Cowboy boots can hold up to some very harsh conditions, but they should still be cleaned after a long day on the ranch. Cleaning cowboy boots isn’t all that complicated, but it does require a little time and effort.

Here are some tips that should help your boots look their best even after you’ve been walking through a muddy ranch.

Waterproofing Your Boots

The first thing that you should always do before wearing leather cowboy boots is to take some time to waterproof them. This should be done before you even think about taking them out to the ranch.

Some silicone polymer spray will help protect your leather boots from the elements and make them a little easier to clean with soap and water. This silicone polymer spray can be found at most department stores as well as several shoe stores, so pick some up when you purchase a new pair of boots.

Be sure to follow the directions on how to use the spray closely, and only spray your boots in a well-ventilated area.

Brushing Your Boots

Dirt and mud can generally be removed from a pair of cowboy boots with a soft-bristled brush designed for leather boots. Naturally, this is much easier if you do this after every day spent at the ranch. It’s also necessary for the next step in your cleaning process.

If you have several layers of hardened dirt on your boots, you can also try scraping them off with a plastic spoon as long as you’re careful not to damage the leather.

Washing with Soap and Water

Once you’ve brushed away the dry dirt and mud from a pair of leather boots, you can clean them with some soap and water.

Start off with a damp sponge, which should get rid of most of the dust and dirt on your boots. If that doesn’t work, use some water and a gentle soap to clean off any dirt that might remain. Finally, wipe away the suds with a damp cloth.

Keep in mind that this should only be done with leather boots, and only after you’ve waterproofed them. Suede boots should be cleaned with a nylon brush without any water.

Cleaning the Seams

Since you will most likely miss the seams of your boots during your usual cleaning, brush them clean with a damp toothbrush. Softer toothbrushes work best for this, but you might want to go with something a little tougher if you have a lot of stubborn spots of caked-on dirt.

Letting Them Dry

Once your boots are clean, wipe all the excess water and suds off of them with a soft cloth and let them sit until they are dry to the touch. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

There are additional things that you can do to keep your cowboy boots in good condition such as applying a proper leather conditioner from vendors like Tecovas or shining your boots with some polish.

However, these are the basics when it comes to cleaning off your cowboy boots after spending time on the ranch. As long as you follow these tips, your boots should serve you well for years to come.