Snake boots are composed of sturdy materials because they are supposed to protect us from outdoor dangers, such as weather troubles and terrifying fang bites. They will do the protection part only when their texture isn’t damaged. That means you should give proper attention to their cleaning and maintenance after every use.
These aren’t like your regular sneakers or joggers that you can just clean with a brush or a damp cloth to wipe away the mud. We ought to know how to clean snake boots to prolong their lifespan. You will need to follow a step-by-step maintenance process to the T if you want them to stay in their prime condition for a long time.
Below is the list of items and steps to help you learn how to clean your snake boots.
Table of Contents
What Items Do I Need For Cleaning Snake Boots
You need the following things for cleaning your muddy snakeproof boots.
- Shoe brush or a toothbrush with soft bristles
- Slightly warm water in a bucket
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Water-resistant spray
- Leather cleaner
- Snakeproof boots conditioner
Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning & Maintaining Snake Boots
Cleaning of snake boots is a systematic process. You can’t just randomly perform cleaning steps. I have explained below which order to follow.
Brush Away Dust/Dirt
Clean the surface dirt with a shoe brush or a toothbrush having soft bristles. Drag the brush in and against the direction of the scales of your boots.
Use Damp Cloth
Take a soft microfiber cloth and dampen it with lukewarm water. Wipe the boots with this wet fabric to remove the leftover dirt and debris. Make sure you move the cloth along the grains of the boot and not against it. Otherwise, it will loosen the scales and damage the footwear.
You should use paper towels to wick away the remaining moisture. This will prevent the cracking of the exterior surface of your boots.
Note: Don’t hold your boots under the tap because excessive moisture or overexposure can damage their texture. Also, it takes ages for these boots to dry up completely.
Airdry Them
The next step is to let your boots air dry. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Conditioning
It’s pampering time. Buy a leather conditioner specifically manufactured for snakeskin boots. Apply a thin coat of conditioner in the direction of the grains with a soft fabric. Conditioner keeps the snakeskin from drying out and becoming brittle.
Let the conditioner stay for around 20 minutes to completely dry. Afterwards, you can remove the excess material with a soft and dry cloth.
A Tip: Expert adventurers and hikers recommend conditioning boots once in 1-2 months.
Boot Polish
It is time to polish your boots. No, no, I am not talking about regular shoe polish. You need a polish specifically designed for these exotic snakeproof boots. Use a neutral-coloured cream polish. Coloured polish will ruin the natural appearance of the footwear. Apply polish in a clockwise motion.
Use a soft cloth for even application. Again, let the polish air dry.
Clean the Interior of Your Boots
The majority of snake boots have removable insoles or inner membranes. So, cleaning them is easy. Soak the removable insoles in slightly warm and soapy water. Scrub them gently with your hands or a brush to remove stains, if there are any, and sweat odour.
Now, let them air dry. Never, ever dry them in a dryer. Else, they might shrink.
If your boots’ liners are non-removable, scrub the inside gently with a microfiber cloth. But, first, dunk the fabric in lukewarm soapy water. Afterwards, take another soft cloth, probably a fresh microfiber cloth, to wipe remnants of the soapy water from the insides of your boots.
Clean Soles, Zippers & Laces
Soles:
Wipe the soles of your boots with a damp cloth, but peel off the accumulated layer of mud/dirt first. If the sole starts coming apart, glue the deteriorating parts together. Even better is to take them to a shoe repair shop.
Zippers:
Zippers are more vulnerable than laces as they are prone to breakage or rusting. Brush away gunk and dirt from the zipper as well. If the zippers get damaged, have them repaired or replaced instead of discarding the boots.
Laces:
Take out your shoelaces. Soak them in a bowl of warm soapy water to soften the dirt and stains. Take them out and gently scrub them to remove the filth. Air dry them.
Water-Resistant Spray
Apply water-resistant spray as soon as you unbox your shoes. Also, apply a leather-protectant spray to all the leather parts of the boots. Reapply the waterproof spray whenever you clean, condition and polish your snake boots.
Store Them
After your boots are as clean as new, it is time to store them till your next adventure. Place them back in their box. Store the shoebox in a cool, dark and dry spot away from direct sunlight. Over-exposure to sunlight or other heating sources might cause discolouration or deterioration of the boots’ texture.
When to Avoid Wearing Snakeskin Boots?
As discussed a few steps above, excessive moisture can damage your snakeskin/rattlesnake boots. Therefore, try not to wear them in snow, rain or when you have to wade through a lake or river.
Conclusion
It is a rule of thumb that the more you care for and pamper your snake boots, the longer their lifespan will be. Their care and maintenance process isn’t frustrating if you know how to clean your snake boots properly. The above guidelines will help you retain the lustre of your snakeproof boots for years, preventing you from buying a new pair of boots for every outdoor venture.
