Bearpaw boots are a popular winter boot in the North American market. They are often advertised as waterproof and can withstand inclement weather. Although this might be true in some cases, Bearpaw boots will still require proper care for instance when washing to stay in good condition for more extended periods.
How to wash Bearpaw boots? You may ask! The process of cleaning these furry friends requires careful attention to detail. While you may have heard some urban legends about how to care for your beloved boots properly, the truth is that following a few simple steps will keep them looking good as new.
Although it might be tempting to wash your bear paw boots using the washing machine or dryer, it is not advisable. Soaking your boots in water may cause them to shrink or stretch, plus it will also ruin the suede surface.
So how do you wash them? This article will give you’re a step-by-step procedure of how to wash your Bearpaw boots!
But First, What Exactly Are Bearpaw Boots?
Bearpaw boots are winter footwear designed to keep your feet warm and comfy during the chilly seasons. Suede leather makes up the upper out part of these boots, while a sheepskin lining and strong inner soles make up the interior.
The outsoles are made of soft rubber, which provides excellent traction in wet and winter weather. Although these boots can withstand the chill of winter, washing them can be a bit tricky.
And why is that? Simple, they are made of suede materials. And since suede comes from the inner side of the animal skin, it’s typically thin, soft, and very delicate, making it challenging to work with.
How to Wash Bearpaw Boots
Cleaning the Outer Part of Bearpaw Boots
Step 1: Brushing the Boots Gently
After each wear, brush the boots gently using a suede brush to remove dust and loose dirt particles. It is better to brush your boots outside.
Start from the top and work your way down, following the hide’s nap. Combing the Bearpaw boots with a suede brush also helps brush off any thin fibers strands, making deep cleaning the boots easier.
You can check out this cool suede brush:
Woodlore 3″ Suede Bar And 3″ Brush
Step 2: Use A Damp Cloth Or Sponge
After that, dampen a soft sponge or cloth with water. Squeeze it to get rid of the excess water, then wipe the suede uppers of your boots with it.
Avoid soaking your boots in water or subjecting them to running water when washing them, as this can ruin the woolly skin.
Step 3: Use A Suede Cleaner
Once you’ve finished wiping your boots, use a damp sponge to apply a few drops of suede cleaner on the suede part of your boots.
Wipe each boot in a gentle circular motion until it is fully saturated.
Carefully follow the suede cleaner guidelines and clean your boots, beginning at the top and moving downwards in gentle circular strokes, taking care not to over-saturate the boots.
Step 4: Wipe off the Suede Cleaner
Once your boots have been thoroughly soaked in the soapy suede cleaner mixture, rinse the sponge and begin wiping the boots.
To remove all of the suede cleaner from your boots, repeat this step multiple times.
Step 5: Let The Boots Dry
After removing all the suede cleaner, place your Bearpaw boots in a well-ventilated spot and leave them to air dry naturally.
Stuff the boots with toilet tissue and newspapers to prevent them from losing their original shape.
Step 6: Spray the Boots
Once the boots dry up, spray the boots using a strong stain and water repellant spray to protect them from dust and dirt particles.
Cleaning the Inside of Bearpaw Boots
Bearpaw boots’ wooly and fluffy appearance is crucial for keeping your feet warm during the cold season. People are sometimes tempted to wear these boots without socks since the interiors are so plush and cozy.
Wearing these boots without socks will make them smell, especially if you have sweaty feet.
So what’s the best way to clean the inside of your boots?
Step 1: Wipe Using A Disinfectant
First, mix a disinfecting solution with warm water, then soak a clean cloth in the solution and rinse it thoroughly.
Slide the cloth inside the boots and gently wipe the interior. Alternatively, you can treat the interior of your boots using an antifungal spray.
Step 2: Let Them Dry
Allow the boots to dry naturally for at least 24 hours. To get rid of the stinky odor, sprinkle one spoonful of baking soda into your boots.
Let the baking soda settle for around 24 hours before removing it.
Finally, wipe off the baking soda with a clean, dry towel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it so Tough to Clean Suede Boots?
Suede is the inner part of an animal’s skin that has been removed. The outer portion of the skin becomes leather, while the part that remains just above the skin becomes suede.
It’s a smooth and soft material that’s thinner than leather yet just as tough. However, since it is a soft material, it isn’t easy to clean it without risking harming the fibers.
2. How to Clean Bearpaw Boots with Vinegar
Using vinegar is a simple procedure that you can perform at home. Put white vinegar in a clean, dry bowl. Soak a piece of cloth in the dish before gently wiping the dirt off your boot.
Next, soak the napkin, this time using water, and thoroughly clean your boot. Voila! All that remains is dring the boot. You can blow-dry it or dry it in the sun.
3. How Often Should Bearpaw Boots Be Cleaned?
If it’s wet or snowing outside, give your Bearpaw boots a good cleaning, or at the very least a brushing, after each usage. Prevent boot odors by cleaning them after every few wears, or more regularly if you use them in wet weather.
As you have noted, Bearpaw boots require a lot of attention when it comes to cleaning.
Unlike leather boots, which require only a basic polish with specific oils and creams, the suede tops of Bearpaw boots are extremely fragile and thus require advanced cleaning methods.
Fortunately, this article has discussed in detail how to wash Bearpaw boots without damaging the suede surface.