Once upon a time, there was a tough-as-nails cowboy named Hank who had a pair of boots that were more than just footwear, they were a symbol of his cowboy pride.
He had worn them through every challenge and they had never let him down…until one fateful day.
Hank woke up to find his trusty boots reeking of cat urine, which was odd because he didn’t own a cat.
As he began to investigate, he noticed his neighbor’s feline looking suspiciously guilty as it sauntered away. That’s when he realized that his beloved boots had been used as a litter box by the sneaky cat.
Hank tried everything he could think of to remove the smell. But nothing worked. The stench remained, and it was beginning to permeate his entire house.
Desperate for a solution, Hank took to the internet and stumbled upon a forum where fellow cowboys were sharing tips on how to deal with the cat urine smell in their boots.
There were some strange and unconventional methods suggested, like using tea tree oil and air purifying bags, but Hank was willing to try anything to save his beloved boots.
With a bit of trepidation, he set out to try the methods recommended on the From The Guest Room.
As he applied the tea tree oil and hung the air-purifying bags inside his boots, he couldn’t help but feel a little ridiculous.
But to his amazement, the smell began to fade away, and soon his boots were as fresh as the day he bought them.
From that day forward, Hank made sure to keep a watchful eye on his neighbor’s cat and always kept his boots safely out of reach.
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How To Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Cowboy Boots?
If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate position of having to deal with cat urine smell in your cowboy boots, don’t worry – there are a variety of methods you can try to eliminate the odor.
Below are some of the most effective ways to get the smell out of your boots:
Method 1: Try to clean the inside of the cowboy boots
For leather lining and insole:
- Depending on the construction of your boots, you may be able to remove the insole to clean it separately. This will allow you to access the entire interior of the boot for a thorough cleaning.
- Use a soft horsehair brush to remove any loose dirt and debris from the leather lining and insole. Be gentle to avoid damaging the leather.
- Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the leather lining and insole. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the leather cleaner you choose to use.
- Allow the leather cleaner to sit for a few minutes so that it can penetrate and loosen any dirt or stains on the leather.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the leather cleaner and any dirt or stains that have been lifted.
- Allow the lining and insole to air dry completely before reinserting the insole and wearing the boots again.
- Once the lining and insole are completely dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple.
Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned | Click image for more info on Tecovas
For mesh lining and insole:
- Gently brush the interior of the boot with a soft-bristled brush to eliminate any loose dirt or debris.
- Mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent with warm water in a bowl.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring it out well.
- Gently scrub the mesh lining and insole with a damp cloth or sponge, being careful not to saturate the material.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away the detergent residue.
- Stuff the boots with crumpled newspaper or a clean towel to help them retain their shape as they dry.
- Allow the boots to air dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight.
If you want to learn more about how to clean the inside of your cowboy boots, including the lining and insole, be sure to check out our in-depth guide for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
Method 2: Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can be an effective way to neutralize cat urine odor in cowboy boots.
Here’s how to make a vinegar solution:
Materials:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Create a solution by combining equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a convenient spray bottle.
- Spray the inside of the boots with the vinegar solution.
- Let the boots air dry completely.
- Once the boots are dry, check to see if the odor has been eliminated. If not, repeat the process.
Method 3: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are two powerful odor eliminators that, when combined, can make an effective solution for removing the cat urine smell from cowboy boots.
Here’s how to make the solution:
Materials:
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Bowl
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the inside of the cowboy boots, focusing on the areas where the cat urine smell is the strongest.
- Leave the paste on the boots for at least 30 minutes or until it has completely dried.
- Once the paste has dried, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the boots and remove the dried paste.
- Wipe the boots down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
- Allow the boots to air dry completely before wearing them again.
Method 4: Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners are designed specifically to break down and eliminate organic odors such as cat urine.
Here’s how to use an enzyme cleaner on cowboy boots:
Materials:
- Enzyme cleaner
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Spray the enzyme cleaner directly onto the inside of the boots.
- Let the boots sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Wipe the boots clean with a damp cloth.
- Let the boots air dry completely.
It’s important to note that when using any of these methods, you should avoid using hot water or harsh detergents, as they can damage the leather of the boots.
Additionally, be patient and allow the boots to dry naturally.
Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with the cat urine smell in cowboy boots. If you have a cat, keep your boots out of their reach.
