How Do I Clean Dirty Climbing Shoes?
Climbing is an outdoor sport, and it is essential to have good climbing shoes. While climbing, shoes become dirty, which reduces their grip. Plus, sweat makes feet wet, which is perfect for growing bacteria. It can cause foul smells in the feet and lead to infection.
I have been climbing for a few years and won a pair of Black Diamond Men’s Momentum Lace Rock Climbing Shoes, which I’ve been using and loving for 1.5 years.
I don’t like my foot bending in half, so I didn’t want a big bend in my climbing shoes. If you wear socks while climbing, I recommend going up a half size.
Knowing how to clean and care for your climbing shoes properly helps them last longer and perform better. In this guide, I’ll share the tips I use to clean my boots to help keep them in good shape.
For tips on removing shoe odors, check out How to Remove Smell from Shoes. If you’re interested in cleaning white shoes, read How to Clean White Shoes.
Prevention:
Taking care of your shoes in the first place might seem complicated, but in reality, it is the cheapest option and gives you the most value for your money.
The main philosophy is to prevent the fostering environment that leads to the development of odor-causing bacteria. The thriving environment for bacterial growth is warm, dark and damp.
So, to prevent the environment that can bacteria thrive is
- Take your shoes off between climbs, let them dry out, and prevent excess moisture from building up.
- Do not through shoes in your bag after climbing; instead, clip your shoes to your bag
- Wash your feet before climbing to minimize the bacteria you can start with.
Materials Needed for Cleaning
- Bucket of water
- Soft-bristled brush
- Cleaning agent
- Microfiber cloth or towel
- Tissue paper or paper towel
How to Clean Climbing Shoes
1. Hand Washing with Mild Detergent:
1. Remove Dirt:
Before getting them wet, use a soft brush to clean off any loose dirt or debris from your shoes. Flip them upside down to get rid of dust.
2. Make Cleaning Mix:
Get a bucket of normal water (not hot, as it can harm the glue) and mix in a bit of mild soap. Avoid strong soaps or bleach that can damage the material.
3. Scrub Shoes:
Dip your brush into the soapy water and gently scrub both the inside and outside of your shoes. Pay extra attention to the areas around the heel and toe where dirt and sweat build up.
4. Rinse Well:
Rinse your shoes thoroughly with clean water to remove all the soap.
5. Dry Shoes:
Squeeze out extra water with a towel. Stuff them with tissue paper to keep their shape. Put them in a well-ventilated spot to air dry, away from sunlight or heat.
2. Machine Washing
1. Required Materials
- Washing machine
- Laundry detergent
- Soft-bristled brush
- Old towel
2. Pre-wash:
- Brush off loose dirt and debris with a soft bristle brush.
- Turn shoes upside down and pat out any dirt from the inside.
3. Machine Wash:
- Toss shoes in the washer with an old towel for balance.
- Use a gentle, cold-water cycle with a small amount of detergent.
4. Air Dry:
- Stuff shoes with paper towels to maintain shape.
- Place shoes in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely.
5. Avoid high heat: Don’t put shoes in the dryer, as the heat can damage them.
3. Rubbing Alcohol
This is the most effective and easy method of cleaning your shoes while camping without putting in much effort.
1. Required Materials
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Clean cloth
- Water
- Brush
2. Prepare Shoes: Before spraying the rubbing alcohol, remove the dirt and debris from the shoes.
3. Mix Solution: Mix the rubbing alcohol with water in a 1:1 ratio and shake thoroughly to ensure it is well mixed.
4 Clean Shoes: Spray the solution on the shoes and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Wipe the shoes with a clean cloth and put them in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
Conclusion
These are the methods I use to clean my shoes, which work well. However, if you know of any other method to clean your boots, please share it with me. I would love to try and include that method in this guide if it works well.
I prefer to clean my climbing shoes by hand using laundry detergent. How do you clean yours? Let me know in the comment section.
FAQs
Answer: Yes, you can wash your climbing shoes if they are made of synthetic material. Avoid washing leather shoes with water; instead, use a damp cloth to wipe them clean.
Answer: Climbing shoes can lose grip over time as the rubber on the sole wears down with use. While climbing shoes get dirty which makes them less grippy. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance extends the lifespan of climbing shoes.
