Muck boots are known to be very durable and comfortable, making them a popular choice for those who spend time outdoors.
However, these boots can become susceptible to smelling pretty bad when not well maintained. This is because they are made with waterproof materials like rubber that trap moisture, creating ideal conditions for bacteria and mildew growth.
Proper maintenance should include regularly cleaning your boots with warm soapy water and drying them thoroughly before storing them in an area with good ventilation to reduce any odors associated with bacteria and mildew growth.
This article will explore in-depth tips and tricks to keep the stinking smell at bay so you can wear your favorite outdoorsy footwear comfortably!
Read on to learn more about how to make your MUCK boots stay fresh for longer.
What Makes MUCK Boots Prone To Stinking
MUCK boots are great for keeping our feet dry and protected during outdoor activities; however, one common complaint is that, over time, they can start to stink.
The main reasons Muck Boots are prone to smelling include the un-breathable and waterproof material used, poor aeration and ventilation, and heavy winter insulation.
Let’s explore these causes below:
1. The Material
MUCK boots are made from rubber or neoprene, which lacks breathability. The shell construction acts as a neutral medium between the outside and inside temperatures and keeps the feet and legs warm at all times.
The downside is that it traps heat and makes your feet sweat more. Damp, enclosed, and wet feet provide perfect conditions for smelly bacteria to breed and thrive.
2. The Design
MUCK boots are designed to be worn in winter conditions. This means that they are among the warmest footwear available and are insulated heavily.
They are also tall, with most ranging from 13-17 inches, and are insulated all the way. This design makes it difficult for feet to breathe and heat to escape, thus leading to more bacteria that intensify a bad odor.
3. Poor Ventilation
MUCK boots are too tightly closed and air hardly circulates inside the boots. This causes an accumulation of prolonged moisture inside the boots.
When combined with the heat and sweat generated from the feet, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria that causes an undesirable odor.
4. Waterproofing
MUCK boots ensure that water does not seep in and get to your feet. This also means that the moisture inside cannot escape.
Old sweat trapped in the boots makes them damp, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that causes a horrid smell.
Ways To Keep MUCK Boots Smelling Fresh
If you’ve recently become the owner of a pair of MUCK boots, or even if you’ve had them for years, you might wonder how to ensure they don’t stink.
Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do to keep your MUCKs smelling fresh. This section will explore six effective methods to keep Muck boots smelling fresh for longer.
1. Shoe Deodorizer Spray
Shoe Deodorizer Spray and Disinfectant, such as the Rocket Pure Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray, come in a natural mint scent that eliminates odor and will make your shoes smell fresh for longer.
The spray attacks the smell directly and will leave the boots smelling amazing. This shoe deodorizer has chemical ingredients that are fast-acting and effectively get rid of bacteria.
This means that it gets rid of the odor-causing bacteria permanently, as well as freshening the boots. The multi-purpose product can be used on shoes, feet, socks, gym equipment, and as a car freshener.
- POWERFUL SHOE DEODORIZER: Keep your shoes smelling fresh and minty clean with our natural foot and...
2. Sweat Absorbing Foot Powder
The Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Sweat Absorbing Foot Powder has six powerful odor and wetness fighters. The powder acts as a sweat absorber to keep the feet dry at all times.
Dr Scholl’s products have been in the market for over 115 years and remain to be the most trusted.
The product also helps to keep the shoes fresh and dry. The five-star reviews on Amazon are proof enough that the Sweatmax technology will not disappoint you.
For use, apply the powder both on your feet and inside your MUCK boots before putting them on.
- Contains 6 powerful odor & wetness fighters
3. Baking Soda
Bicarbonate soda is a cheap, versatile product that can fix all problems in a household!
Apart from cooking, it can be used to whiten laundry, remove stains, freshen breath, disinfect surfaces, remove pesticide residues from vegetables and fruits, and get rid of foul odors.
To remove bad odors from your MUCK boots, pour some baking soda inside your boots and leave them to settle for a while.
It works by turning the smelly molecules into neutral-smelling sodium salts, dampening the bad odor. Make sure to dust off the baking soda thoroughly from the boots before wearing them again.
We highly recommend the Clabber Girl Multi-Purpose Baking Soda, as it’s specially formulated for cleaning and deodorizing.
4.Boot Dryer
Using a boot dryer is a long-term solution to keep off bacteria that cause a bad smell. The damp conditions that are common in MUCK boots provide a good breeding ground for the bacteria.
It works by pulling room-temperature air, warming it, and circulating it through your boots to dry them overnight. The heat and airflow eliminate the smelly molecules and prevent them from returning when you wear your boots.
Ensure you dry your boots properly after washing and every wear.
Unlike artificial heat, boot dryer heat is controlled at the right temperature to dry the boots evenly and faster. It is also safe and will not ruin the shape and material of the boots.
We highly recommend the PEET, Electric Shoe & Boot Dryer, which comes with an outstanding 25 Year Warranty and is made in the USA.
- Works silently: The Original 2-Shoe Dryer works silently by gently warming air that rises and dries...
5. Odor Blasters and Eliminators
Sometimes, MUCK boots smell bad because they have not been washed in a while and accumulate moisture and sweat, causing a bad smell.
Odor blasters and eliminators such as the OxiClean Odor Blasters is a laundry booster that eliminates tough odors on laundry and shoes. The product will also remove stains and dirt from your MUCK boots.
It is chlorine-free and is scented hence will leave your boots fresh and with a good smell.
For best results, soak your boots in water mixed with the powder overnight before washing and rinsing with clean water.
- One 3 lb box of OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor Eliminator and Stain Remover Powder to get out...
6. Get an Extra Pair MUCK Boots
Finally, alternate between two or more pairs of MUCK boots on different days so that the material has ample time to dry completely after being worn; this is especially important if your feet tend to sweat more than usual.
Wearing the same pair of MUCK boots repeatedly can lead to the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. To help prevent this, try rotating between multiple pairs of MUCK boots, giving each pair time to air out and dry between wearings.
It’s also essential to store the boots in a well-ventilated area. Proper storage of MUCK boots is important to help prevent the buildup of bad odor.
Store the shoes in a well-ventilated area, such as a mudroom or garage, where they can air out and dry properly.
Check out the wide selection of MUCK Boots available on Amazon.com.
- UNISEX BOOTS - The Forager is a wellington boot, inspired by classic Muck styles but updated to meet...
Conclusion
MUCK boots are an essential footwear for outdoor enthusiasts, and sometimes their solid and long-lasting materials trap unpleasant odors.
Fortunately, you can take a few easy steps to stop MUCK boots from stinking.
This article has explored the causes of Muck boots’ foul odor and six effective ways of getting rid of the putrid stench of your favorite pair.
Finally, if all else fails, you can always Contact Our Team for further consultation! Thanks for reading, and good luck getting rid of those stinky boots!
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API