How to Maintain and Care for Your Holsters: Cleaning, Storage, & Longevity

A high-quality holster is more than a piece of gear—it’s your daily confidence booster. Whether you’re Bubba plinking cans on the weekend or Bob headed to the range with precision, one thing’s for sure: a dependable holster keeps your firearm secure, concealed, and ready when it matters most.

But here’s the deal—no holster lasts forever without some TLC. If you want to keep yours riding comfortably and performing flawlessly, here’s what you need to know.

Why Holster Care Is Non-Negotiable

When your holster wears down, so does your confidence in it. From softening retention to loose screws, even minor issues can mess with your comfort or even your safety.

Proper care ensures:

• Consistent retention so your gun stays put (and clicks in with confidence)
  
• Longer life for your holster and firearm finish
  
  
• All-day comfort without shifting, printing, or adjusting
  
  
• Safe draws and re-holstering without snagging or accidents
  
  

Bottom line? If you carry, even just occasionally, your holster should be ready to perform like it’s day one.

Kydex Holster Cleaning: Quick & Easy

Clinger Holsters are built tough—but even Kydex benefits from a little maintenance.

Weekly:

• Blow out debris with compressed air or a soft brush.
  
  
• Focus on the trigger guard area and retention points.
  
  

Monthly:

• Wipe down with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
  
  
• Dry thoroughly—especially around screws and edges.
  
  

Every 3–6 Months:

• Check and tighten screws.
  
  
• Use a thread locker if needed to prevent backing out.
  
  

Pro Tip: A Q-tip or old toothbrush works wonders for tight spots. Keep it simple.

Caring for Leather or Hybrid Holsters

Still, rocking a leather or hybrid setup?

• Clean gently with a leather-safe cleaner.
  
  
• Condition the leather to prevent cracking and maintain flexibility.
  
  
• Never store it damp—mold is the enemy.

How to Store Your Holster Like a Pro

Just because you're not carrying every day, your holster doesn’t have to live in the doom box.

Follow these tips:

• Avoid heat: Cars, attics, and direct sun can warp Kydex.
  
  
• Keep it dry: Humidity can rust hardware or ruin leather.
  
  
• Store flat: Avoid bending, stacking, or crushing.
  
  

Hang it, clip it inside a safe, or place it in a dedicated drawer—just don’t toss it under your truck seat and forget it.

When to Retire Your Holster

Like your favorite pair of boots, holsters can be worn out. Watch for:

• Cracks or warping in the shell
  
  
• Retention loss, even after adjusting
  
  
• Wobbly or stripped hardware
  
  
• It no longer fits your gun (new light, red dot, etc.)
  
  

If you're questioning it, it's probably time to replace it. Your safety isn’t worth risking on a "good enough" rig.

Simple Habits for Everyday Carry Confidence

Make this a routine:

• Quick retention test once a week
• Wipe-down after range days
• Check screws monthly
• Practice dry draws to spot issues early

The Clinger Carry Advantage

We didn’t build Clinger Holsters to be disposable—we built them to last. Adjustable. Secure. All-day comfortable. Our gear helps guys like you carry with confidence, not compromise.

Take care of your holster, and it’ll take care of you.