To clean wellies, rinse off the mud with lukewarm water, scrub gently with a soft brush and mild soapy water, rinse, then dry them naturally away from direct heat. Finish with a rubber dressing to keep the rubber flexible. This guide covers the full process for rubber and neoprene-lined wellington boots, plus how to deal with white bloom, smells and storage.
Last updated October 2026.
What you need
- A soft brush or old washing-up brush
- A bucket of lukewarm water with a little washing-up liquid
- A soft cloth or sponge
- Newspaper or a boot dryer
- A rubber boot dressing, such as the Hoggs of Fife Wellington & Rubber Boot Dressing
How to clean wellies, step by step
- Knock off dried mud. Tap the boots together or brush off loose mud before it gets wet. This stops it turning into a paste.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. Use a hose or bucket. Avoid hot water, which can dry out and weaken the rubber.
- Scrub gently. Use a soft brush with a little mild washing-up liquid. Work around the sole, the heel and any seams, where dirt collects.
- Wipe the inside. Use a damp cloth. For neoprene-lined boots, rinse the lining and squeeze out the water.
- Rinse and wipe dry. Remove all soap, then wipe the outside with a clean cloth.
- Dry naturally. Stand the boots upright, stuff them loosely with newspaper and leave them somewhere airy. Keep them away from radiators, fires and direct sun, as heat can crack rubber.
- Condition the rubber. Once dry, apply a thin layer of rubber dressing with a cloth and buff it off. This restores the finish and helps prevent cracking.
How do you remove the white film on wellies?
The white or grey film on natural rubber wellies is called bloom. It is a harmless surface deposit and not a fault. Wipe it away with a damp cloth, or a cloth dampened with a little diluted white vinegar, then dry the boots and apply rubber dressing to bring back the colour.
How do you get the smell out of wellies?
- Remove the insoles and dry them separately.
- Let the boots dry fully inside, using newspaper or a boot dryer on a low setting.
- Sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda inside overnight, then tip it out.
- Wear clean, dry socks. Our walking socks guide explains which fabrics wick moisture best.
How to store wellies
Store wellies upright in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A boot tree or rolled newspaper stops the legs from folding and creasing. Use a boot bag to keep muddy boots contained in the car.
How often should you clean wellies?
Brush off mud after every muddy wear. Wash them properly when they are visibly dirty, and condition the rubber every few weeks if you wear them regularly, or at the start and end of winter if you wear them occasionally.
Wellies FAQ
Can you put wellies in the washing machine?
No. Machine heat and tumbling can damage the rubber and the lining. Wash them by hand.
Can you use bleach or strong cleaners on wellies?
No. Harsh chemicals and solvents can damage rubber. Use lukewarm water and mild washing-up liquid.
How do you dry wet wellies quickly?
Stuff them with newspaper, changing it as it gets damp, or use a low-heat boot dryer. Do not place them on a radiator.
What is the best way to protect wellies?
Clean and dry them, then apply a rubber dressing. If you want to keep boots cleaner, CleanBoot overshoes cover your footwear in muddy conditions.
Looking for new wellies?
Browse our wellington boots and wellies, farm wellies and Hoggs of Fife wellingtons. Our wellington boots buying and sizing guide, wide calf wellies guide and Muck Boots vs traditional wellies comparison will help you choose.
More guides are in The Field Guide.
