The best way to dry gumboots? It's more than just leaving them by the door and hoping for the sun to do its work.
Properly drying your gumboots prevents odours, mould, and cracking, helping them stay comfortable, waterproof, and ready for every adventure. Whether you’ve been splashing through puddles, gardening on a wet day, or tackling muddy trails, taking a few minutes to dry your boots correctly ensures they last longer and stay in top condition.
By following a simple routine, absorbing excess water, using newspaper or a low-heat hair dryer, and storing boots in a well-ventilated, shaded area, you can maintain the natural rubber and neoprene lining of your Merry People gumboots. This quick care habit is the key to keeping your boots merry, odour-free, and ready for all your wet-weather adventures.
How to Dry Merry People Gumboots
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Absorb Excess Water | Use a towel or cloth to soak up water inside the boots. | Prevents standing water that slows drying and can cause odours or mould. |
| 2. Stuff with Newspaper | Fill boots with newspaper to absorb remaining moisture. | Newspaper draws out water and helps boots keep their shape. |
| 3. Optional Hair Dryer | Use on low heat to dry the interior gently. | Speeds up drying but avoids overheating the rubber or neoprene lining. |
| 4. Store in a Ventilated Room | Place boots in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area. | Prevents cracking, discolouration, and moisture buildup. |
| 5. Avoid Direct Sun & Heat | Keep away from radiators, heaters, or direct sunlight. | Protects natural rubber and neoprene from warping or fading. |
Absorb Extra Water
Boots filled with excess water will not dry properly. Be sure to use a towel or cloth to soak up some of the water in the boot.
Grab the Newspaper
Give your morning newspaper an extra job! One of the most effective methods for drying gumboots is stuffing them with newspaper. This trick is one of the oldest in the book. The newspaper works to absorb any moisture from the boots.
Break Out The Hair Dryer
For those looking to go above and beyond, whip out your hair dryer. Use it on a low heat setting, aiming it towards the inside of your boots, ensuring that any excess moisture is removed and that your boots dry faster.
As with any appliance, always be sure to read the manufacturer’s guide. Gumboots are strong and durable, but they are not heatproof, so you don’t want to overheat them.
Store Them in a Well-Ventilated Room
Consider storing your gumboots in a well-ventilated room. We recommend keeping them out of direct heat or sunlight, as that can cause the rubber to crack or discolour. An ideal location is in your mudroom, under a covered porch or your garage, away from any pets or animals.
In Summary
Now, you have our best practices for ensuring that your gumboots have a long lifespan. The better you maintain them, the more merry adventures you will go on together!
If you’ve done everything to take care of your boots but they’re starting to need even more TLC, check out our post on how to repair gumboots.
