Boots and chlorine

JimS · Feb 7, 2021

I work with various animal evacuation teams that require disinfecting of trailers and equipment. My question is, how bad is it to spray a chlorine mix or step in a chlorine foot bath with leather footwear? Are there any concerns for cleaning trailers with chlorine, besides inhalation? My boots and gear are expensive, especially my wildand fire boots. I hate to ruin them. Thanks.

300jk · Feb 7, 2021

I would wear rubber boots. Or at least slip ons.

ss55 · Feb 7, 2021

Would $20 dairy boots work better? Veterinarians used to wear rubber overshoe/boots like Tingley, what do they use now-a-days?

retired farmer · Feb 7, 2021

It would probably rot the leather after a time as well as soaking in.

DoubleO7 · Feb 7, 2021

Not sure about leather.
But it will rot most stitching in their construction.
Chlorine will also cause accelerated corrosion just from the fumes and especially contact.

super99 · Feb 7, 2021

Get a pair of rubber overshoes. If they are hard to get on and off over your leather boots, stick your foot in a plastic bag from your favorite store first, they will slid right in and back out when done. I hate to get my shoes wet, I sure as H--- wouldn't intentionally wear them in water based disinfectant!!!!

Brian G. NY · Feb 7, 2021

(quoted from post at 21:28:03 02/07/21) Get a pair of rubber overshoes. If they are hard to get on and off over your leather boots, stick your foot in a plastic bag first, they will slide right in and back out when done.

Now, that sounds like a good idea!

3000OH · Feb 7, 2021

Don’t do it. FWIW from a web search All forms of chlorine cleaning materials, including bleach, potentially can damage almost all natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk, leather) and also some plastic or synthetic fabrics.

Chlorine will ALSO often remove colorant or dye even from fabrics it doesn’t damage.
——-
I know first hand that it will rust the heck out of any normal steel (except most stainless). Eyelets & any steel toes or the shank in the soles will be at risk.

Why not use something like these overboots from TSC. Slip on over your good boots & cheap. If you need white ones (sometimes req’d, I’ve read) then try Gemplers or someplace similar
TSC muck boots

Hoenes · Feb 8, 2021

2 buckles with the walley sacks you spoke of, also keep your feet warmer, when working on concrete floors when it's freezing weather. (Old construction tip)

Boots and chlorine

JimS

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300jk

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ss55

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retired farmer

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DoubleO7

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super99

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Brian G. NY

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3000OH

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Hoenes

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