You can also try placing a scratching post or cat tree near your boots to redirect their attention.
Method 5: Use tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help eliminate the odor-causing bacteria and fungus in the boots.
However, it is important to dilute the tea tree oil properly before use, as it can be irritating to the skin if used undiluted.
It is recommended to mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle, then spray the inside of your boots and let them air out for several hours.
- Dilute the tea tree oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. The ratio should be around 10 drops of tea tree oil per cup of water. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients.
- Remove any loose dirt or debris from the boots: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dirt or debris from the inside of the boots.
- Spray the solution inside the boots: Spray the tea tree oil solution inside the boots, making sure to cover all areas. Pay extra attention to the areas where the cat urine smell is strongest.
- Let the boots air out: Place the boots in a well-ventilated area and let them air out for several hours. It’s best to do this outdoors or in a room with good airflow. You can also place them in front of a fan to speed up the drying process.
- Repeat if necessary: If the odor is still present after the first treatment, repeat the process until the smell is completely gone.
Note: Always test a small, inconspicuous area of the boots first to make sure the tea tree oil doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. Also, make sure to properly dilute the tea tree oil before use to avoid skin irritation.
Things you’ll probably need to do afterward…
Another way to reduce odors in your cowboy boots is by using boot trees.
Boot trees are a great tool for helping your cowboy boots maintain their shape and promote air circulation, which can help to eliminate any residual odors and prevent new ones from forming.
If you’ve already tried one of the methods above to remove the cat urine smell from your boots, using boot trees can help to further reduce any remaining odors.
When using boot trees, it’s important to use high-quality ones that are made from natural materials like cedar, which has natural odor-fighting properties.
Simply insert the boot trees into your clean and dry cowboy boots and leave them there until you’re ready to wear them again.
However, it’s important to remember that boot trees are not a substitute for proper cleaning and odor removal methods.
If your cowboy boots still have a strong cat urine smell after using one of the methods above, it’s important to continue trying other methods until the odor is completely eliminated.
Boot trees can be a helpful addition to your odor-fighting arsenal, but they work best in combination with other methods.
Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned | Click image for more info
Aside from boot trees, there are other methods that can be used to further reduce odors in cowboy boots.
One option is to use an air purifying bag, which can help to absorb any unpleasant odors inside your boots.
Simply place the bag inside your clean and dry boots and leave it there for several hours or overnight. The bag should help to absorb any remaining odors, leaving your boots smelling fresher.
Another option is to use used coffee or tea. Coffee and tea are both natural odor absorbers and can be used to reduce odors in your cowboy boots.
Simply fill a pair of old socks with used coffee or tea grounds and place them inside your boots.
Leave them there for several hours or overnight, and then remove the socks and dispose of the coffee or tea grounds. Your boots should smell much better afterward.
Finally, shoe odor spray can also be an effective way to reduce odors in cowboy boots.
Look for a shoe odor spray that is designed specifically for leather or suede, and follow the instructions carefully.
Typically, you’ll spray the inside of your boots and allow them to dry completely before wearing them again.
Shoe odor spray can be a great option for reducing odors in between cleanings or as a finishing touch after using one of the methods described above.
Remember, it’s important to use a combination of methods to completely eliminate the cat urine smell from your cowboy boots.
Boot trees, air purifying bags, used coffee or tea, and shoe odor spray can all be helpful tools in the fight against unpleasant odors.
Use them in conjunction with the cleaning methods described above, and be patient as you work to eliminate any remaining odors. With a little bit of effort, your cowboy boots can smell as good as new!
Last words
In conclusion, getting rid of the cat urine smell from cowboy boots can be a challenging task, but it’s definitely possible.
With the methods mentioned in this article, you can now say goodbye to the unpleasant odor and enjoy wearing your boots once again.
Remember to take preventive measures to avoid the problem from occurring again in the future.
With proper care and maintenance, your cowboy boots can last for years and continue to be a valuable addition to your wardrobe.
Howdy y’all, and welcome to From The Guest Room, your ultimate guide to all things Western! I’m Jay Gatz, a lifelong cowboy boot enthusiast with over 5 years of experience in the Western style world. I’m excited to share my knowledge with you and help you discover the perfect cowboy boots and western gear to elevate your style. Let’s explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!