Even in South Africa, with our generally temperate climate, owning a good pair (or two) of winter boots is essential. Come summer, this bulky footwear can get in the way.
Whether you’re storing them at home or in a storage unit, our guide will ensure that your boots are still in tip-top condition come next winter.
Give them a good clean
Before they go into storage, thoroughly clean your boots including the soles. Make sure they are completely dry before they go into storage.
How to clean suede boots
Because moisture will stain or mark suede, the best way to clean suede boots is with a brush. You can get special suede cleaning brushes that aren’t very expensive.
Don’t go back and forth when brushing your suede boots, only go in the direction of the fibres.
For bad marks, invest in a suede eraser for spot treatments.
How to clean leather boots
Remove the laces and give your leather boots a good brushing with a horsehair brush.
Clean the boots with a damp cloth and small amount saddle soap (follow the instructions on the packaging if in doubt).
Allow the boots to dry thoroughly and then consider a leather conditioner if you’re concerned that they might dry out while in storage.
How to clean fabric boots
Fabric can handle some moisture but it’s still not a good idea to get your fabric boots soaked.
Brush loose dirt off of your fabric boots before spot cleaning them with warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid using a soft cloth.
Don’t dry them in direct sunlight. Stuff them with paper towel while drying so they keep their shape.
How to clean plastic boots
Plastic boots can be washed thoroughly with soapy water and then dried with a towel.
If the lining or laces are fabric, make sure to avoid getting them overly wet and clean them the same way you could a fabric boot.
Conditioning treatments for winter boots
Some boots will benefit from a conditioning treatment after cleaning. Leather boots, for example, may dry out over time so leather food or polish will keep them from fading or cracking.
Find out if your boots require any kind of annual treatment to keep them in good condition. If so, before they go into storage is the perfect time to do it.
Packaging winter boots
Boots can be stored in their original box with the original packaging if you still have them. If not, a plastic box of a similar size also works well because it will keep out moisture and dust.
If you store tall boots upright, stuff them with tissue paper first so they retain their shape.
A fabric drawstring bag is also a good option, provided they are kept in a damp-free place.
Protecting boots from damp
If you’re still concerned about damp, store your boots with a few silica gel packets (it’s always a good idea to hang onto these when you find them) to absorb any moisture.
If you don’t have any, you can buy cupboard dehumidifiers or food savers that will also work.
Where to store winter boots
With proper preparation and packaging, your winter boots can be stored at home in your linen cupboard, garage, attic or even under a bed.
You can also store them in a self-storage unit if you have one. The proper packaging techniques will ensure they come out of storage in good condition, no matter where you choose to store them.
Valet storage for winter boots
With valet storage, you can store items by the box, rather than renting a full storage unit. Also, you don’t have to drive – the company will collect your items, store them and return them when you need them again.
Affordable valet storage is offered by our sister company, SpaceBox. They also supply free, sturdy plastic storage boxes, ideal for winter boots. They’ll drop these off at your home.
Self-storage with XtraSpace
At XtraSpace, we offer clean, secure self-storage units in a wide range of sizes, ideal for storing seasonal items like winter boots and bulky clothing, sports equipment, holiday decorations and more.
Contact us for more information or browse to find a branch near you