How to Clean Sailing Boots
No nautical outing is complete without a reliable and comfortable pair of sailing boots. At P&B, we know all too well about the work your feet must go through during each sail, which inevitably takes a toll on your footwear. The constant barrage of salt water, sea debris and more can eat away at your once gorgeous sailing boots.
Every couple of months, they’ll require a thorough cleaning. Not only does this help aesthetically, but clean and unencumbered sailing boots can help benefit your performance. When your boots are at their best, so are you, as you can move freely with the protection you’d expect from sturdy sailing footwear.
Ensure you reach top performance with sailing boots free from dirt and debris with help from our comprehensive cleaning guide at P&B.
Table of contents
- How to clean sailing boots
- How to dry sailing boots & store
- How to stop sailing boots from smelling
- Sailing boots at P&B
How to clean sailing boots
We know you might be dreading it, but tackling your dirty sailing boots now saves you a job further down the line, and it’ll make your next few sails feel amazing! Your boots can pick up all sorts of mess while on the water, so getting rid of all that is the priority. Follow our steps and get your boots back to their best in no time.
Step 1 – Rinse your boots
Getting as much gunk and grime off your boots as soon as possible sets you in good stead for the rest of the cleaning process. Rinse your boots under clean, cold water to remove saltwater, mud and miscellaneous sea debris. Use a strong, clean brush to tackle any particularly stubborn areas while continuing to rinse.
Step 2 – Apply footwear cleaner
The best way to counteract all the dirt and grime picked up by your boots over the last few months is to apply a specialist cleaning solution designed to work its way into the boots’ fibres. At P&B, we highly recommend Dubarry’s footwear cleaner. Dubarry excels in producing fantastic sailing boots; their cleaning range is just as reliable.
Spray the cleaner all over your boots and add a splash of water. Use a brush or sponge to vigorously work the cleaner into the boots until it begins to lather. Rinse well with water after a thorough scrub and dry for approximately 24 hours.
Step 3 – Condition your boots
Once dry, your boots will be ready for extra treatment. Apply a leather conditioner like Dubarry’s Footwear Conditioner to your boots using a clean cloth, sponge or soft brush. Depending on the age and condition of your boots, you may need to apply several layers to achieve sufficient nourishment and flexibility. Leave to dry for 2-3 hours before performing the next step.
Step 4 – Protect your boots for your next sail
Your boots are cleaned, and the leather feels flexible. However, there’s still one more thing to do to ensure they are ready to face the water again. Dubarry’s protection spray helps restore water repellency to your boots, which may have waned over time. Maintaining strong water resistance helps you and your boots achieve top performance while sailing, unaffected by the choppiest conditions.
Spray the protector over your boots in several layers while allowing each layer to be fully absorbed before applying the next. Perform this step outside or in a well-ventilated area for best results.
How to dry & store sailing boots
Most of the cleaning process requires leaving your boots to dry so each step can have the maximum possible effect before moving on to the next. You’ll also want a safe place to put them after cleaning so they won’t get dirty again before you return to the water.
But this begs the question, what is the best way to dry your boots? Inefficient drying could mean that you’ll have to wait up to 48 hours before applying conditioner or protector, and depending on your schedule, this might be an extension you can’t afford.
One of the best ways to dry your boots is to hang them for the first hour or so to drip dry in a room lacking moisture or humidity. Follow this by filling the footwear with scrunched-up newspaper to absorb the excess moisture from your boots, replacing the newspaper every few hours if possible.
A shoe/boot rack is ideal for storing your sailing boots. Keep them away from direct sunlight and avoid folding or creasing your boots as it may damage the material.
How to stop sailing boots from smelling
Consistent wear and tear, the debris they have to deal with, and their involvement in high-octane activities mean that sailing boots can develop a fairly foul odour after a few months. Sometimes, even thorough cleaning can’t get this out, so we’ve gathered a few tips to help stop the smell before your next sail.
- When your boots are nearly dry, use dryer sheets to soak up the last bit of moisture and reduce funky odours.
- Add a tablespoon of bicarbonate soda mixed with warm water in your boots the night before washing.
- After each wear, thoroughly rinse your boots and clean them with mild soap.
Sailing boots at P&B
At P&B, we stock an incredible range of sailing boots so you can maintain high-performance levels with every sail, no matter the conditions. Now you know how to clean and care for sailing boots, it’s the perfect time to pick up a new pair!
With all this knowledge and expertise at your disposal, you’re ready to get amongst the thrills and spills of racing or just take a leisurely sail on the coast. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a fresh pair of boots ready for every sail.
Browse boots from leading industry brands, including Zhik and Gill, to help you reach your maximum potential. Our collection’s focus on movement and waterproof protection emphasises our dedication to performance and efficient sailing. Shop sailing dinghy boots or yachting boots today and feel the benefit!
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