How to Clean Riding Boots? Ultimate Guide

They are one of the biggest investments in a rider’s wardrobe, so it’s vital that you know how to clean riding boots to ensure they not only look smart, but last well too.

After each ride, use a barely damp cloth or sponge to remove dirt, manure, and horse sweat from the surface of your boots.

Keeping your riding boots in top shape is all about regular maintenance and proper care. The following advice will help you maintain your riding boots.

Table of Contents

How to Clean Riding Boots?

1. Prep: To ensure that you have everything you need, collect the above-mentioned materials.

2. Clean off the boots: Remove dirt and dust by cleaning your boots with a damp cloth

Keep in mind to clean your zippers! You can use the cloth or a soft-bristled brush to clean dust and dirt off the zipper.
If necessary, use a soft brush to remove scuffs and remaining dirt. Use leather cleaner (optional) if necessary for tough mud and dirt. Avoid using household cleaning products.

If your boots are caked with layers of mud, begin the procedure for cleaning muddy leather boots by scraping or hosing the mud off of them before wiping them down with a damp cloth.

3. Spot-clean Sticky Areas. Any stains that are still present will be visible once your boots have dried. Use the damp cloth to clean and brush these again. Use a quality leather cleaner, like Fiebing’s, on spots that resist cleaning with water. Avoid using household cleaners on leather because they could make the stain worse.

4. Pay close attention to the details. Don’t forget to clean your zippers! To remove dirt and dust from the zipper, use a soft-bristled brush or a piece of cloth.

Shake off and wipe the boots with a damp cloth every day after use.

If you use them frequently, give them a thorough cleaning and polish at least once a month. For infrequent users, thoroughly cleaning your riding boots twice a year is enough.

Also Read: How to Break in Riding Boots?

Tips on Cleaning Leather Riding Boots

Always clean your horse riding boots after each use
Never leave your riding boots muddy
To clean simply remove the dirt using a damp sponge; wait until the leather dries naturally (never put damp boots next to a radiator – this will make the leather too dry and eventually it will crack)
Polish the riding boots regularly with normal shoe polish and keep the leather nourished using a good leather cream
On boots, avoid applying saddle soap or saddle cream. These are too greasy for calfskin and will be damaging to the leather over time
Keep your boots in boot trees, ideally bespoke wooden trees; this will prolong the life of the boots and will keep them in shape over a long period of time

How to Maintain Horse Riding Boots?

Here are some additional maintenance hints I have.

Once you’ve finished using the riding boots, always store them somewhere cool and dry. They shouldn’t be left outside for an extended period of time, please. Direct heat may also harm them.
Put a dry towel inside the boots to soak up some of the excess water if they have absorbed a lot of it. Always place the towel before momentarily removing the inner sole.
Make sure the storage room has enough ventilation/air circulation.
Always store the boots using boot trees to maintain the shape.
Wear overboots, also known as rubber overshoes, to protect your boots if the ground is too muddy. Over the years, these have kept many boots from me!
Since children might not be cautious outside, overshoes are also useful for children’s riding boots. Alternatively, you can buy insulated, waterproof winter riding boots.

Final Thoughts on How to Clean Riding Boots

Good care of your riding boots is absolutely vital in order to keep them in top condition; if you look after your boots they will last longer!

Now that you’ve learned how to clean leather boots, there’s no excuse for not keeping your tall riding boots in top shape. Start now!

FAQs

What is the Best Way to Clean Boots?

Apply water and soap.

What Should You Use to Clean Riding/tall Boots?

You’ll also need a soft brush, leather conditioner, boot polish, a cloth, a towel, a sponge, and water. Avoid using regular soaps and detergents because they might contain chemicals that harm the boots.