How to Keep Rubber Boots from Cracking and Dry Rotting

Cleaning Your Rubber Boots

To stop rubber boots from cracking, you got to clean them all the time. Wipe down the whole outside after every use. This zaps dirt, mud, or gunk that can dry out the rubber. Just hose them off after a romp. If they’re super messy, use mild soap and a soft brush or rag. Dish soap and a boot brush work awesome. Let them air dry totally before tucking them away.
Wet boots in storage? Bad news! Moisture can spark mold and stinky smells. Make sure they dry in open air before hiding them in a closet.

Applying Rubber Conditioner on Your Boots

Rubber conditioners are super cool for keeping boots bendy and young. Rubbing conditioner on regularly stretches their life. Sunlight fades and breaks rubber. Conditioning often stops big damage, like flaky, cracked, or super dry boots.
Grab a good rubber conditioner and wipe it on with a soft cloth after cleaning and drying. Let the boots chill overnight. In the morning, wipe off any leftover dampness. Keep them away from direct heat or sun while drying.

Storing Your Boots

Good storage makes rubber boots last way longer. Keep them in a steady, cool spot like a basement or closet when not in use. Wild temp swings make rubber stretch and shrink, which causes cracks. If left outside, boots get beat up as temps flip from day to night.
Don’t fold or squash them under heavy stuff. Hang them upside down or set them straight on a boot rack. Condition them after a few uses to keep them strong.

5 Ways to Protect Your Rubber Boots from Dry Rotting

Rubber boots are tough, light, and waterproof. With care, they can last forever! However, without proper care, they are highly prone to dry rot.

Clean Them Regularly

Washing often stops gunk that leads to dry rot. Use a gentle soap, like what you clean dishes with, to scrub the surface. Rinse well. Wipe with a damp cloth daily if you can’t wash weekly.
Always let them dry before storing. Wet boots in storage grow funky stuff and fall apart faster.

Apply Some Olive Oil to the Surface Once in a While

Sounds weird, but olive oil keeps rubber happy. It soaks into clean boots, softens them, and stops dryness or cracks. Use just a little for best results.

Use a Boot Conditioner

A special boot conditioner beats regular oils. It hydrates rubber deep down, keeping it safe from dry rot. Rub it on at least twice a month, or more if you use your boots a lot.
Don’t skip this! It keeps boots looking brand new for years.

Store the Boots Carefully

How you store boots matters a ton. Don’t toss them carelessly or pile heavy shoes on top. Skip spots with big temp changes.
A steady, cool place keeps dry rot away.

Wax the Surface Once in a While

Waxing shields boots from UV rays that wreck rubber. A quick wax before heading out is smart. Vaseline works too, but wipe it off before long-term storage.

Do’s and Don’ts to Protect Your Rubber Boots From Dry Rotting

• Do store boots in airy cabinets.

• Don’t leave them in hot or wet spots all the time.

• Do hang them upside down to dry.

• Don’t use leather polish. Stick to rubber-specific products.

Custom Handmade Rubber Boots by Trendy Boot for Your Brand

Want top-notch custom rubber boots for your brand? Handan Trendy Boot and Textile Co., Ltd. offers awesome OEM/ODM services. They’re a Vulcanized Rubber Boot Factory in Hebei Province, North China.
Since 1958, Trendy Boot has grown into a global supplier of high-quality fashion rain boots and outdoor wellies for men, women, and kids. They’ve got 15 rubber mixers, 6 production lines, and 4 vulcanizers.
Their QUAD-GUARANTEED Rubber Boots are:

• Quality Guaranteed: Waterproof, tough, and low-defect.

• Environment Guaranteed: GRS/FSC certified.

• Technology Guaranteed: Cool structure and formula designs.

• Service Guaranteed: On-time delivery.
  You can customize logos on uppers or soles and pick materials like neoprene lining or vulcanized soles. Just show a sketch, and they’ll whip up a creative design. Reach out at yori@wellies.cn or WhatsApp +86-18633619747.

FAQ

Q1: How often should I condition my rubber boots?

A: Every few weeks when you use them a lot, or monthly when they’re chilling off-season.

Q2: Can I store my rubber boots outside?

A: Nope! Outdoor temp swings cause cracking.

Q3: Is olive oil safe for all types of rubber?

A: It’s good for most natural rubber in wellies, but test a tiny spot first.

Q4: Why do expensive rubber boots still crack?

A: Price doesn’t stop cracks. Skipping conditioning or bad storage messes them up, even fancy ones.

Q5: Can I polish my rubber rainboots like leather shoes?

A: No way! Use rubber conditioners, not leather polish, to keep them safe.

By sticking to these pro tips—cleaning after every use, conditioning often, and storing smart—you can keep your rubber boots awesome and crack-free for ages!