How to care for and clean your work shoes properly: Tips for hygienic safety shoes
Work shoes are an indispensable part of many professions.
To prolong their lifespan and ensure hygiene, it is essential that they are properly cared for and cleaned. Daily wear and tear causes dirt and bacteria to accumulate, which can not only cause unpleasant odors, but also affect the structure of the shoe.
This article offers you valuable tips on how to clean and care for your safety shoes properly so that they remain functional, hygienic and comfortable for a long time.
Table of contents
How can you clean work shoes properly?
How do you remove coarse dirt from work shoes?
When cleaning the surfaces of your shoes, use a special cleaning brush for the upper material.
A soft brush is recommended for leather shoes to avoid scratches.
Textile shoes can be treated with a slightly harder brush.
Make sure to clean the soles thoroughly to remove trapped dirt and stones.
A small brush can be helpful to reach hard-to-reach areas.
Before you continue cleaning your work shoes, make sure that the coarse dirt has been completely removed.
Otherwise, stubborn residues may impair the subsequent cleaning stages.
Which cleaning agents are suitable for work shoes?
Once the coarse dirt has been removed, you can carry out deep cleaning with an appropriate cleaning agent.
The choice of cleaning agent depends on the material of your work shoes.
Leather work shoes benefit from special leather cleaning agents that do not dry out the leather.
Textile shoes can be treated with mild soap or special textile cleaners.
It is important that you never use aggressive chemicals that can damage the material.
Please note that the manufacturer’s recommendations often contain information on suitable cleaning agents – these should always be followed. We strongly recommend that you read the safety data sheet before using a product and follow the specified safety precautions to avoid possible health risks. Manufacturers’ recommendations often indicate suitable cleaning agents – make sure you follow them.
Test the cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area beforehand to ensure that the color and structure of the material are not affected. The right cleaning agent makes a significant contribution to the care of work shoes and maintains their functionality.
What should I bear in mind when cleaning safety shoes?
Safety shoes often contain special components such as steel toecaps or membranes that require special care.
Take care not to damage these areas.
Use a soft cloth for cleaning.
It is also important that you do not clean your shoes in the washing machine, as this could damage the materials and safety functions. Hand cleaning is the safest method here.
How do you properly waterproof work shoes?
Why is waterproofing important for work shoes?
Waterproofing work shoes is essential to make them waterproof and dirt-repellent.
Regular waterproofing applies a protective layer to the material that prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the shoes.
This is particularly important as work shoes are often exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Good waterproofing not only extends the life of the shoes, but also increases comfort and hygiene.
Which waterproofing sprays are suitable?
When choosing a waterproofing spray, make sure that it is free from harmful chemicals.
A high-quality spray forms an invisible protective layer without sticking to the material.
It should be applied regularly, preferably after every deep clean.
Allow the impregnation to work in well before wearing the shoes again to ensure optimum results. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
One sealant that you can use is our Rapid Tex textile sealant in professional quality.
This sealant is suitable for textile and leather shoes.
The breathable sealant (also known as impregnation) can be easily applied to the shoes using a spray head. Please note that the effectiveness may vary depending on individual conditions.
We recommend testing the sealant on an inconspicuous area first.
Note: As we refer to all products as sealers, it should be mentioned that a breathable sealer is also referred to as an impregnation.
Permanent Protector 7650 PRO EASY ON - 9H ceramic sealant
First ultra-modern ceramic coating with Easy On effect
✓ Effective disinfection: Effectively removes bacteria and fungi and prevents them from forming again thanks to its long-term effect.
✓ Pleasant freshness: Ensures lasting freshness in your shoes with Alaska fragrance.
Corrosion protection
✓ Practical application: Pump spray bottle for easy use at home or on the go.
✓ Biocompatible: Gentle on materials and environmentally friendly.
How do you remove unpleasant odors from work shoes?
Disinfection as a “miracle cure”
Disinfecting work shoes is particularly important to kill bacteria and fungi.
These are responsible for unpleasant odors in almost all cases.
Regular disinfection, at least once a month, is recommended.
Our Bacoban® long-term shoe disinfectant is suitable for this purpose.
As the name suggests, the product is characterized by its long-term effect compared to other shoe disinfectants.
In combination with our sealant, this gives your shoes the best possible protection.
Our recommendation: For areas in which the disinfection of shoes plays a major role, we recommend the use of our PedSpend machine.
Please note that we accept no liability for any damage caused by improper use.
How do you store work shoes properly?
Why should you use shoe trees?
Shoe trees are a useful tool for maintaining the shape of work shoes and preventing creasing.
They are usually made of wood or plastic and are inserted into the shoes when they are not being worn.
Wooden shoe trees have the additional advantage that they absorb moisture and thus dry the material.
The use of shoe trees keeps the shoes in top shape, which not only affects the appearance but also the wearing comfort.
How do you protect work shoes from moisture?
To protect work shoes from moisture, it is important to dry them thoroughly after each wear . If possible, use special shoe or boot dryers for this purpose.
These devices ensure even drying and prevent the material from shrinking or cracking.
Never place the shoes directly next to a heater, as the intense heat can damage the material.
What tips are there for storing safety shoes?
There are a few simple but effective tips to follow when storing safety shoes.
Store shoes in a dry and well-ventilated place to prevent mold growth.
Use shoe trees to maintain their shape and use breathable shoe bags instead of plastic bags, which can trap moisture.
Make sure the shoes are completely dry before you put them away.
Otherwise there is a risk of mold!
Frequently asked questions about cleaning and caring for work shoes
Yes, sealing your motorhome offers comprehensive protection against environmental influences such as UV rays, rain and dirt. It also helps to preserve the surface of the vehicle and maintain the value of your motorhome.
The costs can vary depending on the size of the motorhome, the type of sealing chosen, such as ceramic sealing or nano sealing, and the amount of preparatory work required. As a rule, prices range from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
Nano sealing uses nanotechnology to form a protective layer, while ceramic sealing provides a harder, more durable layer. Ceramic sealing generally protects better against scratches and has a longer service life.
A professional ceramic sealant can last for several years, depending on the weather conditions and the care of the vehicle. High-quality sealants often come with a guarantee of several years.
Polishing can help to remove light scratches and unevenness. A sealant, especially a ceramic sealant, can then protect the surface and give your motorhome a long-lasting, glossy effect.
Yes, in addition to exterior sealing, the interiors of motorhomes can also be sealed. Special products are used for plastic, upholstery and other materials to protect against dirt and stains.
To clean a ceramic-sealed motorhome, you should use a mild shampoo and rinse with clear water. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents and ideally do not visit car washes with brushes to protect the sealant.