is a natural product, even if it is vulcanised, sunlight will still tend to cause the rubber to harden.

Get a shoe bag

Once your wellies are dry store them in a welly bag or in a shoe bag. This will keep them in a dark place. Ensure the shoe bag has holes otherwise slightly damp Wellingtons may end up getting mouldy. See here for shoe boxes, boot bags, and other shoe related accessories.

How to dry

Heat will effect the rubber, so do not dry Wellingtons using a heat source other than room temperature.

Boot stands

A wellie stand is the perfect item to dry your wellies. These are either wall mounted or sit on the floor in your hallway. Wellie stands are wood or iron gadgets that have poles that you put the wellies onto. The wellies usually sit upside-down, allowing any water to drip out. See here for boot stands.

Tips for cleaning

Use your hands or a "wellie jack" to remove your wellies when you return from muddie expeditions. A wellie jack is a special device you place your Wellington Boot into that holds the base and bottom of the heel to allow you to safely remove your foot from the boot without causing the base to separate from the rest of the boot.

Cleaning ideas for Wellington Boots

Boot scraper / cleaner & brush
Car boot organiser/ pop up/ stores flat/ tidy storage (see more boot scrapers and boot cleaners) 		Rolson Tools 82700 Mud Cleaner
Rolson Tools 82700 Mud Cleaner - simple but effective mud cleaner - removes mud from the soles of boots 		Boot Scraper
Handy Boot Scraper rating

Things to avoid

Greases, oils, and acids are not good for rubber products in general - wipe off immediately. Certain brands of Wellington Boots are more resistant to chemicals than others. Some brands are made from Neoprene - which is not rubber at all but a synthetic rubber product invented in the 1930's. Neoprene needs special care - use a mild soapy solution and very gentle brushing.

Protecting against sunlight

Use a silicone spray on rubber boots to protect the boots against sunlight, but avoid spraying the soles as this will make them slip when wet. The silicon spray will also add shine to the rubber.



Note: Always refer your Wellington Boot manufacturers guidelines as the primary source of care for your shoes.

Ventilated Storage Boxes for Wellington Boots

Why is it important to keep rubber boots in the dark? Quite simply, rubber is a sap-like organic material, that is extracted from rubber trees and will naturally decay over time. Sunlight (in fact any source of UV light) is bad for rubber wellies as the sun will harden the rubber, making the rubber more prone to split. Protect your wellies by keeping them in the dark! Ensure that they are well ventilated in order to dry and prevent mould from growing inside the boot. A bit of bicarbonate of soda inside the boot and around the container is an old trick that will also help dry your smelly wellies and keep them in top condition.

Extra Large Wicker Trunk
Extra Large Wicker Trunk 		Rattan Wicker extra large Storage basket Trunk
Rattan Wicker extra large Storage basket Trunk 		Large Wicker Trunk
Large Wicker Trunk

Warning! Some boots have a thin protective layer

Note that some boots have a thin waxy protective layer applied at the factory. This layer can be easily damaged by solvents and other harsh kitchen chemicals. Always "test clean" a small patch on the back heel of the boot before cleaning the entire shoe. Then wait at least an hour before cleaning the rest of the boot to see if the boots surface is changed in that area. The best advice we have for cleaning muddy rain boots is to read the instructions that came with the boots. If you have no instructions and are left with no other alternatives then a very mild soapy solutions is usually best. With a small amount of water and soap gently wipe the mud off the surface of the boots.

Silicone Sprays

Silicone protects rubber from ultra-violet radiation damage by forming a thin protective UV and waterproof barrier between the sun and rubber. Wellington Boots usually already have some form of protective chemical covering to protect the rubber. Always test on a small area of your Wellingtons before applying to the whole boot. Do not apply to the base of the boots as Silicone is extremely slippery.

3-in-1 44015 3 in 1 Silicone Spray
3-in-1 44015 3 in 1 Silicone Spray 		Silicone Spray 400ml
Silicone Spray 400 ml 		400ml silicone spray
400ml silicone spray

Boot Shaping Storage Inserts for Knee Length Boots


Keeps your boots in-shape with this boot shaper from Caraselle Direct. Roll and put into boot. Helps your boots last longer. Link to Video

View details >>>
Also see: Shoe-Shop.com's plastic boot shaper, Dasco's list of boot shapers.

Boot care products

Ugg Sheepskin Care Kit
Ugg Boots Sheepskin Care Kit (see more UGG boot ideas) 		Zamberlan Boot Care Kit
Zamberlan Boot Care Kit 		Zamberlan Hydrobloc Cream
Zamberlan Hydrobloc Cream 		Zamberlan Spray Hydrobloc Conditioner
Zamberlan Spray Hydrobloc Conditioner

External Links

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