Keeping your used climbing shoes clean is crucial for maintaining their performance, extending their lifespan, and preventing unpleasant odors. A proper cleaning routine not only keeps your gear hygienic but also ensures optimal grip on the rock.
Why Clean Your Climbing Shoes?
Regular cleaning offers several benefits:
- Improved Grip: Clean rubber performs better, especially on slabs and technical routes.
- Extended Lifespan: Removing dirt and grime prevents material degradation.
- Odor Control: Eliminates bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant smells.
- Better Foot Health: Reduces the risk of athlete's foot and other fungal infections.
Essential Tools for Cleaning
Before you start, gather these simple tools:
- Soft brush (toothbrush works well)
- Clean cloths or sponges
- Mild soap (dish soap or non-toxic hand soap)
- Rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Fine-grit sandpaper (optional, for sole rejuvenation)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Cleaning your climbing shoes involves addressing the exterior, interior, and the crucial rubber soles.
1. Cleaning the Shoe Exterior
The outer fabric or leather of your climbing shoes can accumulate significant dirt and chalk.
- Remove Loose Debris: Start by using a soft brush or a dry cloth to gently brush off any loose dirt, chalk, or mud from the entire shoe. Pay attention to seams and crevices.
- Wipe Down with Soap Solution: Dampen a cloth or sponge with a small amount of mild soap diluted in warm water. Gently wipe down the exterior of the shoe, focusing on soiled areas. Avoid saturating the shoe with water.
- Rinse and Dry: Wipe off the excess soap thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth to ensure no residue is left behind. For a quick and effective clean, especially to combat moisture, alcohol wipes are an excellent choice. Alcohol evaporates quicker than water, which helps in drying and preventing water damage or mildew.
2. Refreshing the Interior (Odor Control)
The inside of climbing shoes often bears the brunt of sweat and bacteria, leading to strong odors.
- Baking Soda Treatment: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside each shoe. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. Let it sit overnight, or for at least 8-12 hours.
- Vacuum or Shake Out: After the treatment, shake out the baking soda from the shoes, or use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove all traces.
- Odor Eliminators (Optional): For persistent odors, consider using commercially available shoe deodorizers or cedar shoe inserts.
3. Restoring the Rubber Soles
The soles are critical for performance. Keeping them clean and grippy is paramount.
- Basic Wipe Down: Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the rubber soles, removing chalk, dirt, and any sticky residue. A small amount of mild soap can be used for stubborn grime, followed by a thorough wipe with clean water.
- Rubber Rejuvenation (Advanced): If your soles feel slick and lack grip despite cleaning, they might have a thin glazed layer.
- Gently rub the sole with a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-400 grit) to remove the glazed layer and expose fresh, grippier rubber.
- Use light pressure and circular motions, being careful not to over-sand or damage the rubber. This technique should be used sparingly as it removes rubber.
Important Drying Tips
Proper drying is one of the most critical steps to prevent odors and material damage.
- Air Dry Thoroughly: Always air dry your climbing shoes. Place them in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat sources (like radiators or hair dryers). Direct heat can delaminate the rubber or damage synthetic materials.
- Open Them Up: Loosen laces or straps and open the shoes as much as possible to allow air to circulate inside.
- Stuff with Newspaper (Optional): For very damp shoes, crumpling newspaper and stuffing it inside can help absorb moisture and speed up the drying process. Replace the newspaper periodically.
- Avoid Washing Machines and Dryers: Never put climbing shoes in a washing machine or dryer. The aggressive agitation and high heat can severely damage the shoe's structure, glues, and rubber.
Maintenance Schedule & Best Practices
To keep your shoes in top condition, integrate these practices:
| Component | Cleaning Frequency | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | After every few climbs | Brush off chalk and dirt; wipe with damp cloth or alcohol wipes. |
| Interior | Monthly, or as needed | Baking soda treatment for odor; air dry after every use. |
| Soles | After every climb | Wipe clean with a damp cloth; occasional light sanding. |
- Wear Socks: While some climbers prefer not to, wearing thin socks can significantly reduce moisture and odor buildup inside your shoes.
- Rotate Shoes: If you climb frequently, having two pairs of shoes allows one pair to fully dry and air out between uses.
- Storage: Store your shoes in a breathable bag or in an open area, not in a sealed plastic bag where moisture can get trapped.
By following these steps, you can keep your used climbing shoes clean, performing well, and smelling fresh for many more climbs to come.
