How to Clean Your Work Boots and Safety Shoes: Complete Guide
Whether you're on a construction site, in a warehouse, or working outdoors year-round, your safety shoes and work boots take a daily beating. Keeping them clean is about protecting your investment, maintaining safety features, and extending their usable life.
This guide covers everything you need to know:
- How to clean leather, suede, and synthetic safety footwear
- Whether or not you can wash safety shoes in the washer
- The best way to clean safety shoes without damage
- Tips for odour control and preserving waterproofing
Let’s get started.
Why You Should Clean Your Work Boots Regularly
Dirt, oil, salt, and moisture are annoying. They wear down the materials and compromise comfort and protection. Regular cleaning helps:
- Preserve leather and fabric quality
- Maintain breathability and waterproofing
- Prevent buildup of odour, mould, and bacteria
- Ensure your safety toe, outsole, and lining continue to function as intended
Can You Wash Safety Shoes in the Washer?
No. Even if the label doesn't say so directly, you should not machine wash your safety footwear. Washers can damage glue, steel or composite toe caps, and waterproof membranes.
Why it’s a bad idea:
- Tumbling and heat can weaken adhesives
- Structural elements may warp or separate
- Steel or alloy toes may shift
- The noise alone could ruin your washer
- Always opt for hand-cleaning.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Safety Shoes or Work Boots
What You'll Need:
- Soft brush or toothbrush
- Mild dish soap or saddle soap
- Microfibre cloth or sponge
- Leather conditioner (for leather boots)
- Suede brush (for suede)
- Waterproofing spray
- Newspaper or boot trees
-
Remove Laces and Insoles
Take them out to access every surface. Wash laces in cold water with mild detergent, and wipe down or replace insoles as needed. -
Brush Off Loose Dirt
Use a soft brush to remove mud and grit. For mesh or suede uppers, be gentle to avoid fraying or matting. -
Clean the Uppers
Mix warm water and a few drops of mild soap. Gently scrub leather or synthetic uppers with a cloth or sponge.
** For salt stains ** try a 50/50 vinegar and water mix.
** For suede ** use a suede eraser or dry brush. Avoid water to prevent spotting -
Clean the Outsoles
Scrub the treads and edges with dish soap and a stiff brush to remove stuck-on grime. This helps maintain slip resistance. -
Wipe the Interior
Use a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt. Sprinkle baking soda overnight to absorb odour, then shake it out. -
Dry Naturally
Stuff with newspaper or use boot trees to maintain shape. Let dry in a ventilated area. -
Condition the Leather
Once fully dry, use a quality leather conditioner to prevent cracking and restore softness. -
Reapply Waterproofing (Optional)
Use a spray or wax compatible with your boot material. This is especially important after deep cleaning.
How to Clean Safety Shoes with Mesh or Fabric Uppers
- Brush off debris with a soft brush
- Use a cloth with mild detergent and warm water
- Avoid full submersion in water
- Let air dry fully before wearing again
Combatting Odour in Work Boots
- Wash or replace insoles regularly
- Use moisture-wicking socks
- Apply odour-control sprays
- Let boots air out after each use
- Try antimicrobial insoles or boot fresheners
Removing Tough Stains (Oil, Paint, Cement)
Oil/Grease: Use a degreasing soap like Dawn and a sponge. Avoid soaking.
Paint: Use warm water for water-based; mineral spirits for oil-based (test first).
Cement/Lime: Chip off dry debris, then neutralize with vinegar and water.
Can You Polish Safety Shoes?
Only leather safety shoes can be polished. Use a matching or neutral polish to restore shine. Don’t polish suede, fabric, or mesh.
Maintenance Tips to Make Your Boots Last Longer
- Alternate between pairs to allow full drying
- Store in a cool, dry area
- Keep away from direct sun and heat
- Recondition leather monthly
- Reapply waterproofing seasonally
Quick FAQ
Can you machine wash safety shoes? No. Always hand wash.
How do you clean the inside of safety shoes? Damp cloth + baking soda. Air dry fully.
How often should you clean them? Weekly wipe-downs and monthly deep cleans.
Best way to fight odour? Clean insoles, use odour spray, and keep them dry.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your work boots or safety shoes is essential maintenance. With the right routine, you can make your boots last longer, feel better, and keep doing their job day after day.
Need a pair built to last? Explore our CSA/ASTM-certified composite toe work boots designed to handle any condition.
Want more tips? Check out our full guide on how to choose the right safety toe or learn how to break in your new work boots the right way.
For further info on standards and maintenance, visit:
