Do you have motocross boots that need care? When you’re going for motocross racing or riding, it’ll be great when you get caked by the mud at the end of the ride. But you may wonder how to clean motocross boots quickly after the ride. So that your motocross boots can last for more years, you would love to care for your favourite motocross or enduro boots like a friend who gives you company during fun riding!
Here’re some guiding tips to keep your motocross boots clean and new.
Benefits of Keeping Dirt Bike Boots Clean
What are the benefits of cleaning your boots? You may wonder why clean the boots when they become muddy again during the next ride. We guide you on the advantages of keeping dirt bike boots clean and dry. Just continue reading!
1. Prolonged Lifespan
When dirt bikers ride off-road terrains, they face wet and muddy areas. So dirt, mud and moisture can damage the motocross or any other boots. Therefore regular cleaning is crucial for the prolonged lifespan of dirt bike boots.
2. Prevention of Damage
Caked with mud and dirt can also scratch and damage the leather of your boots. Cleaning them will prevent this wear and tear damage.
3. Improved Performance
Cleaning your boots will provide a strong grip and comfortable feel, which can help you to ride better.
4. Reduced Bad Smell
Sweat and dirt can cause your boots to develop a foul smell. Cleaning them will remove this odour and keep your boots smelling fresh.
Pro Tip:
I recommend using Muc-Off and R&G aerosol degreasers, which are highly effective for motocross boot cleaning.
5. Improved Appearance
Cleaned boots will look better, like new ones. It’ll make you feel more confident when you’re riding.
6. Avoid Rusting in Buckles
Regularly cleaning and drying your boots can prevent rusting in buckles and bolts.
Necessary Tools and Materials Required
Here’re some necessary tools and materials required to clean motocross boots or other dirt bike boots:
- Clean water
- Soft-bristle brush
- Mild detergent or soap
- A sponge.
- A hose or pressure washer.
- A clean cloth or towel.
- Leather conditioner or protectant.
- Stain remover/degreaser
- Waterproofing spray
- Old newspaper for storing
- Boots dryer (optional)
- Screwdriver to tighten the buckles
How to Clean Motocross Boots? (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you ask someone how to clean motocross boots, you will get various answers recommending different products and techniques. So the ball is in your court to choose the best products and methods!
Our article below provides simple, affordable methods that will protect your boots.
1. Prepare your Boots for Washing
When cleaning motocross muddy caked boots, the first step is to place your boots in a washing stand or a tub. Here washstand is an optional choice. Wash the boots with a lower-pressure washer while maintaining a seal at the top. Keep them soaked for a few minutes to let the water eat away all the dirt.
2. Spray Down with Water Pressure
Once you soaked the boots and rinsed away the heavy mud with a pressure washer. You want to clean the remaining dirt or debris from the boots. You can use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle instead. Spray down every side from up to the bottom to eliminate the remaining heavy dirt.
After removal of mud, apply a high amount of degreaser to eliminate any oils, lubricants or other fuel stains. Again keep them soaked in for a couple of minutes in a degreaser.
Pro Tip:
We recommend purchasing a medium brush and Mr Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaning Solution with Febreze.
3. Soap, Scrub, & Rinse your Boots
The next step is to dip the motocross boots in soapy water, ensuring they cover all areas like soles and buckles. You can use a bike wash that you’re using for dirt bike wash. Avoid that soap only sits on boots for a short time. With soap applied, use a sponge or brush for scrubbing. You can scrub until the bulk of dirt and stains are removed.
Now rinse your Moto boots with a pressure washer. Always use a lower pressure so that the leathery material of the boots should not get any damage. Keep a moderate distance from the nozzle and spray all sides of the boots. If you don’t have a washer, use a hose to wash and rinse.
4. Drying Your Boots & Water Removal
Do you know how to dry MX boots? After rinsing and cleaning the motocross boots, drying is crucial to keep them for years. If you have an air compressor, it’s an excellent tool for removing water and dirt from the MX boots. Ensure you wipe down the buckles and shin plates. Ultimately removing water will prevent corrosion in your boots.
You get 9 points out of ten because you’re nice, and your motocross boots are ready for the next dirt bike ride with your friends. However, remember, the drier your boots will last longer!
Useful Drying Trick:
Turn over a chair and use the legs to hang the boots upside down!
5. Tighten the Buckles & Bolts
Check all the buckles and bolts to ensure they’re properly secured. You must open each buckle and pivot point, check for any looseness, and tighten them as needed. After drawing everything, re-buckle them as earlier.
6. Check Contact Areas
It would be best if you inspected the primary areas of contact, like the grip of the rubber burn guard and outsole. Observe any holes or damage to the boots while riding a dirt bike. If any damage is indicated, then resolve your good boots.
Always have contact with those guys who do repair jobs. Therefore, chat before throwing out your boots because the repair is cheaper than buying a new set.
7. Waterproofing Spray
The waterproofing spray is not compulsory, but it’s a reasonable step to help preserve the boot’s life and keep your feet dry.
8. Storing Your Motocross Boots.
When your boots have been washed and dried, now storing your boots in a dry place free of bugs, insects, critters, and dirt is essential.
Don’t store them in the garden shed because insects like spiders will find your boots to live and breed in your soft boots. On the other hand, you might get a surprise when you go to put them on your next ride. To help keep your boots in shape, stuff them with newspaper. Please keep them in a dry area like the cupboard of your boots.
Best Tips For Cleaning and Drying Dirt Bike Boots
1. Regularly clean
After each ride or whenever they become dirty, clean your motocross boots following the instructions provided earlier. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt buildup, which can degrade the materials over time. Cleaning them regularly will extend their lifespan.
2. Dry them properly
After washing or getting wet, make sure to dry your boots thoroughly. Allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct heat sources like heaters or hair dryers, as excessive heat can damage the materials.
3. Check the screws
Most boot buckles are held on with screws and become loose while riding. Screws falling out can cause damage to your boots. Keep them tight, and use some thread locker if they keep coming loose.
4. Treat the leather
Look after the leather by treating it regularly with a leather treatment. It also helps to keep your boots waterproof.
5. Store them properly
Storing your motocross boots in a cool, dry place is necessary when not in use. Hanging them or using a boot tree can help maintain their shape and prevent creasing.
6. Refurbishing
Many dirt bike boot companies have made replaceable parts to freshen up your boots when needed. It’ll cost less amount of money. Depending on the brands, you can replace the parts easily. Sidi and Crossfire boots are designed with many replaceable parts.
7. Avoid harsh chemicals
While cleaning or maintaining your motocross boots, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the boots’ materials. Stick to mild detergents and cleaning products designed for delicate fabrics.
Motocross Boots vs Motorcycle Boots For Street Riding
Motocross and motorcycle boots are designed to protect your feet and legs from mud in the event of a crash. But they’ve different features that make them better suited for different types of riding.
Look at the differences between motocross boots and motorcycle boots for street riding to choose the proper dirt bike boots. Keep on reading!
| Features | Motocross Boots | Motorcycle Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Off-road or motocross riding | On-road street riding |
| Protection | Emphasizes impact protection, ankle support, weatherproofing, and debris resistance | Emphasizes abrasion resistance, impact protection, and weatherproofing |
| Sole Design | Thick, aggressive, and durable with deep treads | Smoother soles designed for gripping and stability on paved roads |
| Flexibility/Comfort | Stiffer construction for maximum support and ankle injury prevention | Emphasizes comfort, cushioning, ergonomic design, and ventilation |
| Closure System | Combination of buckles and straps for a secure fit | Various closure systems such as zippers, laces, or buckles for convenience and customization |
| Style | Rugged appearance with bold colors and graphics | A wider range of styles, including classic leather designs and modern urban-inspired looks |
As you can see, motocross boots offer superior protection but are less comfortable and flexible than motorcycle boots. Motocross boots are also heavier and more expensive than motorcycle boots.
Here is a summary of the pros and cons of each type of boot:
Motocross Boots
Pros: Excellent protection, good traction.
Cons: Poor comfort, limited flexibility, heavy, expensive.
Motorcycle Boots
Pros: Good comfort, flexibility, excellent traction, light, affordable.
Cons: Less protection than motocross boots.
Conclusion
Motocross boots are vital gear for riding a dirt bike on off-road terrains. They’re built tough and will last longer if cleaned regularly. They protect the rider from harmful elements. Cleaning motocross boots looks boring, but it can be done quickly with the materials needed. Following the above simple steps and tips, your motocross boots will last for years and give comfort to you.
If you’ve any other tips and tricks for washing and maintaining motocross boots, share them with us. Please ask if you’ve any questions in the comments below.
Sharing is caring!
Happy riding!
FAQs
How to keep white motocross boots clean?
To keep your white motocross boots clean
- Pre-treat stains with a mild stain remover or water.
- Regularly clean the boots using a soft brush to remove dirt and debris.
- Thoroughly rinse the boots with clean water.
- Air-dry the boots away from direct sunlight.
- Use baking soda and water or specialized cleaners for stubborn stains.
- Consider using a waterproofing spray for protection.
- Store the boots in a clean, dry place, away from sunlight.
Is it okay to clean boots with water?
Yes, it is generally okay to clean boots with water. Water is an effective cleaning agent for removing dirt, mud, and other debris from boots. But it would help if you had some consideration about the material compatibility and washing techniques.
How do you get the smell out of dirt bike boots?
You can get rid of the smell in dirt bike boots by:
- Drying the boots completely.
- Using baking soda to eliminate odours by sprinkling it inside the boots and leaving it overnight.
- Using an odor-neutralizing spray designed for footwear.
- Wash removable insoles separately.
- Storing the boots in a clean, well-ventilated area.
Do motocross boots expire?
Motocross boots don’t have an expiration date in the traditional sense. However, the materials in motocross boots can degrade over time. Their soles can be worn out or cracked, undone stitching, damaged armour, and uncomfortable boots. So inspecting your boots regularly for signs of wear and tear is essential.
How long do motocross boots last?
On average, a well-maintained pair of motocross boots lasts 1 to 3 years. Motorcross boots last for years until they feel loose around the toe area, soles, grip, or sturdy foot placement. So it’s the best time to get new ones.
