How to Clean Felt Wading Boots: 2 Methods to Shine Your Fishing Gear

Cleaning your fishing felt wading boots is crucial for extending their lifespan and preventing the spread of invasive species and harmful pathogens.

Two effective methods stand out: The bleach method and the vinegar soak. In the bleach method, you need to brush off visible debris from the boots. After that, gently submerge the boots in the cleaning solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow the air to dry.

On the other hand, the Vinegar Soak involves soaking the boots for disinfection. Then, gently scrub them, rinse them, and allow them to air dry.

We will discuss these methods with proper instructions so you can easily clean your fishing wading boots.

How to Clean Felt Wading Boots: 2 Effective Methods (Step-By-Step)

If you’re looking to clean your felt wading boots, you can try a couple of effective methods.

• Method 1: Using bleach
  • Step 1: Brush off the debris
  • Step 2: Prepare the cleaning solution
  • Step 3: Apply the cleaning solution
  • Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
  • Step 5: Air dry
• Method 2: Vinegar soak
  • Step 1: Prepare vinegar solution
  • Step 2: Soak and scrub the boots
  • Step 3: Rinse and air dry

Method 1: Using Bleach

Cleaning felt wading boots with bleach is one approach to preventing the spread of invasive species and pathogens. However, there are concerns about the bleach-to-water ratio and potential damage to the boots. To effectively clean your felt-wading boots, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Brush off the Debris

To start, grab a stiff-bristled brush and remove any visible mud, dirt, and debris from your felt soles and other parts of the boots. This is an important first step in cleaning your felt wading boots.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

• Ensure you have a stiff-bristled brush.
• Gently brush off any loose dirt and debris from the felt soles.
• Pay attention to the edges and crevices where dirt might be trapped.
• Brush off any mud or dirt from the other parts of the boots, such as the upper and laces.

Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Once you’ve finished brushing off the debris, you’re ready to prepare the cleaning solution for your boots.

In a well-ventilated area, mix bleach with water to create an effective cleaning solution. Finding the right bleach-to-water ratio is crucial to avoid damaging your boots.

The rule of thumb is to use 3/4 cup of bleach for every gallon of water. This ratio ensures efficient cleaning while protecting the integrity of your felt wading boots.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution

After mixing the bleach and water solution, gently submerge the boots and allow the mixture to come into contact with the felt soles and any other areas that need cleaning. Remember not to soak the boots for too long, as it may cause damage.

Here are four important tips to keep in mind when applying the cleaning solution:

• Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the felt soles and other dirty areas gently.
• Pay extra attention to any stubborn stains or dirt buildup.
• Rinse the boots thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.
• Allow the boots to air dry completely before using them again.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

To ensure all bleach traces are removed, rinse your boots thoroughly with clean water. This step is crucial in the cleaning process of felt wading boots.

After soaking in the bleach solution, the rinse will help remove any remaining bleach and prevent any damage to the material. Use a hose or a bucket of clean water to thoroughly rinse the boots, covering every part of the boot.

Step 5: Air Dry

You should allow the boots to air dry in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent damage to the materials. The following are four important things to keep in mind when air-drying:

• Find a cool and dry location with good airflow to speed up drying.
• Make sure the boots are placed in an upright position to maintain their shape.
• Avoid artificial heat sources like heaters or hairdryers, as they can shrink or warp the boots.
• Allow sufficient time for the boots to dry before storing or using them again completely.

Method 2: Vinegar Soak

You’ll need to follow three simple steps to clean your felt-wading boots using a vinegar soak effectively. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Prepare Vinegar Solution

To begin the Vinegar Soak method for cleaning your felt wading boots, you’ll need to create a vinegar solution that effectively eliminates contaminants and odors. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a thorough and successful preparation:

Gather the Materials: Collect a large container to comfortably hold your wading boots while allowing them to be fully submerged. Ensure that the container is clean and has enough space to accommodate the boots without them being crammed or overlapping.

Select High-Quality White Vinegar: Opt for 100% white vinegar, which is renowned for its cleaning and disinfecting properties. Ensure the vinegar is not diluted and contains no additives that could interfere with the cleaning process.

Calculate the Amount: Depending on the size of your container and the number of boots you intend to clean, estimate the quantity of vinegar needed. You’ll want enough vinegar to cover the boots when submerged fully.

Fill the Container: Slowly pour the white vinegar into the container until it reaches a level that will completely submerge the felt soles of your wading boots. The vinegar will effectively break down grime, dirt, and odors that have accumulated on the boots.

Step 2: Soak and Scrub the Boots

Now soak the fishing felt wading boots in the vinegar solution for a few minutes. After soaking the boots in the vinegar solution, gently scrub them with a brush to remove any remaining dirt or grime.

Use a brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the felt material. Start scrubbing from the top of the boots and work your way down, paying extra attention to areas with more dirt buildup.

Step 3: Rinse and Air Dry

Once the boots have been thoroughly rinsed with clean water, they should be left to air dry in a well-ventilated area. This step is crucial for ensuring the boots are completely dry before use. Here are four important things to keep in mind during this process:

• Find a location with good airflow to speed up the drying process.
• Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the felt material to shrink or warp.
• Place the boots on a clean and dry surface to prevent any moisture from seeping back into them.
• Allow the boots sufficient time to dry completely, which may take several hours or even overnight.

How do you keep your fishing wading boots from smelling?

To prevent your fishing wading boots from developing unpleasant odors, one effective approach is to disinfect them regularly.

The simplest method involves submerging the boots in hot water at a temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of three minutes. This process effectively eliminates bacteria and odor-causing microorganisms.

If your home’s hot water heater is set at a sufficiently high temperature, you can use water from your sink for this purpose. 

However, if the water temperature isn’t high enough, you can easily boil a pot of water and pour it over your boots in the sink or a wash basin.

This straightforward disinfection method helps maintain not only the cleanliness of your wading boots but also a fresh and odor-free environment for your fishing adventures.

How often should you clean your fishing felt wading boots?

You should clean your fishing felt wading boots after every fishing trip to remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated on them.

In addition, since invasive species can easily spread from one water body to another, it is highly recommended that you thoroughly clean your boots periodically, especially if you’ve been fishing in different water bodies.

This will help prevent the spread of harmful species that can wreak havoc on ecosystems. Regular maintenance of your wading boots will help extend their lifespan and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.

Can you use a hairdryer to speed up the felt wading boots drying process after cleaning?

Using a hairdryer to quickly dry your fishing boots after cleaning can potentially cause damage to the materials and adhesive.

The high temperatures produced by the hairdryer can have a detrimental effect on the integrity of your boots. Exposing them to excessive heat can weaken the materials, leading to cracking or even separation of the sole from the upper part of the boot.

Additionally, the adhesive that holds the different parts of the boot together may become compromised, resulting in a decrease in durability and performance.

To ensure the longevity of your wading boots, it is advisable to opt for proper air drying instead. Find a well-ventilated area and allow your boots to dry naturally. This will help maintain their quality and functionality over time.

Reel in the Benefits: Clean Wading Boots, Clear Conscience

You now have the tools and knowledge to keep your fishing felt wading boots clean, odor-free, and in top condition.

By following the bleach method or the vinegar soak, you can ensure the longevity of your boots while safeguarding aquatic ecosystems from invasive species and pathogens. Remember, cleaning your boots after each fishing trip and periodically disinfecting them is crucial.

You’ll enjoy many more comfortable and successful fishing adventures as you embrace these cleaning practices.