Cleaning Stinky as Heckamundo Barn Boots!?

[carman_liz]

So since I cannot find winter boots that I like, I am trying to make my Dublin fleece lined ones that I have had for going on 5 yrs last longer. However, they SMELLLL! I know alot of it is just being a barn boot, but its bad. Like change my socks wipe down my feet with a baby wipe real quick when I change from them back to my work office shoes bad.

Is there anyway to “clean” the inside soles of them that anyone has tried? I love these boots, can I scrub the outside and then take a hose and laundry detergent and a small scrubby to the inside sole and let them air dry for a few days?!

[Scribbler]

Get an air powered boot dryer and dry thoroughly after every use. If the insole is removable take it out and let it dry too

[S1969]

What do they smell like? (A barn, or stinky feet?)

I agree that if you wash them you will want to use a boot dryer, otherwise it may just make it worse (mildew stink added to the mix).

You can also use those little shoe deodorant balls in them after every wear. Or, check out this list from Runners World - maybe some other options: https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20859367/how-to-get-rid-of-smelly-shoes/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=arb_ga_rnw_d_bm_hp_a20859367&gclid=CjwKCAiAwKyNBhBfEiwA_mrUMtY3PKYzb7M9VzSF990MhOGa9wnogG-nt0nl4IjjvX0tLbk_az_9QhoCY4EQAvD_BwE

[carman_liz]

I think its a combo of both lol. And one smell fuels the other smell. I wore them alot this summer while spraying stuff/mowing tall grass that I had to get off the mower and pick up sticks n branches ut didnt want to worry about tick, snakes, etc. They were never bad till this year either so wearing them in the hot summer probably was not my best life choice lol.

That site is awesome I will be on Amazon later today thank you!!!

[LCDR]

You can try cleaning the synthetic fleece lining, but it will probably be best to just buy new boots. The old ones have lasted 5 years, and that works out to be around $35 per year.

Then also spend another $50 or so to buy a boot dryer to use with the new ones. A dryer will be handy for your other boots as well, and can also be used for wet hats and gloves.

[carman_liz]

Very true, i have 2 kids birthdays in dec so I was trying to be cheap lol.

[Feathered_Feet]

I take it the insoles aren’t removable for a quick wash and re-insertion? If not, you might consider ripping them out and buying new ones to put in instead. Then I agree with the boot dryer to keep the bacteria growth to a minimum.

[4horses]

I would probably try laundry detergent and soak them in a bucket of water- then dry them really well. Put them under heat lamps or something… Maybe try Baby Powder inside the boots?

[4Frogs_aLilypad]

@carman_liz

they SMELLLL! I know alot of it is just being a barn boot, but its bad. Like change my socks wipe down my feet with a baby wipe real quick when I change from them back to my work office shoes bad.

If they’re 5 years old and smell this bad, chances are they won’t get any better even with deodorant balls, foot sprays or powder. You’ll just end up with boots that smell like feet and “perfume”. If you do end up getting new ones, make sure to air them out in between uses.

[carman_liz]

Lol they stay in my garage in the backyard. Enclosed, concrete floor. Plenty of ventilation. I think this summer me wearing them to mow and work around the tall snake and tick and prickly suff infested grass with no socks and 90 degree days is what killed them. My theory was the more I sweat the more calories I burn, but my boots paid the price :/.

[carman_liz]

No cannot rip them out. Your name on here gives me a giggle considered my post!

[PaddockWood]

If you have a good way of getting them drying (warm air), I’ve personally had good success with vinegar and water. Could start with a spray bottle mix - 1/2 and 1/2. Spray and let them dry.

[Feathered_Feet]

Actually that’s not a bad idea. If the OP has a boot dryer, I’d poor vinegar into them then dry thoroughly.

[4Frogs_aLilypad]

@carman_liz

I think this summer me wearing them to mow and work around the tall snake and tick and prickly suff infested grass with no socks and 90 degree days is what killed them.

That’ll definitely do it

[susanne]

This won’t likely make your boots smell like a flower garden, but it should help…

Fill nylon stockings with baking soda and stuff them into each boot every time you take them off. Change and refill frequently.

If these boots are too far gone, this is a good preventive measure for future boots.

[carman_liz]

Good idea! I’m also thinking when I finally open all of the Amazon boxes that we need to wrap the presents from, any of those little silica gel packets I’m going to keep so I can put them in the boots. Of course my stupid butt left them outside on the back deck yesterday and they were covered in frost as of an hour ago. I put them in front of the heater in the house and I’m not looking forward to putting them on here in about 10 minutes!