How to clean your GORE-TEX footwear (shoes & boots) | Wash & Care, by GORE-TEX® Brand on YouTube. 3 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Take out the laces and insoles and knock off loose mud. Brush dried dirt from the upper and the sole with a soft brush.
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a little mild detergent or gear cleaner. Never use bleach, fabric softener or harsh household cleaners.
Dip a soft brush or sponge in the water and work it over the whole shoe. Clean the inside of the boot too if it is dirty.
Rinse with clean lukewarm water until no soap is left. Soap residue stops the outer fabric from repelling water.
Stuff the boots with newspaper or paper towels and let them air dry at room temperature. Change the paper once it feels damp.
Never dry them on a radiator, over a fire or in a tumble dryer. Heat can damage the membrane and the glue.
Spray a water-repellent treatment on the clean, still damp outer fabric. Follow the product label and let it dry fully.
Check the footwear maker's own care label before you start. Some materials and models need a different approach.
Tips and common mistakes
Clean your boots after every few muddy walks, since ground-in dirt wears the outer fabric and blocks breathability.
Use a dedicated outdoor gear cleaner rather than washing-up liquid, which can leave a sticky film.
Reapply the water repellent when water stops beading on the surface and starts soaking in.
Store boots dry and laced up, never sealed in a plastic bag while still damp.
Questions
Can I put GORE-TEX boots in the washing machine?
Only if the footwear manufacturer's label says so. Most boots are best washed by hand with a brush, since tumbling and heat can damage the membrane and the glued sole.
How often should I clean my hiking boots?
Wash them whenever they are visibly muddy or after a few wet walks. Regular light cleaning keeps the fabric breathable and stops dirt grinding into the material.
Do I have to re-waterproof after every wash?
Not every time. Reapply a spray-on treatment when water no longer beads on the surface, which is usually after several washes or a long season of use.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
