Washing Kuoma boots in a washing machine

Kuoma is a popular brand of mid-season and winter footwear. Valenki from this Finnish manufacturer retain heat perfectly even in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, and spring models adapt to changeable weather, keeping feet dry. They are also extremely lightweight, comfortable, and stylish.

The line also includes adult models, but children's Finnish felt boots are more popular. They're ideal for both toddlers and older children. Prudent mothers often wonder how to properly wash Kuoma boots in a washing machine, whether they can throw a pair in the washing machine or whether it's better to hand-clean them.

What kind of boots are these?

The brand makes winter and mid-season boots for children and adults, taking into account the anatomical features of the foot. In Russia, these boots are called "valenki" (felt boots) because they retain heat so well even in the most severe frosts. Before washing Finnish footwear, it's important to understand what materials it's made of.

In appearance, the boots only vaguely resemble felt boots. The Kuomas are more advanced, they have a high-quality rubber sole with a slight lift, firmly connected to the frame, protective rubber inserts and reflective elements.

The outer surface of the boots is made of a dense, water-repellent material. The fabric is waterproof yet breathable, allowing air to circulate. Beneath the outer shell is a protective layer of heat-insulating plastic. Finnish felt boots are also impregnated with a special compound that protects them from dirt and moisture.

High-strength polyurethane is used for the boot soles. This material can withstand heavy loads without losing its shape. The interior of the Kuoma boots is lined with high-quality faux fur. The pile does not wear out, and the trim is very durable. The insoles are made of genuine sheepskin. Spare warm foot pads are usually included in the box.

Choose your cleaning method carefully

Kuom boots are not cheap, so before deciding how to wash them, check the manufacturer's recommendations. New boots always have a care label with basic care instructions. Most Finnish felt boots are machine washable, but some models are not suitable for machine cleaning.

If you wash Kuoma boots incorrectly, they may lose their water-repellent, dirt-resistant, and thermal-insulating properties.

That's why it's so important to read the product label. Most models are made entirely of synthetic materials and are therefore both machine and hand washable.

Let's use the washing machine

If the manufacturer allows you to machine wash your boots, why not take advantage of this option? This method is the simplest and most convenient. To ensure your Finnish felt boots retain their properties after washing, follow these basic Kuom machine washing recommendations. The sequence of steps should be as follows:

• wash the sole, clean off all dirt, remove any stuck stones from the tread;
• take out the insoles, they will have to be washed by hand;
• Place the Kuomas in the washing machine. It's a good idea to place each boot in a special mesh laundry bag. Regular pillowcases will also work;
• Load a counterweight into the washing machine to prevent the drum from becoming unbalanced. This could be tennis balls, laundry balls, an old towel, or an old pair of pants. The fabric should match the color of the shoes to prevent staining.
• Pour washing gel into the detergent dispenser. Avoid using powders, as they don't dissolve well in cool water and can get stuck in the fabric. This can leave streaks on the fabric.
• Set the delicate or wool cycle. Make sure the water temperature doesn't exceed 30-40°C;
• Turn off the spin option.

After checking the wash parameters, you can start the cycle. Once the program is complete, remove the felt boots, shake off excess water, and dry them using any available method.

Traditional care

If you have time, you can hand wash your Finnish boots. If the stains are light and fresh, simply wiping the surface with a damp cloth is sufficient. If the boots are heavily soiled and this treatment is insufficient, proceed as follows:

• Use a damp sponge to clean the sole, removing any dirt and debris stuck in the tread;
• Remove the insoles. They should be washed separately;
• Fill a basin with warm water (not hotter than 40°C), add gel or shavings of laundry soap, stir well until the product is completely dissolved;
• Submerge the boot in a soapy solution and gently clean it. First, wash the inner fur, then wipe the outer surface with a sponge or cloth.
• Rinse the shoes. Repeat the procedure until the water runs clear.

Do not rub boots vigorously or use hard brushes, as this can easily damage the fibers of the upper water-repellent material.

Wash the insoles separately. They are made of natural fur, so the cleaning requirements are slightly different than for synthetic materials. Sheepskin does not tolerate high temperatures. Therefore, fill a basin with cold water and dissolve a washing gel, shampoo, or regular liquid soap in it. Soak the insoles for 5 minutes, then gently wash away any dirt using a kneading motion. Afterwards, rinse the insoles several times and dry them.

Removing moisture from boots

It is equally important to dry Finnish felt boots properly. The manufacturer does not recommend accelerating the drying of Kuom using heating elements. Boots should not be placed on radiators, near heaters, exposed to hot air from hair dryers, or used in shoe dryers. Allow moisture to evaporate naturally.

First, let the water drain. Place the washed boots at an angle in a bathtub or basin. Next, stuff the boots with white paper; it will absorb the moisture from the inside. Avoid using newspaper pages, as this will stain the fabric with ink. Change the sheets as they become wet.

Thanks to the special shape of Finnish boots and the breathable materials used in their construction, these boots dry very quickly. Therefore, no additional heat sources are needed to speed up drying. If the weather permits, you can place the damp boots, stuffed with paper, on the balcony.

Dry Kuomas are recommended to be treated with a special impregnation, available in shoe stores. This will restore the material's water- and dirt-repellent properties, which may be partially lost after washing.

   

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