Do you ever wonder how to make rain boots shiny again? You’re not alone. As someone who often uses these shoes outside, I notice they lack the original luster they came in when I first bought them. I want to restore their former beauty, so I researched what to do.
To make rain boots shiny again, you must clean them first. Ensure they are spotless and free of any debris. You can also spray vinegar solution to prevent bacteria growth. Finally, let them dry before applying a coat of polish to the rain boots.
Below, I’ll teach you the step-by-step process of restoring the shine on rain boots. I’ll also share some tips on cleaning the footwear.
How To Make Rain Boots Shiny Again?
Follow these steps to make rain boots shiny again.
Prepare the Things You’ll Need
Before anything else, you must prepare the things you’ll need for shining rain boots.
Bring out a bucket filled with warm water. You must also get mild soap, dishwashing liquid, or a dedicated boot cleaner.
To target stubborn dirt and debris, prepare vinegar, baking soda, and cornstarch. Also, remember to buy a shoe polish or petroleum jelly to keep the boots shiny.
As for the cleaning accessories, you should prepare a soft cloth and a smooth-bristled scrubbing brush.
Lastly, keep old newspapers on hand. These can help you later on when the rubber boots are drying.
Clean the Rain Boots
After preparing the necessary cleaning tools and accessories, you can start tidying up the rain boots. You can’t expect them to become shiny if they still have stuck-on dirt and debris.
Rinse the rubber with warm water. Use a soft cloth to wipe the entire surface.
Remove the Dirt and Grime
Consider using a soft-bristled brush if you see stubborn dirt or mud stains. Gently scrub the surface to remove the debris.
Mix warm water with mild soap or a commercial boot cleaner. Use this solution to eliminate tough stains with the smooth-bristled brush.
Apply Vinegar Solution
When dealing with smelly or very dirty rain boots, try to apply a vinegar solution. Combine equal parts of the vinegar and water in a small bowl.
Wet the clean cloth with the vinegar solution. Then, wipe it over the rain boots in a circular motion.
You can also soak up the inside of the boots with vinegar. Doing so prevents bacteria growth, which causes the foul smell in your shoes.
Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle to spritz the vinegar solution over the rain boots.
Allow the rain boots to dry overnight before moving on to the next step.
Shine the Rain Boots
You can begin the shining process once you have dry and clean rubber boots. You can use many products on the market, from shoe polishes to petroleum jelly. However, ensure that the item is actually safe to apply to rain boots. By using the correct polish type, you can restore the sheen of rain boots and extend their lifespan.
After deciding on the product to use, read the instructions carefully. In general, you want to apply a thin layer of polish to the boots. Use a clean, soft cloth to spread the polish across the entire rain boot.
Wait for the shoe polish to dry before putting on a second and third coat. Doing so makes the rain boots shiny again.
Avoid using a large amount of polish on the boots because they may have the opposite effect. Apply only the recommended volume.
Let the rubber boots air dry in a well-ventilated area to allow the polish to set.
Store the Rain Boots Properly
After shining the rain boots, you can use them as intended. When not in use, you must store them in a cool and dry place. Doing so keeps the clean rubber boots shiny and looking new.
Avoid humid rooms with lots of sunlight exposure because they can damage the boots. Do not leave them near heat sources as they cause cracks on the shoes.
How to Keep Rain Boots Clean?
You can’t make rain boots shiny if you don’t clean them. Below is a guide on how to keep your footwear sparkling clean.
Wipe the Boots Using a Damp Cloth
If you want to maintain the shine of your rain boots, you must regularly wipe them with a damp cloth. Mix mild dish soap with warm water. Dip your soft cloth in the cleaning solution. Then, work on the entire surface of the rubber boots.
You must also immediately spot-clean the boots when you see specs of dirt and grime. Clearing up the debris right away prevents it from hardening and dulling the rubber boots.
Use a Medium-Pressure Hose
After applying the soap solution to your boots, clean them further using a medium-pressure hose. Make sure you’re in a suitable area to prevent the water from spraying on nearby furniture or valuables.
Alternatively, you can wash the rubber boots in a bathtub. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and soap. Soak the rain boots in the soapy water for at least ten minutes before taking them out.
Brush Off the Tough Stains
The next thing to do is observe the exterior of the rain boots. If you don’t see dirt spots or scuff marks, you can fast forward to the rinsing process.
But if you still notice stubborn stains, you must brush them off. Combine vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. Use this solution to eliminate the tough debris on your boots. It’s important to let the ingredients sit on the surface for several minutes before wiping them off with a clean cloth.
Rinse the Boots
Once the rain boots are squeaky clean, you can rinse off the vinegar solution. Soak the shoes in clean water. Repeat the same steps until you no longer see soapy residue or bubbles in the water.
Allow the Rain Boots to Air Dry
Let the rain boots air dry naturally. You’ll have to wait up to several hours before the boots are completely dry.
However, if you want them to dry quickly, consider using a blow dryer. Set it to the minimum heat setting to speed up the drying process without damaging the rubber boot.
Finally, consider putting old newspapers inside the rubber boots. Doing so helps the shoes maintain their shape as they dry. The newspapers can also absorb moisture from the footwear.
Conclusion
Rain boots are handy shoes that keep your feet dry during inclement weather. However, if you use them regularly, they may lose their natural shine.
Fortunately, you can make rain boots shiny again by following the steps outlined in this article. The first step to polishing them is to clean rubber boots. You may also want to apply a vinegar solution with a clean rag to prevent bacteria growth. Finish it up by applying shoe polish to the rain boots to make them super shiny.
Do you have other questions about cleaning rain boots? Feel free to visit our blog page for more information.
