Your Guide On How to Take Care of Your Cowboy Boots

Some basic TLC goes a long way in keeping cowboy and cowgirl boots looking their best. More importantly, properly cleaning and maintaining your boots will extend their lifespan so you can enjoy them for many years to come.

The good news is that taking care of cowboy boots is pretty straightforward. After all, they’re made to hold up to hard-wearing lifestyles and vigorous outdoor activities at the range, ranch, and rodeo. However, even though cowboy boots are tough, neglecting their care can cause the leather to become brittle, cracked, and stained.

Here’s how to keep your favorite cowboy boots in tip-top shape.

1. Brush Off Dirt and Grime

Before you even think about cleaning your boots, you must remove any loose dirt, dust, debris, and grime that may have accumulated. Even if your boots appear to be clean, scrubbing them can cause microscopic particles to absorb into the porous leather, potentially leading to permanent damage. And, applying liquid to dirty leather can create a muddy solution that only makes the problem worse.

For this step, all you need is a soft-bristled toothbrush, textile brush, horsehair brush, or something similar. Make sure your boots are dry, and then give them a good brushing, taking care to get deep down in all of those creases and crevices. If your boots are extra dirty, you may need to wash and dry your brush as you go.

2. Give Them a Deeper Clean

Spot brushing your boots occasionally should keep them from looking dirty, but sometimes you’ll need to give them a proper cleaning. Leather boots can be cleaned with a mild solution of soap diluted with water. A dedicated leather cleaner such as saddle soap is ideal, but a mild dish soap can work in a pinch.

Make sure that the cleaning solution is safe for all materials on the boot. For example, let’s say you have leather cowboy boots for women, but they also have suede tassels. You’d want to either use a leather cleaner that won’t harm suede, or clean the tassels separately with a suede cleaner.

Get a clean cloth damp with the solution, and then wipe the boots down using gentle, circular motions. When you’re done, use a clean, dry towel to thoroughly dry the leather. You can also let them air dry, but keep them away from sunlight or heat.

3. Protect the Leather With Conditioner

Although some wear and tear can give cowboy fashion an air of authenticity, you run the risk of permanently damaging the leather. Conditioning the leather every month or two does more than just keep it looking like new. It helps to restore the leather’s natural oils so it stays soft, supple, and flexible—think of it like a moisturizer for your boots!

Conditioning can also make your boots more resistant to the elements and physical damage. It forms a protective layer that keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Beeswax is a very popular choice, but any leather-specific conditioner should do the trick. If you want the best protection, use a conditioner that’s also advertised as a sealant or protectant.

4. Remove Stains

Some people enjoy the look of stains, patinas, scratches, and other signs of distress, as they can give the boots their own personality and charm. If that sounds like you, feel free to skip this step!

For oil-based stains, sprinkle cornstarch onto the stain. Use a damp cloth to gently massage the powder into the stain. Let it sit for at least a few hours, and then wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth.

For water-based stains, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Use a clean cloth to dab the solution onto the stains. Leave the solution on, and let the boots air dry away from sunlight or heat.

5. Make Them Shine

Again, some people prefer the look of worn boots, so this step is optional. If you want your cowboy boots to look newer than brand new, use some shoe polish to make them shine.

To retain the boots’ original color, make sure you choose a polish that matches as closely as possible. You can also use polish to darken your boots or give them a tint if you prefer certain colors. For example, using oxblood polish on tan boots would cause them to become dark and take on a deep, purplish-red hue.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. For most polishes, you simply apply a thin layer with a clean, dry cloth and then massage and buff the boots until they shine.

Pro Tip: If you want your boots to be extra shiny, use a wax polish.

6. Eliminate Odors

It’s no secret that well-loved cowboy boots can develop an unpleasant funk over time! Fortunately, there’s a simple solution. You can nip most odors in the bud by sprinkling baking soda into the boots and letting them sit overnight. The baking soda absorbs the odor-causing bacteria, leaving your boots smelling fresh. For stubborn odors, you could try stuffing them with dryer sheets.

7. Treat Mildew and Mold

If you notice gray or white powdery spots, you might have a mildew or mold problem. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the spots, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Wipe off the solution with a clean, dry cloth. Allow the boots to air dry away from sunlight or heat.

Make Boot Maintenance a Habit

Taking care of your cowboy boots is easy, but it’s also easy to forget. Try to make a habit of spot-brushing them at least once a week, cleaning them every month or so, and conditioning them every two to three months. This basic regimen should keep your footwear looking fresh for many years to come. Take care of your boots, and they’ll take care of you!