Are you a fan of rock climbing but always find the process of caring for your climbing shoes extremely inconvenient? I totally get it. It can be quite a chore to learn how to clean climbing shoes.

But what if I told you, there exists a brand of waterproof shoes that you could possibly use as climbing shoes? Yes, you read that right. So, let me tell you about Vessi, our brand that appeared out of the blue offering customers comfortable and trendy waterproof shoes.

Manufactured under a proprietary process, all our Vessi sneakers promise 100% waterproof protection. This means you can wear them in any time of the year since you can even climb on those rainy days. And the best part? There are many types of Vessi shoes, so you can choose the one you like.

Although Vessi shoes are not created particularly for climbing, due to our product’s waterproof and durability, they are perfect for climbing and other activities. Also, they are very comfortable, and amazingly aesthetic – so no more having to compromise on the latest trends to get a good walking shoe.

So without further due let’s explain how to wash it and why Vessi shoes may be just the thing you are looking for.

How to Clean Climbing Shoes: Step-to-Step Process of Hand-Washing Climbing Shoes

Climbing shoes are one of the inevitable equipments for any climber out there. As is the case with almost any other type of clothing, some amount of care is required to keep them functional for longer, as well as looking good. It may seem convenient to toss them in the washing machine, but this should not be done because it is best to actually wash them by hand.

Requirements

• A tub or sink

• Mild detergent (such as gentle dish soap)

• A soft-bristled brush

• Lukewarm fresh water

• A towel

Steps

1. Fill a tub with water: Start by filling a tub or sink with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as it can damage the shoes' glue and cause them to delaminate.

2. Use mild detergent in the water: Add a small amount. Stay away from harsh detergents or bleach, which can damage the shoes' materials.

3. Brush off dust before shoes get wet: While preparing to submerge the shoes in water, you have to first scrub off the shoes gently with a soft brush to get rid of dirt and particles. This will avoid cone like structures forming which can house dirt in the inner part of the specially designed shoe fabric. Some shoes will have a folded structure and this will require that you iron them before immersing them in water.

4. Turn the shoes upside down and pad them to remove debris and small rocks: Flip them over and gently pat them to remove any small rocks or debris stuck inside them. This will help prevent damage to the shoe's interior.

5. Gently scrub the outside of the shoes: With the shoe upside down, gently scrub the outside with the soft-bristled brush. Pay close attention to any particularly dirty, painted, or scuffed areas.

6. Clean the shoes from the inside: Flip the shoes back over and gently scrub the inside. Pay close attention to the heel and toe areas, as they collect the most dirt and sweat.

7. Rinse your rock shoes with lukewarm fresh water: Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm fresh water after scrubbing them outside and inside. Ensure you remove all the soap residue.

8. Completely dry the shoes: After washing, apply mild pressure to remove most of the water from the fabric. Next, that is, wipe with a towel to remove excess water from the shoes. It is also important not to twist or wring the shoes in anyway as this might lead to damage as to the material used on the shoe. Afterwards they must be left to dry if they are to be preserved for some time and then kept in a dark area free from light.

How to Machine Wash & Clean Rock Climbing Shoes

Rock climbing shoes are a crucial item in any climber's collection. Eventually, they can become dirty and smelly, affecting their performance. Fortunately, you can easily clean your sneakers or shoes using a washing machine. Here's a guide to machine washing and cleaning your smelly climbing shoes:

Requirements

• Brush

• Washing machine

• Mild washing detergent

• Lukewarm water

Steps

1. Brush off dust before shoes get wet: Before you wash your shoes, use a brush to take care of any excess dust or dirt from the shoes. This will prevent dirt from clogging the washing machine and make cleaning easier.

2. Turn shoes upside down and pad them to remove debris and small rocks: Next, turn your shoes upside down and gently pad them to remove any debris or small rocks lodged in the shoe crevices.

3. Set your washing machine to a gentle washing cycle: Start the washing cycle on a gentle one because operating the washer at a normal cycle will cause damage on the shoes. They also recommended that one should not use hot water because this starts to deteriorate the glue on the shoe and hence reduces the longevity of the shoe.

4. Add some mild washing detergent. Avoid using bleach: Add a small amount of mild washing detergent to the machine, and make sure not to use bleach, as it can damage the shoe material.

5. Rinse your wet climbing shoes with lukewarm fresh water: After the wash cycle, rinse the shoes with lukewarm fresh water to remove any excess soap residue.

6. Completely dry the shoes – avoid hot dryers: Last of all, take them out from the washer and try to stuff some newspaper or, better still, paper towels in them to deter them from shrinking as they dry. Do not use a hot dryer because synthetic climbing shoes will be damaged by heat. Rather dry them in a natural manner by simply hanging them somewhere that is cool and dry.

