Scientists have proven that bacteria can stay on your shoes for up to 90 days if you don’t disinfect them regularly.  

How to disinfect worker boots the right way can sound like a lot of work, but after following  3 easy steps, you will get a kick out of it! 

Based on extensive research, we assure you ‌that if you implement our hacks, the bacteria won’t even live for 1 day.

What are the Types of Work Boots?

The 4 most common types of work boots are full-grain leather, top-grain leather, suede, and nubuck.

Full-grain Leather Work Boots 

Full-grain leather work boots are the best quality leather boots on the market because they have the whole grain of the hide intact, making them substantial and long-lasting.

As a result of this strong leather, these shoes need to be cleaned delicately, or you might harm them.

Top-grain Leather Work Boots

Top-grain leather work boots are similar to full-grain leather boots, with the only difference being that top-grain boots are processed differently from full-grain boots. 

Top-grain boots are buffed, sanded, and pigmented. 

They won’t show blemishes, and it’s smoother on the surface. 

Both full-grain and top-grain work boots are equally good.

Suede Work Boots

 Suede work boots differ from leather work boots because of the various animal skin used. 

The boot consists of a soft inner surface and a velvety texture. 

However, they’re more susceptible to stains and cuts. 

These boots need special care, too, especially when wet.

Nubuck Work Boots 

Nubuck work boots are known for being tough and more resistant to harsh work environments and weather conditions. 

They get stained easily, and they have a more vintage look. 

They’re more robust and heavier than suede work boots.

What Precautions Should You Take When Disinfecting Your Work Boots With Alcohol? 

You should take the following precautions when disinfecting your work boots with alcohol:

The Do’s 

• Use alcohol in a safe environment where nothing is flammable or creates sparks.
• Mix the alcohol with water in a bathroom or outside area. (Do this step first before you start disinfecting your work boots.)
• When using a substantial amount of alcohol, remember that this can irritate your eyes and hands. Use gloves for your hands and goggles to cover your eyes. 

Did you know?

If you don’t use the product properly, this strong chemical can cause headaches and nausea.

It’s better to use 70%-80% alcohol when disinfecting your boots; this will allow the alcohol to evaporate slower.  

The Don’ts 

• Don’t mix your chemicals with others if you’re not an expert. 
• Mark your chemical bottles clearly to avoid any confusion. 
• Don’t mix rubbing alcohol with bleach; this can cause chloroform and can be deadly for any person.  

When Should You Disinfect Your Work Boots?

You should disinfect your work boots when your work boots get stinky, when you’ve got athlete’s foot, or when you have bought second-hand work boots.

When the Work Boots Get Stinky 

Disinfect your work boots when they’re stinky because otherwise, the bacteria live in your shoes from all the sweat and constant movement. 

To avoid this, try to disinfect and clean your shoes weekly. 

After disinfecting and cleaning your shoes, let the boots dry correctly. 

If your shoes don’t dry properly, they can also leave a bad smell. 

When You’ve Got Athlete’s Foot

If you have athlete’s foot, clean your shoes daily by washing and disinfecting them. 

This method can help eliminate the excess bacteria and fungus from your feet and socks.

And the good news?

If it’s impossible to do it daily, try to do it at least once a week. 

When You’ve Bought Second-Hand Work Boots 

If you buy a pair of second-hand work boots, it’s crucial to disinfect them. 

Washing them by hand or in the washing machine is not enough. 

By disinfecting them, you can kill all the fungus and bacteria from the previous owner’s feet.

What Household Items Can You Use To Clean Work Boots? 

You can use the following household items to clean your work boots:

• Water & mild soap 
• One soft & stiff bristle brushes
• Dry towel 
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Mink oil 
• Tartar cream

Be sure to remove your laces before you start disinfecting your work boots. 

You can clean them separately by hand or in the washing machine.

3 Simple Steps to Disinfect & Sanitize Work Boots 

The 3 steps to disinfect and sanitize work boots are to prepare your solution, apply the solution to your shoes, and wipe the inside of your boots.

Step 1: Prepare Your Solution 

Add 70%-80% alcohol with 20%-30% water in a plastic spray bottle and mix. 

Remember to follow the precautions to avoid any unnecessary injuries.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Boots 

Apply the spray to the inside and outside of your work boots until it’s moist. 

Let it air dry for 24 hours to ensure the shoes are dried up and usable for your next wear.

Step 3: Wipe the Inside of the Boot 

When your boots are dry, spray the solution on a dry cloth and wipe the inside and outside of the shoe. 

