How to Wash Climbing Shoes: Step-by-Step Guide

How to wash climbing shoes in cold water and a mild detergent. Air-dry climbing shoes away from heat sources directly to avoid damage. Climbing shoes are essential gear for any climber to navigate some challenging routes with the necessary grip and precision. Due to the shoe’s design and material, a climber must take extra care of the shoes. Cleaning climbing shoes regularly will make them odor-free and maintain their integrity. Even when cleaning the shoes, avoid harsh cleaners and high heat levels that might damage the rubber and other materials. A gentle hand wash will keep the climbing shoes in proper condition. Thus, this is advantageous not only to the shoes but also to the climber. Always remember that good climbing shoes are safe and adventurous to use.

Choosing The Right Cleaning Method

Your trusty companions on every vertical journey, your climbing shoes deserve not only your care but also your cleaning ritual as well. It is the best performance as well as prolonged life. However, with different materials and contamination levels, the cleaning method may differ.

Consider The Material

The material Depending on the type of shoes, the shoes may be made of a different material that entails a specific approach. Therefore, leather and synthetic shoes behave differently to water and cleaning detergent. Consequently, it is important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations about the shoes.

Material	Cleaning Method
Leather	Use a damp cloth; avoid soaking.
Synthetic	Hand wash with mild soap.

Evaluate The Level Of Dirt

Look at your shoes to decide how dirty they are. Surface dirt may only need a quick brush-off. Embedded grime could require a deeper clean. There are three most cases:

• Light contamination may only require a wipe;
• Moderate dirt should be wiped with a brush rubbed with a mild soap solution;
• Heavy soil may, in turn, require a climbing shoe cleaning treatment;

Preparation Before Cleaning

After you prep enough surface and equipment let’s get back to the process.

Remove Excess Dirt And Debris

Firstly, get rid of all the loose dirt. Knock your climbing shoes’ soles together outside to detour as much lacking building and gravel. Additionally, use a gentle brush if any stubborn pieces stay. You can even use an unused toothbrush for such a task. Don’t forget to clean the soles, the edges around, and the grooves.

• Knock Soles Outside;
• Brush Off The remaining Building;
• Attention to the grooves;

Check For Manufacturer’s Instructions

It’s also essential to include that manufacturer of your climbing shoe’s brand leaves an instruction/manual on how to care for your gear. For example, Vibram does it on an online product page or labels it. Always consider this guideline before doing anything.

Brand	Care Instructions Location
Brand A	Inside tag
Brand B	Website
Brand C	Product booklet

Hand Washing Method

Your climbing shoe’s grip and shape need special care hence the hand washing method. Gentle and most effective way will help your shoes last longer. It avoids damage caused by harsh cleaning methods. Cleaning climbing shoes should be carried out as follows.

Gentle Soap And Water Solution

A mild soap and lukewarm water solution is imperative in cleaning your shoes. For safety purposes, avoid soaps and other detergents that are high in chemicals. The solution ensures the dirt is eliminated with no harm to your climbing shoes. Here are the steps to follow when cleaning your climbing shoes:

• Fill the basin with lukewarm water;
• Add a small amount of the gentle soap to the water;
• Stir it to ensure it mixes with the water gently to form a slightly soapy solution;

Using A Soft-bristled Brush

With the soapy solution at your disposal, take a soft-bristled brush to scrub. Target areas with dirt and I recommend using a circular motion. Periodically rinse the brush to dust off settled dirt easily.

• Plunge the brush in the cleanser arrangement;
• Start gently cleaning the shoes in a circular motion;
• Be gentle and avoid pressing hard while scrubbing;
• Rinse End results;

Rinse your shoes with clean water to ensure the water runs clear. Gently squeeze the excess water off the shoes. Never twist your shoes, as they can lose shape. Leave them outside in fresh air to dry off. Never dry your shoes under direct sunlight or close to sources of heat. Ensure they dry up completely before you go for your next climb.

Machine Washing Method

Climbing shoes helps to maintain the grip while ensuring their durability. However, the machine washing method is relatively quick compared to handwashing. This method requires special care and attention to avoid destroying the shoes. It is important to note the correct way to machine wash climbing shoes.

Use A Gentle Cycle

Most washing machines have a delicate cycle meant for different materials. The delicate cycle helps to imitate handwashing, thus avoiding pressure on the shoes. Consequently, the shoes’ texture does not wear off very fast, ensuring they are in top shape. Here is the right way to machine wash climbing shoes:

• Remove the insoles and laces if the shoes are removable;
• Put the shoes into a mesh laundry bag to allow washing without direct contact with the drum;
• Set the machine to a tender or sensitive cycle and utilize cold water;
• Start the washing machine and wait for the cycle to be completed;

Avoid Harsh Detergents And Hot Water

Using harsh detergents and hot water to machine wash your climbing shoes destroys its texture and material. Therefore, ensure the following:

Do’s	Don’ts
Utilize a mild detergent	Avoid bleach and fabric softeners
Opt for cool or lukewarm water	Never use hot water

Proper climbing shoe maintenance ensures you get quality performance from your gear for an extended period.

