14 Types Of Boot Scrapers: Which Should You Choose?

Every boot needs to be scraped off before you can enter a house. It is not just the dirt and mud that people want to get rid of, but also the germs on their feet that could cause diseases. Boot scrapers are an important tool in every household for scraping boots clean. There are many types of boot scrapers, with different ways they work and how long they last.

What are boot scrapers?

The name boot scrapers may be confusing because it can also refer to an implement used to clean the soles of your shoes. But with a boot scraper, you scrape off the dirt on the bottom of your boots, then remove them from the scraper's brackets and enter.

They are usually attached to doors, staircases or walls in front of the entrance to every home. They usually come in pairs, with two brackets for your boots and diagonally facing each other.

1. Material

Metal

The main material used for the construction of boot scrapers is metal. They are made out of steel, aluminum or tin and then shaped according to the user's needs and requirements. The materials used provide strength for durability.

Metal scrappers are longer lasting than the plastic ones because they do not break as easily. They can also be more decorative since they are usually made in different shapes and sizes from different metals.

Plastics

Plastic is a cheaper material to work with, which makes it affordable for most people . However, this property does not make them last longer or look more attractive. They might be available in different shapes and colors but they are not as durable as metal scrapers.

Plastic boot scrapers have a tendency to break when dropped . However, plastic scrapers do not cost much since they are cheaper than the metal ones.

Wooden

Wooden boot scrapers are soft and porous, so they are not as durable. They do have aesthetic appeal, but the soft material makes them prone to breakage.

Wooden scrapers may look appealing but there is a lot of maintenance required to keep it in shape . The porous nature of wood makes it absorb soil easily and then turn dark if left outside for a long time. There is a need to clean the scraper often.

Wooden boot scrapers are not very sturdy and have a tendency to break if dropped . This disadvantage does not make them an ideal choice in most households.

Rubber

Boot scrapers made of rubber are more popular than the wooden ones. They have better durability since they do not break as easily. Rubber boot scrapers also look attractive and come in an array of colors.

Rubber boot scrapers can be used outside on a patio or garden for cleaning off shoes before entering the house . Rubber is a very durable material and does not break easily. They can also be cleaned with a hose, which makes them very easy to maintain. Rubber boot scrapers only have some downsides like their susceptibility to heat. They need to be kept in cool and dry places otherwise they will melt .

Sticker

Boot scrapers with stickers are better at scraping off the mud on your shoes instead of just being decorative. They also look nice and come in different colors to match the décor in your house or garden.

Stickers are not very sturdy and they break easily . This makes them less ideal, even though they are easier to maintain since they can be kept in cool and dry places.

They only come in a few colors but they are more popular than the metal scrapers because it is important to match the décor in your home or garden with furniture, flowers and other decorative items .

2. Types of Boot Scrapers

There are many types of boot scrapers in the market. They differ from one another by size, material, durability and cost.

Boot scrapers with a handle

Boot scrapers with handles are available in different shapes and sizes, made from metal or plastic . They come in full length or half length depending on your needs. It is an ideal choice for families with two or more people.

Boot scrapers with handles are stronger than some of the other types because it gives leverage to the person working on it . They can work faster and easier by holding the handle while scraping off dirty boot soles.

Scrapers without a handle

There are also boot scrapers without handles. They are just as effective in cleaning off the soles of dirty shoes. However, without a handle, it is more difficult to use and requires more strength .

Metal boot scrapers

The metal scrappers are made using steel wire or aluminum drop forged into different shapes like squares , triangles or rectangles . They can be decorated with the addition of wood or plastic handles.

Metal scrapers can be used outside on a patio or garden for cleaning off shoes before entering the house . They are rust free and do not break easily, making them ideal for outdoor use. Metal boot scrapers have some disadvantages like being heavy and they are susceptible to damage when dropped .

Plastic boot scrapers

The plastic scrapers are made using recycled material which makes them cost effective. They come in different colors and are often decorated with stickers.

Plastic scrapers are more durable than other types of boot scrapers since they can withstand being dropped on the floor . Plastic scrapers cannot be used outside because they melt very quickly when exposed to heat.

Rubber Boot Scrapers

The rubber boot scraper is made by sticking together two thin pieces of hard rubber. These scrapers are often made from recycled tire materials.

Rubber is soft and flexible which makes it easy to use . It can also come in different colors , sizes , and shapes. Rubber boot scrapers can be used outside because they have high resistance to heat .

