Whether you’re splashing through puddles, trekking across muddy fields, or enjoying a family day out, wellies are designed to handle the messiest of adventures. Even high-quality family Wellington boots (like those from Merry People!) need a little care to stay in top condition and continue protecting your feet season after season.
So, how do you keep your wellies looking and performing their best?
The answer lies in simple, consistent rubber boot maintenance.
Why it's Important to Clean Your Wellies
Regular cleaning, proper drying, conditioning, and careful storage will extend the lifespan of your boots, prevent cracks or fading, and ensure that they remain comfortable and functional for every outdoor activity. These easy-to-follow steps are all you need to keep your wellies merry and ready for any adventure.
By investing a few minutes into rubber boot maintenance after each wear, you can enjoy your family Wellington boots for years to come. From gentle hand-washing and treating muddy scuffs to using specialised care products and storing them correctly, these small habits make a big difference, keeping your wellies looking fresh, shiny, and adventure-ready, no matter where your wellies take you.
Essential Cleaning Steps for Wellies
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Remove Dirt & Mud | Brush off excess dirt and debris before cleaning. | Prevents scratches and buildup that can damage the boot’s surface |
| 2. Clean the Exterior | Use a damp cloth with dishwashing liquid, diluted vinegar, or bicarbonate of soda solution. | Gently removes stains, mould, and caked-on dirt without harming the material |
| 3. Clean the Interior | Use mild detergent mixed with warm water and wipe gently. | Removes odours and prevents bacteria and mould growth inside the boots |
| 4. Dry Boots Properly | Air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. | Prevents cracking, fading, and mould growth while maintaining boot shape |
| 5. Remove Scuffs & Scratches | Rub gently with a pencil eraser, then wipe away the residue. | Restores appearance without damaging the rubber |
| 6. Protect & Condition | Apply a silicone spray or rubber boot treatment to the exterior, avoiding the soles. | Maintains flexibility, repels water, and prolongs boot lifespan |
Hand-Washing Your Wellies
You want your wellies to last as long as possible. While they might be built to handle various types of harsh conditions, you should always clean them in a gentle manner. There is nothing better than going the old-fashioned hand-wash route.
To do this, all you need is warm water and a soft brush. We want to emphasise how important it is for you to use a soft bristled brush: this will prevent you from inadvertently scratching the surface of your wellies.
With your brush, don’t be afraid to give them a good scrub. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of your wellies to remove any and all dirt or debris that might be hiding there. Be gentle, and most importantly, take your time. Once you have given them a good once-over, rinse them off with fresh, cold water and allow them to air dry.
Washing-Up Liquid
Not just good for washing dishes, washing-up liquid can of course be used for other things. A good mix is one tablespoon in two cups of warm water. Dip a cloth in and always wash your boots from top to bottom, then wipe them clean with plain water afterwards. A mild washing-up liquid is also good for removing mould from your boots if needed.
Vinegar
It is no secret that vinegar is a useful cleaning product. When using vinegar to clean your wellies, it is very important to remember to water it down. Applying undiluted vinegar can damage and discolour your boots. One tablespoon of white vinegar in one cup of warm water is usually all you will need.
You need to ensure you mix the solution thoroughly and use a clean cloth to apply it. Clean your boots from top to bottom and then wipe them down again with another clean cloth and some plain water.
Vinegar is also handy for removing tough stains from your boots. You may be tempted to use a less diluted vinegar solution, but a word of caution: this can be a mistake, as strong vinegar solutions can actually damage your boots. For tough to clean spots and stains, simply use the same diluted concentration of vinegar and rub the cloth a little harder over the stained areas. Patience and persistence will pay off.
Bicarbonate of Soda
Another well known home-made cleaning product is a bicarbonate of soda solution. Not only is it powerful, it is also gentle, and you can make solutions of varying strength depending on your cleaning needs. Usually, one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in one cup of warm water should be enough.
For tougher stains, and especially caked-on dirt and mud, you can use less water to create a more concentrated paste, which you can use to scrub the boots. As with the vinegar method, you should clean them from top to bottom and then wipe the boots with a cloth and plain water.
Washing the Inside of Your Wellies
To wash the inside of your wellies, choose a mild detergent and gently clean them by hand. This will prevent damaging the material inside.
Use a damp cloth and mix the detergent with some warm water to create a soapy solution. Once the smell of the detergent is gone, use a cloth dampened with plain, clean water to remove any detergent residue still clinging to the inside lining. This helps maintain the neoprene lining.
What About the Washing Machine?
It is tempting to just throw your wellies in the washing machine, as it may seem easier; however, we don't recommend this. While their exterior may be sturdy, they are not designed to be washed in a machine. This can damage them, both inside and out.
That’s why it is always best to wash them by hand, so you can give them a thorough clean without risking damage.
Drying Your Wellies
After washing your wellies, you will need to dry them. The best method is to set them aside somewhere to air dry. Avoid leaving them outside, and do not place them close to a direct heat source.
Patience is key, as they will take quite some time to dry completely. It’s important that you let them fully dry before wearing or storing them, as otherwise you risk allowing mould to grow inside your boots.
Conditioning Your Wellies with Rubber Spray
Once your wellies are clean and dry, it’s worth conditioning the rubber. Using a good quality silicone spray or rubber boot treatment does wonders for protecting and moisturising your boots. This will help prevent them from cracking when going from wet to dry conditions, and helps to repel water.
Spray a small amount over the boots and then gently rub it in with a soft cloth. Allow it to dry and repeat if they still feel dry. Be careful not to apply it to the soles of your wellies, as this may cause a slipping incident.
Our trusty Care Kit has everything you need, including a micro-fibre cloth, rubber boot treatment spray, and sponge. Wipe down your boots after each use to prevent grime buildup, and use a cleaning solution for heavier mud.
Removing Scratches or Scuffs From Your Wellies
When wearing your sturdy wellies, it is almost inevitable they will pick up scratches and scuffs. Fortunately, there is a very easy solution: a surprisingly simple, cheap, and effective life hack that uses something found in almost every household, a pencil eraser.
Simply rub the scuff or scratch with the eraser, pausing in between to gently wipe away the excess eraser shavings with a dry cloth as needed. Keep going until the scratch or scuff is gone, then clean and dry your boots as normal, using one of the methods outlined above.
Storing Your Wellies
Keep your wellies indoors and away from direct sunlight to avoid fading and cracking. This, plus regular use of the Care Kit or a similar rubber boot treatment spray, will keep them conditioned and merrier for longer. Use your hands or a shoehorn to remove your boots gently, be cautious on slippery surfaces, and use a traction spray if you need extra grip.
A Little TLC Goes a Long Way!
Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep your Merry People boots in top shape, so you can stay merry on all your adventures!
There you have it: the proper way to clean and maintain your wellies. Taking the time to give them a little TLC every now and then will guarantee that you can enjoy your wellies for years to come!
