CleanBoot® overshoes are built to last — but like any professional tool, they perform best when properly maintained. The good news is that caring for your CleanBoots® is simple: they go in the washing machine. This guide covers the right way to wash them, how to handle heavy soiling on a tough job, and the signs that tell you it’s time for a new pair. Why The Original CleanBoot® is built to last →
The “Outside Out, Inside Clean” Philosophy
CleanBoot® care starts with one guiding principle: the outside does the dirty work, the inside stays clean. The exterior neoprene body sits between your boot sole and the client’s floor — it picks up whatever your work environment throws at it. The interior, which faces your boot, should remain clean and dry. When you store your CleanBoots® clipped to your tool bag between jobs, the inside is what contacts your kit. A clean interior also ensures the neoprene maintains its elasticity and structure throughout the product’s working life.
Step 1 — Remove the Carabiner Before Washing
Always unclip the metal carabiner before putting your CleanBoots® in the wash. The carabiner is not designed for the washing machine drum — it can scratch the drum surface or snag on other items mid-cycle. Set it aside and reattach once the covers are clean and dry.
Step 2 — Turn Them Inside Out
Before placing the covers in the machine, turn them inside out. This serves two purposes: it allows wash water to make direct contact with any soiling on the interior lining, and it protects the exterior PU sole from abrasion against other items in the drum. Turning inside out is the single most important preparation step for an effective wash.
The CleanBoot® website specifically recommends turning the overboots inside out if the inside becomes dirty before putting them through a 30°C machine wash. See the CleanBoot® cleaning instructions →
Step 3 — Machine Wash Cold at 30°C
Select a cold wash at 30°C — gentle or delicate cycle where possible, though a standard cycle at this temperature will not damage the neoprene or PU sole. Never exceed 30°C. Higher temperatures can degrade the foam cell structure of the neoprene and the adhesive bond between the body and sole, shortening the product’s life.
Use a small amount of standard liquid detergent. Avoid fabric softener, which can coat the neoprene surface and reduce grip performance over time. For persistent odours, a sports wash detergent designed for neoprene or technical fabrics works well.
The Original CleanBoot® is confirmed as machine washable at 30°C. Read more about CleanBoot® materials, construction and maintenance →
Step 4 — Drip-Dry Toe-Upwards
After the wash cycle, hang your CleanBoots® toe-upwards so any remaining water drains towards the opening rather than pooling in the toe. Do not put them in a tumble dryer — heat damages the neoprene and PU sole. Do not dry on a radiator or in front of a direct heat source. Air drying at room temperature is always correct. In most conditions, a pair will be fully dry and ready for use within a few hours.
The current CleanBoot® care guidance recommends drip-drying with the toe pointing upwards and specifically advises against tumble drying or placing the covers directly on a radiator. View the official CleanBoot® care guidance →
Lab Tested to 20+ Wash Cycles
CleanBoot® overshoes have been independently tested to withstand 20 or more complete wash cycles at 30°C without degradation to the neoprene, PU sole, or bonded seams. Over five months of daily use you can wash them as frequently as the job demands — weekly is typical for most tradespeople — without worrying about premature wear from the washing process itself.
Independent testing by Eurofins BLC confirmed that after 20 domestic washing cycles at 30°C, The Original CleanBoot® showed 0% shrinkage, no structural degradation, no seam failure, no unravelling of stitching and no pilling or matting. Read about the 20-wash durability testing →
Handling Heavy Soiling
Light to moderate soiling comes out easily in a standard 30°C wash with no pre-treatment. For heavier contamination:
Dried mud: Allow mud to dry completely before washing. Wet mud tends to smear in the drum rather than release cleanly. Once dry, knock off the bulk outside, then wash as normal.
Plaster and adhesive splashes: Remove the bulk with a firm brush before washing. Do not use metal implements against the neoprene surface. The machine wash handles the remainder.
Oil and grease: Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly to the soiled area, work it in gently with a soft brush, then machine wash as normal. This pre-treatment breaks down oil-based contamination before the detergent takes over.
Persistent odour: Soak for 30 minutes in a solution of cold water and white vinegar — one part vinegar to four parts water — before the machine wash. This neutralises bacterial odour at the source rather than masking it.
Storage and Daily Carry
Between jobs, keep your CleanBoots® clipped to your tool bag via the included carabiner — paired, dry, and immediately accessible at every front door. Avoid storing damp CleanBoots® in an enclosed bag or at the bottom of a toolbox where air circulation is limited. If they are still slightly damp after washing, hang them in the van or at home until fully dry before clipping away. See how CleanBoot® provides professional protection on every job →
When to Replace Your CleanBoots®
With normal daily use and proper care, a pair lasts approximately five months. Signs it is time to replace:
- Visible wearing of the PU sole surface, particularly under the forefoot and heel
- Thinning or cracking of the neoprene body
- Separation of the bonded seam between the neoprene and the PU sole
- Loss of elasticity at the opening, causing the cover to slip off during use
A degraded cover reintroduces the very print-through risks that quality overshoes are designed to prevent. Replace promptly when these signs appear.
The Original CleanBoot® is designed with reinforced construction, glued seams and overlock stitching to support durability through repeated use and washing. Learn more about the construction of The Original CleanBoot® →
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