Caring For Boat Shoes: Tips To Keep Them Fresh

Boat shoes are a must-have for any serious boater, offering both comfort and functionality while out on the water. But how do you keep them fresh and clean? Well, it depends on the material. For leather boat shoes, it's best to avoid the washing machine and use a leather cleaner or mild dish soap solution instead. You can also use saddle soap or a damp cloth to wipe down the shoes, but be careful not to soak them as this can damage the leather. For salt stains, a mixture of water and vinegar should do the trick. As for the laces, these should be cleaned separately with cold water and dish soap. To freshen up your shoes, baking soda or antifungal powder can be sprinkled inside to eliminate unpleasant odours. If your boat shoes are made of canvas, you have a little more flexibility—some people choose to wash their canvas boat shoes in the washing machine, while others opt for a bucket of water and soap. Either way, be sure to let your boat shoes air-dry for 24 hours after cleaning, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent the leather from cracking and fading.

How to Freshen Up Boat Shoes

Use baking soda to freshen up the insoles

Baking soda is a great way to freshen up your boat shoes, especially if they have insoles made from fabric or leather. It's a safe, natural, and inexpensive solution to eliminate shoe odour. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda

First, remove the insoles from your shoes. Then, prepare a small amount of baking soda, about 1-2 tablespoons for each insole. If you don't have a measuring spoon, just make sure you have enough to cover the entire insole.

Step 2: Apply the Baking Soda

Sprinkle the baking soda onto the insoles. You can rub it in a little to ensure it covers the entire surface. You can also apply a generous amount of baking soda directly into the shoe, especially if you can't remove the insoles.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the baking soda sit on the insoles or inside the shoes for a few hours, or preferably, overnight. This gives the baking soda time to absorb any moisture and neutralise odours. If your shoes are particularly smelly, you may need to let the baking soda sit for 24 hours.

Step 4: Remove Excess Baking Soda

After the baking soda has had time to work its magic, simply shake off any excess powder. If you applied the baking soda directly to the shoes, make sure to turn them upside down and give them a good shake to remove any remaining powder.

Step 5: Re-insert the Insoles

Once you've removed the excess baking soda, you can put the insoles back into your shoes, and they should be smelling fresh and clean!

Tips and Tricks:

For extra-stubborn odours, you can mix a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, tea tree, or peppermint, into the baking soda before applying it. These oils not only mask odours but also have antimicrobial properties. Additionally, if you're dealing with leather or suede shoes, it's best to use baking soda sachets to prevent the powder from damaging these materials. Simply place the sachets in your shoes and leave them for 24 hours.

Clean the laces separately

When it comes to freshening up boat shoes, cleaning the laces separately is an important step. Boat shoes often have leather laces, which require special care to prevent damage. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your laces are cleaned effectively:

First, remove the laces from your boat shoes. It is important to clean them separately to avoid any potential damage to the leather. Place the laces in a bowl of cold water. Add a small amount of dish soap to the water and swish the laces around thoroughly. You can use a gentle hand or a soft-bristled brush for this step. The dish soap will help to remove any dirt or stains that have accumulated on the laces.

After swishing them around, give the laces a thorough rinse in cold water to remove any remaining soap residue. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the laces before laying them out to dry.

The drying process is crucial for leather laces. Lay them flat or hang them up and allow them to air dry completely. This step may take up to 24 hours, so be patient and avoid the temptation to put them back into your shoes while they are still damp. Putting them back too soon could result in unpleasant odours or even cracking and fading of the leather.

Once the laces are completely dry, you can put them back into your boat shoes. It is worth noting that some boat shoes have laces made from materials other than leather, such as rawhide. The cleaning process for rawhide laces is similar to that of leather, but be sure to check the specific care instructions for your particular type of laces.

By cleaning your boat shoe laces separately and following these detailed steps, you can help extend the life of your laces and keep your boat shoes looking their best.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the shoes

To freshen up your boat shoes, you'll need to use a damp cloth to wipe them down. Microfiber cloths are best for this purpose. The cloth should be damp, but not soaking wet, as you don't want water to soak into the leather of your boat shoes.

Before you begin, remove the laces from your boat shoes and set them aside. Leather laces can be damaged if they are washed improperly, so it's important to clean them separately. Fill a bowl with cold water and add a small amount of dish soap. Place the laces in the bowl and swish them around to clean them. Rinse the laces with cold water, then lay them flat and allow them to air dry for 24 hours.

Now, back to the damp cloth. You can use a mild dish soap solution or a leather cleaner to dampen the cloth. Be sure to avoid any cleaners that contain acid or detergents, as these can damage the leather. Gently wipe down your boat shoes with the damp cloth, taking care to remove all dirt and debris. Pay special attention to any surface marks or scuffs. For stubborn stains, you may need to use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, along with the soap and water solution.

Once you have finished wiping down your boat shoes, rinse them with clean water and allow them to air dry. Do not place them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to crack and fade. Instead, find a cool, dry place for your shoes to dry for 24 hours. To help maintain their shape while drying, you can stuff the shoes with newspaper.

After your boat shoes are clean and dry, you may want to apply a leather conditioner or mink oil to help keep the leather supple and water-resistant. If your boat shoes are a dark colour, mink oil is recommended, as it tends to darken lighter-coloured leather. For lighter-coloured leather, you can use a spray silicone to make the shoes water-resistant.

Clean stubborn stains with vinegar and water

To clean stubborn stains on boat shoes, a solution of vinegar and water can be used. This method is particularly effective for white canvas shoes. To make the vinegar solution, mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one tablespoon of hot water. Add one tablespoon of baking soda to this mixture to form a paste. Using a toothbrush, apply the paste to the shoes in a circular motion. Leave the shoes to air for several hours before brushing and shaking off the dried paste. For deep stains, such as those from blood or grass, a bleach pen can be used on the spots. Wait about five minutes before washing off the bleach with hot water and liquid detergent.

For leather boat shoes, a vinegar and water solution can also be effective. Mix two parts water and one part vinegar, and use a cloth to apply the solution to the stains. Do not soak the shoes in the solution, as this can damage the leather. Instead, gently wipe the stains with a damp cloth. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again.

Polish your boat shoes

Polishing your boat shoes is a great way to keep them looking fresh and new. Here are some detailed steps to help you achieve that perfect shine:

Before you begin polishing, ensure your boat shoes are completely dry. It is important to never polish wet shoes as it can affect the final outcome. Place your boat shoes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, and let them air-dry for about 24 hours. This will ensure that your shoes are ready for the polishing process.

Once your boat shoes are dry, lay down a rag or a drop cloth to protect your work surface from any potential shoe polish stains. You don't want to accidentally get polish on your furniture or flooring!

Now, it's time to apply the polish. Take a clean, soft cloth or rag and lightly apply a small amount of shoe polish to your boat shoes. Work the polish into the leather using a circular motion. A horsetail brush, often included in shoe polish kits, is ideal for this purpose. If you don't have one, you can use a soft cloth or an old t-shirt. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the shoe, including the seams and edges.

After you have evenly applied the polish to your boat shoes, let it dry completely. This may take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the type of polish and the temperature of your environment. Once the polish is dry, take a clean, soft cloth and buff your boat shoes to a shine. Use circular motions and apply light pressure to bring out the shine.

If you want to add an extra layer of protection and shine, you can apply a leather conditioner or mink oil after buffing. This will help keep your boat shoes supple and water-resistant. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the product and test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn't discolour or damage the leather.

Finally, stand back and admire your freshly polished boat shoes! With this simple process, you can keep your boat shoes looking their best for years to come.

Frequently asked questions