Caring for Your Gun Holster: How to MaintainLeather for Longevity

Leather holsters not only look attractive, but they feel better against your skin than Kydex for IWB, AIWB, and SOB concealed carry positions. But what works for maintaining other leather items is not always good for holsters. In fact, most leather maintenance methods will do your holster more harm than good. 

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care for your holster–you just need to do it properly. Here’s what you need to know about leather holster maintenance to make sure your holster lasts through the years or even decades.

Don’t Use Leather Conditioners

Leather conditioners moisturize and nourish leather so it doesn’t dry out and crack. This is great for items like shoes and wallets because you want them to be soft. However, you want your holster to be very stiff. 

While rare, there have been some incidents of accidental discharge from soft leather holsters. These incidents happened when a piece of a flimsy holster got stuck in the trigger guard during reholstering. 

You can’t re-stiffen a flimsy leather holster. If your leather holster becomes soft or damaged, replace it. It’s a safety issue. 

Quality of the Holster Matters

You can usually get by with a cheap Kydex holster, but quality matters with leather (and nylon, for that matter).  Cheap leather holsters are usually thin and deform very quickly. 

If you are just now buying a leather holster, choose one made from a more durable type of leather.  Heavy steerhide is great because it’s much stiffer than regular leather.  Also look for a holster that has a reinforced mouth because this will help prevent the holster from deforming. 

Cleaning Dirt and Dust from a Leather Holster

Most leather cleaning products aren’t safe to use on holsters because they will make it softer. Instead, the safest bet is to clean any dirt or grime from your leather using a soft, damp (not wet) cloth. 

Compressed air is great for cleaning dirt and dust from the inside of the holster. Just blow it inside to dislodge anything stuck there. 

Occasionally Wax Your Leather Holster

While you shouldn’t oil or condition your leather holster, you should occasionally wax it.  The wax creates a seal to prevent the leather from absorbing dirt and sweat.  

To wax a leather holster:

• Check what product your holster manufacturer recommends. Natural beeswax usually works best.
• Make sure the leather is completely clean and dry before applying wax or it will seal in dirt and moisture, potentially leading to rot.
• Heat the wax until it is liquid. A double boiler works best for this.
• Use a microfiber cloth or a brush to apply the wax. 
• Less is more. You only need to apply a very thin layer of wax. 
• Do not use a hairdryer or other heat source when applying the wax. This is fine for soft leather items, but can deform a holster. 
• When the wax is dry, use a soft cloth to buff the leather and get a nice sheen. 

Note that wax is a protectant and will not restore damaged leather. Because wax slightly stiffens leather, applying wax to a brittle holster can exacerbate cracking.  If your leather holster is brittle, it’s time to get a new one. 

Cleaning Stinky Leather Holsters

Leather is naturally porous, so will absorb sweat and grime–especially if you are wearing the holster directly against your skin. There are a few ways you can safely remove bad odors from leather holsters:

• Newspapers: Stuff the holster with newspapers and then wrap it with newspapers. Leave it somewhere to sit and the paper will absorb the odors from the holster.
• Baking soda: Fill the bottom of a large Tupperware container with baking soda. Put the holster on top of something in the container, so it isn’t directly touching the baking soda. Cover the container and let it sit for several days to a week. The baking soda should absorb the bad smells.
• Dry coffee grounds: You can also use coffee grounds instead of baking soda. The bad smells will be replaced by the smell of coffee. 
• Freezing: Freezing can kill the bacteria that is making your holster stink. You’ll need to leave the holster in the freezer for at least 3 hours. The cold can make the holster brittle, so don’t leave the holster in the freezer for extended periods of time.

Store It Properly

Proper storage will go a long way to ensuring that your leather holster lasts for a long time. You should:

• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying.
• Store in a cool, dry place to avoid excess moisture or heat damage.
• Avoid sealed plastic bags, as leather needs to breathe.
• Use a breathable fabric bag or pillowcase for protection against dust.
• Maintain the holster’s shape by inserting a foam or paper form, especially around the trigger guard area.
• Avoid extreme temperatures that can dry or warp the leather.

Just like your firearm, your holster deserves to be treated with respect. Treat it right and your holster can last for decades!