How to Clean Rubber Boots

Rubber boots are a versatile closet staple. Whether you’re running errands during a rainy day, stepping off the beaten path during inclement weather or simply like the style, rubber boots work in any season and pick up character as they age. Of course, it’s important to keep them clean and cared for during that process.

For more information, please visit how to clean rubber rain boots.

What tools should you use?

To clean them, you’ll need: a cotton towel or sponge, rubber cleaner, tire cleaner and a scrub brush.

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Meguiar’s M4016 Mirror Glaze Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner

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Should you clean rubber boots with water?

Using water is a safe option depending on the amount of dirt and grime on the boots. Water can eliminate the buildup on your favorite rubber boots with a little elbow grease. But for more robust dirt and stains, the products above are best.

How often should you clean rubber boots?

Rubber boots are little more resilient than footwear made of other materials like leather and suede. It’s best to wipe rubber boots down with a damp cloth after each wear to make sure that dirt and grime on top of the boots doesn’t set in.

How to clean rubber boots

Rain boots are easy because they’re designed to endure exposure to water. Duck boots, too — but some come with leather uppers, so be mindful of those.

To clean them, take some shoe cleaner (or dish soap), apply it to a towel or sponge and rub in circular motions into the boot’s exterior. Take special care over any stains or scuffs. The scrub brush can be helpful here.

Whether you've bought new rain boots for spring or have had a pair for a while, a little TLC can keep them looking great for years to come. Just as winter boots and outerwear can benefit from occasional re-waterproofing and conditioning, rubber and plastic rain boots need some care when it comes to keeping them clean and free from cracks. 

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For expert tips, we talked to footwear repair specialists Lorena Agolli, owner and head cobbler of Toronto's Sole Survivor, and Tess Gobeil, co-owner of Awl Together Leather in Vancouver. Here's how they suggest keeping your gumboots and wellies in top shape.

Quick cleaning 

To remove surface dirt or watermarks, Gobeil suggests using furniture polish or all-purpose cleaner. "Something that you can spray on [and wipe clean] with a paper towel," she said, advising against any abrasive cleaning pads. 

Gobeil notes that when it comes to specialty cleaning products for rain boots, the challenge is in knowing whether they'll work on your boots — it can depend on the finish. "Those products may not work for a glossy one [but] may work for a matte one," she said, adding that she doesn't generally recommend them. 

If your boots are sporting cloudy, white areas (or what's known as bloom), the solution might be simpler. "Cloudiness happens when the rubber is actually starting to get quite old," said Agolli, who suggests you can "clean the cloudiness off with rubbing alcohol." 

What about cracks and damage?

It's common for rubber boots to crack over time, said Gobeil. The rubber can become brittle, especially around the backstay (the vertical strip at the back of the boot) and along the edges of the soles. 

A cobbler can help with tears: "We can patch it from the inside and then we would seal it on the outside," said Gobeil. You can also buy waterproofing fillers and sealants and try the repair at home. 

Cracking all over the boots' seals and seams might mean it's time to get a new pair. "At that point, there's nothing we can really do," said Gobeil.

How do I reduce wear and tear? 

As with any footwear, the bottoms of your rain boots will wear out eventually. "It's pretty common that people wear through the soles … because they wear them a lot," said Gobeil. A cobbler can add a new half or full sole or replace the heels to extend the life of the boots.  

In terms of longevity, Gobeil cautions that boots that are painted with a pattern or colour may eventually peel or flake. Fit is another consideration; with more fitted styles, there may be more movement and bending of the rubber, which could lead to wear and tear, she said.  

Avoid wearing rubber boots in freezing rain, said Agolli, since they're intended for milder weather and can react to harsher conditions. "The rubber can harden a little bit, and that's when cracks and breaks are more likely to occur." 

Agolli recommends using a shoehorn to put on fitted or tall rain boots. "I think that [getting] in and out of them is very important," she said. "When people jam their feet in, they bend the rubber and, over time … that's when cracks happen." She also suggests using your hands to take off your boots, or even a bootjack (a small tool made specifically for removing boots), which are much gentler methods than stepping on the back of one heel to pry the other foot out. 

Clean and dry your boots before putting them away for the season, advises Agolli. "[And] lay them flat to store them rather than upright" to prevent warping from the pull of gravity, she said. Also, don't leave them anywhere too hot. "Keep them away from radiators and things like that, because rubber will melt." 

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