Hiking boots are an essential piece of equipment for any serious hiker. They provide the traction and protection that your feet need to make it up and down the trail safely. But with all that hard work, your boots can quickly become covered in dirt, mud, and sweat.
It’s important to keep them clean so they don’t wear out quickly and cause blisters or other foot problems. So, can you put hiking boots in a washing machine?
The answer is yes and no. Generally speaking, it is not recommended to put leather or suede hiking boots in a washing machine.
The high-speed tumbling action of the machine could cause damage to the material as well as weaken any glues used to hold the boot together. However, if you have a pair of synthetic or fabric hiking boots, then putting them in a washing machine might be an option.
To begin with, you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions for care instructions before attempting to put your boots in a washing machine. Some manufacturers may specifically recommend against it for their products due to material type or construction techniques used. You will also want to put your boots in a mesh laundry bag before putting them into the washer so they don’t get stuck on any agitator arms or other parts of the machine.
Next, make sure you use cold water when washing your hiking boots and a gentle cycle setting on your machine. You should also use a gentle laundry detergent specifically meant for delicate items like sports gear or footwear.
Finally, after taking your hiking boots out of the washer, it’s important that you let them air dry rather than using a dryer or applying direct heat from another source such as an iron or hair dryer. Allowing them to air dry will help preserve their shape and prevent any shrinkage from occurring.
Conclusion: It is possible to put some types of hiking boots into a washing machine depending on their material and construction but always check with manufacturer instructions first before attempting this. If you do decide to wash your hiking boots be sure to use cold water, gentle cycle settings, mesh laundry bags and allow them to air dry afterwards in order to prevent any damage from occurring.
