The Best Way To Clean Cowboy Boots

Whether you’ve been stomping around the mud of your ranch or strolling down a city street, your cowboy boots are built to take you where you need to go. One of the best things about cowboy boots is the fact that they’re both rugged and stylish, with gorgeous leather details that can handle whatever life throws at them. But if you want to get the best lifetime use out of your footwear, it’s essential to care for your cowboy boots regularly. Proper care keeps your boots looking great and ensures the leather stays in good repair and won’t become damaged by moisture. So with that in mind, here’s all you need to know about how to clean cowboy boots.

Cleaning Cowboy Boots Makes Them Last

There’s nothing sadder than a pair of neglected cowboy boots. Because the best cowboy boots are made with genuine leather, they can easily last for many years if cared for well–but poor or nonexistent care can shorten that time dramatically. If you’re wondering how to clean cowboy boots, you should first be aware of a few factors which can shorten your cowboy boots’ lifespan:

Chemicals: Never use harsh chemicals on your cowboy boots! These artificial compounds can stain and degrade quality leather. 

Sun and Heat: If you leave your leather boots out on your front porch in the hot sun for weeks, it won’t do the leather any favors. Hot, sunny conditions can cause leather to dry out and even crack in time.

Water: Of course, your boots can tolerate damp and dirty conditions. However, getting your boots sopping wet can leech away important oils in the leather, causing it to dry. So if you’re wondering how to wash boots, don’t plan on dunking them.

If you’ve exposed your boots to any of these factors, it’ll be even more important to learn how to clean cowboy boots properly with a little extra TLC.

Best Way to Clean Leather Cowboy Boots

So you’re ready to sit down and give your boots a good clean and shine. There are just a few things you need before you get started: 

• A dry sponge or cloth.
• A clean, damp towel.
• A soft bristle brush.
• Leather conditioner.
• Leather polish (optional).

The first step of how to clean cowboy boots is to remove the mud and dirt off the surface of your boots. Use a damp towel to wipe them down and a soft bristle brush to remove scuffs. 

Next, dry your boots thoroughly with your cloth or sponge. It’s important to remove all moisture from your shoes before moving on to the final step. 

Finally, use a clean sponge or towel to lightly dab some of your leather conditioner and then work it steadily into the material of your boots. Work until the leather feels smooth and moisturized and the conditioner is fully absorbed. 

If you’re wondering how to shine boots as well as clean them, oil for boots in the form of polish is a great final touch. You can rub it into the surface of your boots with another clean cloth after you’ve conditioned the leather. However, this is purely cosmetic and unnecessary if you like a matte finish.

And there you have it! As you can see, the process on how to clean cowboy boots is a breeze. With just a little work, you can keep your boots in beautiful condition and ready to face the roads ahead.