When those grey, damp days start to arrive, there is nothing better than donning your trusty Wellington boots and heading out to splash in the puddles. After all, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain! The perfect accompaniment for a wet weather walk, here at Pavers we have a wide selection of reliable wellies, for both him and her. But, when it comes to maintaining your wellies, what is the best way to care for them? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite tips and tricks for keeping your wellies in tip-top condition.
How to Clean Wellington Boots
It’s fair to say that Wellington boots are sure to get a little bit dirty in their lifetime, that’s what they are there for! So, what is the best way to clean them?
To stop bringing mud into the house, the best way to clean muddy wellies is to give them a hose down with a hose pipe outside if you have one. Gently hose the wellies using the water, being sure to pay extra attention to the soles where mud could get stuck in grooves.
The best time to rinse them is straight after wearing them, when the mud is still usually wet and will come off easier. If you have been to the beach, salt and sand can help the rubber and dyes deteriorate, so it is best to wash them as soon as you can after wearing them. If you don’t have a hose pipe, a bucket of water with a few drops of washing-up liquid and a sponge or cloth will also work just as well. Don’t forget to check the zips and buckles for hidden mud!
Can you put Wellies in the Washing Machine?
We would not recommend ever putting your Wellington boots in a washing machine, or tumble dryer, as this could damage the rubber or plastic outer. Instead, follow our simple tips on how to clean your wellingtons and keep them in fantastic condition.
How to Care for Wellington Boots
Once you have cleaned your wellies, make sure that you leave them to dry in a cool, well-ventilated place. Leaving them directly in front of heat can cause damage to the rubber, and may affect how well they hold their shape. Rubber does not like extreme temperatures, meaning it can dry out and crack if exposed directly to extreme heat. If the insides of the wellies get wet, a great way to dry them out is to stuff them with newspaper, which will absorb the excess water droplets. Another great idea is to store them using boot shapers or a shoe tree to ensure that they hold their shape as well as possible.
How to Stretch Wellington Boots
Stretching Wellington boots isn’t something that we would recommend, as there is a good chance that in the process the rubber or plastic outer will be damaged, voiding any waterproof or water-resistant properties, not always creating the desired shape, and spoiling the look of them. Some recommendations include using ice and a freezer to stretch wellies, however this can cause the rubber to crack, due to the very cold temperatures. The same can be said for using heat, such as a hair dryer, on the wellies, this can have an extremely negative effect on the materials and can cause irreparable damage. ‘Stretching liquids’ can also be purchased, however, these can also damage the rubber or plastic due to the harsh chemicals they can contain. Stretching Wellington boots will undoubtedly weaken the rubber, which can lead to a loss of shape, and support and make the boots fall apart. After you have worn the boots a few times and ‘broken them in’, they will naturally start to shape to your foot and calf and you may find that they fit better after time.
How to Wear Wellies
Wellies are the perfect way to keep your feet dry on wet days, no styling tips are required!
Wear your wellies with pride with whatever outfit you like. Jeans are the perfect partner to tuck into a pair of wellies, or if there is a major adventure on the horizon double up on the waterproofing with a pair of waterproof trousers which will help keep you dry. The one thing that it is important to wear with your wellies, is a pair of socks. Always make sure that you are wearing a pair of cosy and comfortable socks with your wellies to ensure that they don’t rub at your heels and cause pesky blisters. It is also good practice to check that you have enough room for a pair of thick socks under your wellies when you are trying them on. You can buy socks called ‘welly socks’ which are specifically designed for wear with Wellington boots, but any of your cosy favourites will do just fine!
How to Stop Wellies from Smelling
The linings of many wellies are textiles, which help create a comfortable fit but can also hold on to lingering odours. No matter how good your foot hygiene is, sometimes rubber wellies can have a slight smell after a few wears. A lot of shoe odours are caused by sweat, so be sure to wash your feet regularly to avoid that sweat soaking into the lining. Particles of dead skin can also contribute to shoe odour, so it is best to scrub and exfoliate your feet regularly to remove dead skin cells. Try spritzing your sandals with an odour-neutralising spray to remove unpleasant scents, or for a more natural version use a vinegar spray. Dilute three parts water to one part white vinegar put the solution in a spray bottle and use it to mist sandal footbeds and keep pesky odours at bay.
