Although rubber boots are a favorite in wet and muddy conditions, winterizing them calls for some maintenance. They may crack, lose their shape, or smell bad if you store them incorrectly.
You can make sure your boots stay in excellent condition and are ready for the next season by following a few easy steps. It all comes down to cleaning, drying, and placing them in the ideal location for winter storage.
We’ll walk you through the best ways to store your rubber boots safely until you need them again in this article.
| Storage Tip | Explanation |
| Clean the boots | Before storing, wash off any dirt and let them dry completely. |
| Stuff with newspaper | Place crumpled newspaper inside to help maintain their shape. |
| Keep in a cool, dry place | Store them away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent cracking. |
| Avoid heavy pressure | Do not stack heavy objects on top to prevent deformation. |
| Use a boot stand | If possible, store them upright to keep their shape. |
Preparing boots for storage
Rubber boots must be pre-prepared by completing the following tasks before being shipped for winter storage:
- Shoes are thoroughly cleaned of dirt or dust. First wash the upper part of the product, and then the sole. Warm water and soft rags are used for purification. Hard brushes are not suitable, t.To. they easily damage the rubber surface. After washing, shoes are wiped dry with a cotton rag.
- Rubber boots that rushed for a long time are very impregnated with then. Before storage, they need to be disinfected. They get rid of an unpleasant odor with a light pink solution of potassium permanganate, which treat the inner surface of the shoes. 3% hydrogen peroxide is also suitable as an antiseptic.
- Dry clean boots in a well-ventilated place. Otherwise, mold will appear from the moisture accumulated inside the product. Dry for at least 3 days.
- After all cleaning stages, it is recommended to rub the rubber surface with a sponge soaked in glycerin. Such a measure will prevent delamination of the material.
Crucial! It is not recommended to dry rubber boots over a heat source. If not, a layer of microcracks will form and the shoes will become less elastic.
Storage features
The following guidelines must be followed when storing rubber boots with a high shaft to avoid creases and abrasions:
- In winter, rubber shoes are stored in a dry, dark place: in a closet or chest of drawers. There should be no heating radiators nearby.
- A spacious storage place is chosen so that the boots fit easily and do not bend. They cannot be pressed down with heavy objects.
- The optimal storage temperature is +5 … + 15 ° C, and the air humidity is 40-60%. In cold weather, the rubber surface may burst.
- Do not put mothballs near the boots, as this may cause the rubber to crack.
- Models with high tops are recommended to be stored in a vertical position, straightened out. To avoid kinks, put crumpled newspaper inside. It is better to roll the paper into voluminous balls. They maintain shape, absorb excess moisture. It is recommended to replace the filler every 3-4 months, regularly monitoring the condition of the shoes.
Make sure your rubber boots are clean and completely dry before storing them for the winter. To help the boots keep their shape, stuff them with newspaper or soft fabric. Then, store them somewhere cool and dry, away from heat sources or direct sunlight. This will keep your boots in good shape for the upcoming season by preventing warping, cracking, and other damages.
Storage methods
Oversized shoes are tucked away in the winter to avoid getting in the way of anyone. Rubber boots with high tops can be stored using one of the following methods:
- Shoes stuffed with crumpled newspapers can be placed in a special container or cardboard box with holes for ventilation.
- Boots can be stored in a vertical position, placed on the floor in a secluded place.
- Rubber shoes can be placed on a homemade structure: the bootleg is placed on wooden sticks attached to a stable support.
- In a spacious closet, boots with high tops can be hung using special hangers. The plastic part in the form of a mannequin leg is inserted into the shoe, and the metal hook is attached to the crossbar. It is convenient to use trouser hangers: the upper part of the boot is clamped between two wooden crossbars, after placing strips of thin foam rubber or fabric under them. Hangers with clothespins, which are easy to fix the boot tops, are also suitable.
Note: It’s easy to create a hanging system for high-top boots at home. After attaching paper clips to the metal hook, a strong rope is used to suspend the structure.
Rubber boots need to be stored carefully throughout the winter months in order to last longer and stay in good shape. You can prevent them from cracking, deforming, and other damage brought on by hard winter weather by taking a few easy precautions.
Before storing your boots, make sure they are completely cleaned, free of any moisture or dirt. This stops any mold growth and bad smells from developing. After cleaning, place the boots in a well-ventilated area to dry completely.
Extreme temperatures can cause the rubber in the boots to deteriorate, so store them somewhere cool and dry and away from heat sources or direct sunlight. You can keep them in shape by stuffing them with paper or using boot shapers.
Your rubber boots will last for many seasons if they are properly stored and cared for. When winter ends, they will keep you warm and dry.
