7 Tips for Storing Your Winter Boots
Now that the long, dark and cold days of winter are behind us, you’ll need to pack your boots with a little extra care so you can wear them for many seasons to come. Even though your winter boots are water-resistant and don’t need much to stay clean, you’ll want to make sure they’re free of any dust and debris before you stow them away for the next several months. Different types of boots require different types of cleaning techniques so you might need to take some extra steps to makes sure your favorite boots get the right cleaning and storage treatment. Here are seven important tips for storing your winter boots:
- Let Them Air Out. Boots can harbor a lot of bacteria and dirt during the winter months—especially if you have been wearing them almost every day. The combination of dirt, moisture and dry air can leave them with unpleasant smells and the boots might not fully dry out after a few days trekking through the snow. Let the boots air out indoors for at least a few days before you put them away in storage.
2. Clean With the Right Solution. Even if you only wore your winter boots for a few weeks, you’ll want to clean them with the right cleaning products before you put them in storage. Keep in mind that suede and leather boots will need to be cleaned with a special detergent and shoe cleaners. For example, leather boots like our monogrammed cowboy boots can be polished with shoe polish while other fabrics may only need a simple clean with a cleaning spray and damp cloth.
3. Check the Outer Soles. The outer soles of your boots may be the most difficult to clean because you have to make sure you clean all the little spaces between the treads. You can use a toothbrush or a smaller brush to remove dirt and debris while the surface is still dry. Then, run the soles under warm water to clean them with soap or a cleaning solution. Make sure to dry the outer soles completely or let them air dry for a few days before you pack them up.
4. Check the Insoles. Most people don’t think about the insoles of their winter boots but they’re an important part of the shoe and need to be removed before you leave your boots in storage. Removing the insoles can protect the structure of the boot and keep the insoles clean. Remove the insoles and put them in a plastic bag alongside your winter boots for storage. If any of your insoles are damaged, head to your local shoe store for a new pair or take the boots to a shoe repair shop for a quick fix.
5. Use Boot Shapers. If you really want your boots to last, use shapers to preserve the shape and style of your boots. Whether you own a pair of our monogrammed boots or some shearling boots, use plastic boot shapers to help maintain the shape of the boots until you’re ready to wear them again. These are a small investment that will help preserve your boot investment for many years to come.
6. Wrap Your Boots with Care. Whether you were wearing a pair of monogrammed boots all season long or a pair of booties for more often than not, you’ll want to wrap your boots in a storage bag before you put them in a shoe box or tote box for the warmer months ahead. Wrapping boots with any type of embellishments, including monograms, tassels or extra zippers, will help to keep them looking as good as new.
Packing your winter boots for the season is essential for protecting your boots and preventing any mold or bacteria buildup when you leave them in storage the rest of the year. Use these tips to store your monogrammed duck boots, booties and other types of winter boots with care this season so they look and feel just as good as new when winter rolls around again.
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