Cleaning Your Rock Climbing Shoes When You Are Outdoors or Camping

If you're camping or climbing outdoors and need to clean your shoes, you must have the right tools and knowledge to do so effectively. Let's show you how to clean your rock climbing and bouldering shoes while you're out and about:

Requirements

• Rubbing alcohol

• Water

• Spray bottle

• Brush

Steps

1. Mix rubbing alcohol: Mix rubbing alcohol with water in a spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio. Shake the bottle to ensure the solution is well-mixed.

2. Brush the climbing shoes: Use a brush to remove any loose dirt and debris from the shoes. Make sure you're brushing gently to avoid damaging the shoes.

3. Use a bottle to keep the alcohol mix and spray the shoes: Use the rubbing alcohol mixture to wash the shoes by spraying it on the worse parts of the shoes. Let the solution soak on the shoes for like ten minutes so that it will start dissolving any dirt present on the shoes. Here a dry clean cloth should be used to wipe the shoes clean.

4. Dry the shoes: Allow the shoes or sneakers to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Do not dry them in direct sunlight or using heat sources like a campfire or heater, as this can damage the shoes.

Tips for Cleaning a Climbing Shoe

Cleaning your climbing shoes is essential to maintaining their performance and prolonging their lifespan. Here are some tips for cleaning your climbing shoes:

• Clean your shoes regularly: Keeping your climbing shoes clean is essential to maintain their grip and prevent odours from building up.

• Remove excess dirt and debris: Unless they are in a really dirty state, never wash your climbing shoes without first using a soft brush to try and loosen and dislodge any dirt that is stuck onto the surface of the shoes. This will increase the efficiency with which washing will be done and ensure that dirt does not accumulate upon the fabric.
  

• Wash with mild soap and water: You should also avoid abrasive cleaners, as they are bad for any fabric, and even worse for your climbing shoes; use mild soap or detergent instead. Stay away from stiff chemical solutions, bleach or fabric softeners since they may compromise the texture of the fabric as well as results in slippery surfaces. Using a gently bristle brush, clean the shoes and then wash them with ordinary water.

• Air dry: After cleaning your synthetic or leather climbing shoes, it's important to let them air dry naturally. Avoid using a dryer or other heat source to dry your climbing shoes. Instead, let the synthetic or leather shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area. Stuff newspaper inside them to help them retain their shape and absorb any excess moisture.

• Don't expose them to direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the colours of your climbing shoes to fade and weaken the material. So, avoid drying them in direct sunlight or storing them without exposure.

• Use a shoe deodorizer: Climbing shoes can become smelly due to the accumulation of sweat and bacteria. To prevent this, use a shoe deodorizer to keep them smelling fresh and clean.

• Avoid wearing your shoes outside: Climbing shoes are often designed for indoor or outdoor climbing, and wearing them outside on rough terrain can cause damage to the shoes. If you need to wear them outside, use shoe covers or take them off when walking to and from the climbing area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cleaning Climbing Shoes

1. Should you wash climbing shoes?

Indeed, it is crucial to wash climbing shoes because it will increase their durability and ensure that one is safe during climbing. Furthermore, they state that climbing shoes develop stench, dirt and bacteria issues since climbers wear them often.

Cleaning is another way of reducing the rate of fungal and bacterial build up on climbing shoes and increases the shoes’ friction, elasticity and comfort. But the cleaning method should not in any way hamper the structure of the shoe or have any impact on the usability of the shoe.

2. Can I hand wash my climbing shoes?

Of course, hand washing is the most effective way of washing climbing shoes. First, use a feather or soft brush, pad or cloth to wipe off the cloth to get rid of any substances that are loosely attached to the surface. Then, pour warm water in or basin or sink and then, add just a little amount of gentle soap.

Submerge the shoes in water for several minutes and then rub them with a gentle brush. Do not use soap, strong washing powder or bleach and bleach as they are likely to bleach the material used in making the shoe. Then wash them thoroughly with water and leave them to dry in the room having proper ventilation and not sunny.

3. How do you get the smell out of climbing shoes?

It has come to the author’s realization that the climbing shoes stinking from excessive sweating and bacterial growth. Another steps to get rid of the issue is to spray the inside part of the shoes with a shoe deodorizer to reduce the levels of bacteria causing smell.

Another method is by using baking soda, the powder can soak up more moisture as well as masking the smell. Baking soda can be put in the shoes and left it for several hours then the baking soda is removed from the shoes. They should also be put in a plastic bag with several tea bags for about one night. The tea leaves will swab the moisture and impart a good aroma.

4. How often should I wash my climbing shoes?

The frequency of cleaning climbing shoes relies only on regularly used shoes and mostly in areas such as gardens and cliffs. But if you climb frequently, or under a condition of damp or dusty, probably need to clean them after usage.

However, coming infrequently or in dry climate, they can be washed once a month or when they become dirty. Special attention should be paid to regular cleaning and washing of the skin since Sweat contains oils that trap dirt resulting in odor formation and job attracts bacteria that can cause skin infections. Cleaning also uncovers the surface and preserves the proper material adhesion, flexibleness, and comfortable use of the shoes.