Wooden Boot Scrapers

The wooden boot scraper is usually about 1 inch thick and 4 inches wide. It has a handle and a surface that is used for scraping when the boot is placed on its edge. They are made from wood hence the name .

Wooden scrapers can be used outside since they are mostly made from maple which has high resistance to heat. These boot scrapers have a long lifespan, and they come in different colors.

Iron Boot Scraper

Iron scrapers are used by building maintenance workers. They come in different shapes and sizes, but the preferred shape is the rectangle .

Iron is a hard metal making it ideal for scraping off muddy soles of shoes. It can also be used outside since it has high resistance to heat. However, iron boot scrapers are expensive .

3. Styles and shapes

Turtle shaped Boot Scraper

The turtle shaped boot scraper was first introduced in 2000 by an Australian company. It has a shell like design, and it also comes with a handle .

Turtle shape scrapers are ideal for children because they can easily place their shoes on the outer ridges of these scrapers to clean off all dirt stuck on the sole . Once you place the shoe on the edge, the wheels will be lifted off the ground and you can easily scrape off whatever dirt is stuck to it .

Boot Scraper Molds

The molds are made from aluminum and allow you to create your own boot scrapers at little cost . You moulds can be used for rubber, plastic or metal , depending on the type of material that you choose . The mold is easy to use , and you just have to pour in the liquid material and inject it with air. After that, your boot scrapers will be ready .

Duck Boot Scrapers

The duck boot scraper is made by cutting a piece of canvas duck into half then sewing it together. The two pieces can act as both a sponge and a scraper. The canvas duck is resistant to oil, grease , gasoline and many other substances . Duck scrapers can be used outside since they are mostly made from canvas which has high resistance to heat .

Slate Boot Scraper

Slates are often used to make slate boot scrapers which absorb moisture and prevent it from corroding the surface of the scraper . The weather conditions also do not have any effect on these scrapers since they are usually made from slate which is resistant to most bad weather conditions.

The top of the scraper is slightly curved to help in cleaning the bottom of shoes. The scrapers can be used outside since they are made from slate which is resistant to most bad weather conditions .

Dibor Boot Scraper

The dibor boot scraper is made from a piece of metal pipe which is bent to form the desired shape. It also has grooves on its surface which absorb water and prevent it from getting stuck in the scraper . The foot pad at the bottom of the scraper helps with traction so that you can easily move it around your truck or SUV.

The scraper can be used outside since it is made from aluminum which has high resistance to heat . It comes in different sizes and colors.

Butler Boot Scrapers

The Butler boot scraper is a two in one device which can also be used as a snow scraper. It is made from aluminum and has grooves on the surface to absorb water . The top of the scrapper is angled to help remove mud from your shoes.

You can use these scrapers both inside and outside since they are made from aluminum which has high resistance to heat.

These scrapers can be bought in different sizes and colors, but the classic color is black.

Bottle Cap Boot Scraper

These scrapers are made from a bottle cap and are clean under it . The metal will actually scrape off the mud that is stuck on your soles. This type of shoe scraper is ideal for kids because you can easily make one in five minutes. It comes in different shapes and sizes , but the bottom should be flat and round enough to fit under the bottle cap.

It can be used either outdoors or indoors since it is made out of metal which has resistance to many weather conditions .

FAQs

1. What is the best material to make a boot scraper?

The most common materials used in a boot scraper are rubber, plastic , metal and canvas . Rubber and plastic can be cut into any shape that you want since they offer flexibility when making the shoe scrape . On the other hand, metal and canvas cannot be molded to perfectly fit the bottom of your shoes .

2. Why is a boot scraper needed?

By using a boot scraper you can easily remove dirt , mud, snow and ice from your shoes before entering a house or going out for any occasion . You will also avoid making your floor dirty since all the dirt will be on the boot scraper .

3.  What are the factors that affect the cost of a boot scraper?

There are many factors that affect the cost of a boot scraper . The material used to make them is one factor , while its ability to absorb water and repel from oil is also another important factor influencing the price.

4. How can I improve my shoe scrapers' performance?

You can achieve better results when using boot scrapers by making sure that your shoes clean before scraping off any mud . Some people prefer washing their feet first in order to remove as much mud as possible , and then use a fabric shoe scraper for the final touch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, boot scrapers come in all shapes and sizes. From the old-fashioned wooden ones to modern metal scrapers, they are used for a variety of purposes including scraping ice off windshields or car doors. The best type of scraper is one that fits your needs so it's important you do some research before purchasing.

 

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