Drying The Climbing Shoes

After cleaning the climbing shoes, it is essential to pay the most attention: it is the process of drying. Using incorrect methods will harm the materials and the shape of your shoes. Here are some ways to ensure effective drying methods that preserve quality and comfort.

Air Drying Only

Air drying your climbing shoes is always the safest method. After rinsing, place your climbing shoes in a well-ventilated area. Do not place them by the fireplace or in direct sunlight. You can also stuff your shoes with an absorbent material such as newspapers or a towel to absorb moisture and help them keep their shape. You will need to change the absorbent stuffing regularly.

• Find a shady, breezy spot;
• Stuff with absorbent materials;
• Change stuffing every few hours;
• Allow shoes to dry completely;

Avoid Direct Sunlight And Heat Sources

Do not leave them in the sun, and UV rays can degrade the rubber and the adhesives. Besides, heat can warp the shape of the feet and ruin the fit. Allow them to dry cool, in the shadows.

Do’s	Don’ts
Use a fan for air circulation	Expose to direct sunlight
Place in a shaded area	Use a hairdryer or heater
Let them dry slowly	Leave in a damp area

Post-cleaning Care

After cleaning, your climbing shoes will need proper care to ensure they perform as expected. Here is what you should do after washing them.

Conditioning The Leather

After washing, leather climbing shoes may dry out and crack if not conditioned. Use a leather conditioner, but do so sparingly to avoid softening the leather excessively, reducing its support. You can use any regular leather conditioner, but it is advisable to use one manufactured exclusively for climbing shoes or that is silicone free to keep the leather in its natural state.

Restoring The Shoe’s Shape

Climbing shoes will lose structure after washing, just like they lose their supports. Use a newspaper or a shoe tree as they dry to get back to the original shape. This helps in absorbing moisture quickly preventing the critical parts from shrinking. Whatever be the case, air-dry the cleaning shoes away from the direct heat, as heat sources like a radiator, and sunlight may damage material. Instead, use a shoe tree or newspapers to avoid material distortion.

Dealing With Stubborn Odors

Your climbing shoes stink terribly, and you are very well aware of that. Have no worries to eliminate those stubborn odors – just follow the advice presented above and soon enough, you will have your shoes as good as new.

Using Baking Soda

Your shoes will smell a lot better – repeat the process if necessary. Baking soda is a powerful neutralizer of odors; here is how to use it:

• Place a lot of baking soda in each shoe;
• Allow it to sit overnight to absorb the smell;
• In the morning, empty the shoes from excessive amount of baking soda;

Freezing Method

The process should yield some results and can be used in tandem with the baking soda method. Freezing can kill the bacteria responsible for creating odors:

• Place the climbing shoes in a plastic bag which can be sealed;
• Put them in the freezer for at least twenty-four hours;
• Remove and wait for them to thaw naturally;

Storing Clean Climbing Shoes

Maintenance of the shape and function of your climbing shoes does not only happen during washing. Proper storage helps you. This section educates you on the effective ways of storing your clean climbing shoes to maintain their functionality and get ready for your next use.

Allow Sufficient Air Circulation

Your clean shoes is crucial in avoiding bad smell and mold in the shoes. This is how you ensure the shoes breathe:

• Do not hold the shoes in a plastic bag;
• Fit them in a breathable shoe bag or leave them in a more opened space;
• Leave the clean shoes on the open or close to a window to dry and store separately;

Keep Them Away From Moisture

Moisture retards the condition of the shoes as they remain wet. This is how you do it to ensure it is dried:

• Make sure that it is dry before storing to reduce mildew;
• Store in a dry room to ensure that it is well kept when preventing own mushrooms;
• Ensure that it has gel silica packets during storage to absorb excess moisture;

Conclusion

Maintaining your climbing shoe is essential for functional purposes, as mentioned below. By following the guide on washing climbing shoes, you will maintain your shoe properly. Cleaning should also be done regularly to maintain the grip and avoid unnecessary strain on your feet. Always remember that you can maintain your climbing passion by taking care of the gears, and it will always support your dreams of making it to higher grounds.

Related Articles:

• How to Break into Climbing Shoes
• Best Hiking Boots of All Time
• Best Trekking Poles for Women

FAQs