Leather holsters provide several advantages over other types of holsters as they produce significantly less noise when used for concealed carry and are also incomparable when it comes to comfort. However, with these advantages comes the duty of caring for these holsters as leather gun holsters, like any other leather product, may soon wear down if not properly cared for.
Keeping leather holsters in good shape is a labor of love and requires hard work and talent. Some of the newest holster types, such as those made from synthetic materials, are exceedingly easy to clean. The same cannot be said for leather holsters as they require special lubricants, cleaning solutions, and conditioners for their upkeep.
Tips and tricks for maintenance of leather holsters
- Refrain from letting animals near leather holsters–
The most common way in which leather holsters are damaged is by being chewed upon by pets, especially dogs, which may come as a surprise to many people. This happens majorly with dogs because they see the holster as a chew toy since animal hide is the raw material used for making leather.
Furthermore, rodents, particularly rats, will nibble on the leather for salt (from the holster’s remaining sweat) or during teething. In general, you should keep leather holsters off of areas where vermin or family pets could get them.
- Don’t overuse maintenance products
Although it may be tempting to use a lot of leather conditioner to clean and maintain your holster, doing so might considerably weaken your leather holsters, to the point that they lose their utility.
Leather holsters must be broken in and molded to suit a certain weapon, and since maintenance products like conditioners soften the leather, it might cause your holster to lose its shape over time. Additionally, when cleaning your holster, make sure to use materials made for leather holsters.
- Don’t dry your holster improperly
Moisture is one of the most common causes of degradation, and leather holsters are no exception. Whenever your holster gets wet, be it due to rain or from your sweat, make sure that you wipe it down and let it dry in a cool place. When drying leather holsters, avoid using blow dryers or other heat sources, as this may damage the leather.
- Utilize the proper washing process
It is a good practice to wipe and clean your leather holsters after each usage. However, if the holster gets soiled due to dust, dirt, or other materials, it may require extra care. Wash the holster using a combination of water and glycerin soap, scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush for optimal results. After cleaning the holster, pat it dry, but don’t use any artificial heat sources to dry it.
- Store the holster properly
Because leather is prone to damage by dampness, keeping your leather holsters in a cool, dry area when not in use will increase their longevity.
For additional protection, you can wrap your holster in cotton and store it in a box or case, but whatever you do, remember to take it out and wipe it clean of any dust that has formed.
- Treat your holster
While it isn’t required, spraying leather holsters with silicone has a number of benefits. The substance is applied by spraying the silicone mixture into the interior of the holster, which results in the silicon acting as a sealant, protecting the leather from moisture. As an added advantage, spraying the holster with spray silicone reduces friction, allowing you to draw your weapon faster.