Repeating this method will help remove the shoe’s excess dirt, bacteria, and fungus inside the shoe. 

Once that has been done, you can spray it one more time and let it dry. 

After that, your boots are ready to use again.

How to Clean Your Work Boots With Household Items 

You can clean your work boots with the following household items:

Dish Soap

Use a clean cloth and clean the outer part of your work boots with a dish soap solution. 

Once again, remove your laces and put them aside. 

Wipe your shoes and use another cloth soaked in water to remove the soap.

After that, you can dry clean them with paper towels.

Baking Soda

You can use baking soda, clean water, and a piece of towel. 

Throw some baking soda on the stains and use a damp cloth or towel to rub the stains slowly. 

Make sure you don’t rub too hard, as this can harm your shoes. 

Do this for 1 or 2 minutes and leave your boots with the baking soda to dry overnight. This allows the baking soda to absorb the stains. 

You can dry your shoes the following day with a clean towel or cloth. 

Toothpaste or Vaseline 

Toothpaste and Vaseline can help eliminate those annoying scratches and scrape marks. 

Rub them with a paper towel on the scratched areas and see the scars disappear.

Hair Conditioners

Hair Conditioners can polish your work boots. 

Wipe your boots with a paper towel and see your shoes look brand new again. 

You can use any hair conditioner; the cheaper option might contain more wax which is more beneficial to your shoes. 

Olive Oil 

You can also use olive oil to polish your shoes!

Rub your shoes with a paper towel gently and wait for your shoes to soak in the oil.  

How to Get the Dry Sludge Out of Your Work Boots

You can get the dry sludge out of your work boots by letting your shoes first.

You can hit the two shoes against each other to eliminate some of the mud on the soles. 

Take note

Over time the dirt can get stuck between the treads of the soles. 

You can soak them in hot water and remove the ground with a screwdriver or any tool of your choice.  

How to Remove Water Stains off Your Work Boots

You can remove water stains off your work boots by using household items like lemon and tartar cream.

Rub the cream onto the stain and let it stay for a few minutes. 

You can rinse it off again with cold water. 

You can rub a small amount of alcohol or white vinegar if it’s a severe stain. 

You can also use water to remove minor water stains. 

How to Clean Grease & Oil Stains 

You can clean grease and oil stains by using talcum powder.

Add some powder onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours. While the stain soaks up the powder, you can look for a brush. 

After about 2 hours, you can gently move the brush in circular movements. 

You’ll notice that the stain has disappeared.  

How to Disinfect Smelly Work Boots

You can disinfect smelly work boots by air drying your smelly work boots to help lessen the smell. 

Another way is to fill 2 socks with baking soda and make a knot at the opening. 

You can leave them in your shoes overnight or for a few hours. 

To sanitize, spray down the shoe with Lysol or rubbing alcohol and let it air dry. 

How to Wash Your Insoles 

You can wash your insoles by putting them in the washing machine with your shoelaces or washing them by hand. 

You can use a brush to remove dirt and grime. 

Let the insoles air-dry correctly before putting them back into your shoes.

Essential Factors for Future Odor Prevention

The following are essential factors to remember for future odor prevention: 

• Baking soda can help to eliminate the foul smell of shoes. Use the trick of putting baking soda into socks and leaving it in your boots overnight. 
• Buying the right socks can also make a significant difference in the smell of your shoes. Look for moisture-wicking socks, or try to wear more than 1 pair of socks daily. 
• You can have more than one pair of boots as well. 
• Alternating between boots can help to prevent foul odor.  

How to Take Care of Your Work Boots 

You can take care of your work boots by implementing the following:

How Often to Care for Your Work Boots

You must look after your worker boots by cleaning and disinfecting them weekly. 

Buying more than one pair can save you time in disinfecting them weekly. 

How to Waterproof Your Work Boots

Make sure your boots are clean before you start waterproofing. 

You can either buy a waterproofing spray, wax, or a cream. 

Air dry your shoes thoroughly after applying the product. 

Don’t speed up the process using a hair dryer or heating appliance.

If you follow these steps, boots and all, you’ll be delighted with the amount of time and money you’ve invested in your shoes.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Disinfecting work boots is crucial to killing bad smells or bacteria. 

Depending on your work environment, it’s vital to disinfect your shoes once a week. 

Following these easy steps on how to disinfect work boots the right way can keep your family safe and your feet happy.