How to Clean Leather Cowboy Boots

How to Clean Leather Cowboy Boots

Langston's has been in the boot business for a long time, so we pride ourselves on knowing not only how to find just the right boots for any given customer, but also how to care for said boots once that customer has fallen in love and wants to wear their boots forever. By following the simple steps below, you can help ensure you have a long, happy relationship with your leather boots.

General Boot Care:

First things first: Are your leather boots finished or unfinished?

FINISHED BOOTS

For general care for finished leather boots:

Simply apply saddle soap to a damp cloth, wipe the boots down and then use a quick shine sponge or another damp cloth to go back over the boots to ensure no residue remains. Blot the boots dry and apply leather conditioner to finish.

UNFINISHED BOOTS

For unfinished boots, you can choose from a range of natural and synthetic products to keep your boots in optimal shape.

Daily Maintenance:

Leather is like skin and can crack and deteriorate over time. You can help slow down this process - or even avoid it altogether - by performing a little day-to-day maintenance. After wearing your boots each day, simply brush them with a soft brush to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated. This may sound excessive, but this simple step will prevent dust from seeping into the leather and will dramatically slow deterioration.

Stain Care:

MINOR STAINS:

If you accidentally stain your boots, don't panic. For most stains, simply make a solution of mild soap and water. Gently rub the stain with this soapy water and then wipe it off with a damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth. Alternatively, you can also use baby wipes instead of soapy water.

SALT STAINS

However, if it is winter and your boots get salt stains, you'll need to use a combination of water and vinegar to completely remove the salt.

GREASE STAINS:

And if you happen to order a big burger for lunch and drop some grease on your boots, be sure to apply cornstarch to the stain and leave it overnight. In the morning, brush off the cornstarch and clean as directed above with soapy water.

Scratch 411:

Scratches are easy to come by for hardworking men and women. But that doesn't mean you have to live with scratched-up boots. Depending on the finish of the leather and the severity of the scratch, you can use a combination of wax and polishing to remedy the scratch. Because leather is a natural material, not all scratches can be fully removed, but many can be reduced at the very least.

Additional leather Boot Care Tips:

NEVER USE OILS:

Some will suggest using mink oil or olive oil to treat boots, but using oils is never recommended. All oils have the potential to darken the leather, and you may be unhappy with the unnatural color change to your favorite boots.

NO DIRECT HEAT:

Don't ever apply a direct heat source to leather boots. Instead, let them dry naturally. This will also help prevent unsightly cracks.

PREVENTION:

It really is true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care. Instead of attempting to remove stains after the fact, apply water and stain protectors from the get-go. You'll be investing a little time that will pay great dividends in great-looking leather boots.

CREASES:

In order to prevent boots from acquiring odd creases, use boot trees to keep your boots upright when they are not on your feet.