How to Clean and Refresh Your Shooting Gear Post Season

The shooting season may be winding down, but that’s no reason to neglect your shooting gear. In fact, now’s the perfect time to give your gear a good clean and refresh, so it’s in top shape for next season. Properly maintaining your shooting kit helps ensure it lasts longer and performs at its best when you need it most.

Whether it’s your hunting boots, cartridge bag, or shooting jacket, taking the time to care for each piece will pay off when the new season kicks off. Plus, it’s a great time to take stock and restock any items that may need replacing.

Below we explore some simple ways to clean and refresh your shooting gear after a busy season.

How to Clean and Refresh Your Shooting Gear

Shooting Jackets & Coats

Taking care of your shooting jacket is all about a little TLC. While many modern coats can be machine washed, always check the label first, as different materials need different care. Whether it's wool, waxed cotton, tweed, or synthetic, a bit of attention will help your jacket last for years.

Schöffel recommends a few golden rules to keep your jacket in top condition: wash it at a low temperature, avoid biological detergent and fabric conditioner, and always let it dry naturally in a warm room—no radiators!

Before packing it away for the season, give your jacket a once-over. Check for mud, paw prints, or game stains. Most of the time, a warm, damp cloth should do the trick. If it’s really dirty, skip the washing machine and take it to a trusted dry cleaner who knows their way around technical outerwear. Plus if your jacket has any damage, this is the perfect time to get it professionally repaired and if it’s beyond saving, it might be time to consider investing in a new one.

When it’s time to store your jacket, hang it on a sturdy hanger to maintain its shape and place it in a suit bag, airtight if possible, especially for tweed jackets, to protect it from moths. For more material-specific care advice, check out our previous blog!

Hunting Boots

A robust pair of hunting boots is an essential bit of kit, so looking after them properly will keep them comfortable and ready for action season after season. After each outing, brush off mud and debris with a soft brush and a bit of mild soap; leaving dirt to dry and harden can shorten the life of your boots. If they’re leather, they’ll need extra care, so investing in a good waterproofing treatment or wax, like Harkila Mink Oil Leather Care, will keep them supple, water-resistant, and protected from cracking.

When drying, patience is key! Let them air-dry naturally, away from radiators or direct heat, which can cause the leather or fabric to dry out and weaken. If your laces are looking frayed or your insoles have seen better days, swap them out for fresh ones to keep your boots comfortable and supportive.

For storage, avoid crushing your boots or leaving them in a damp environment. Store them upright in a cool, dry place to help maintain their shape. If space is tight, stuff them with newspaper or use boot trees to keep them from losing their form. This will help preserve their structure and keep them looking great for the next season.

Cartridge Bags

Your cartridge bag or gunslip works just as hard as the rest of your kit, so it deserves a bit of attention at the end of the season. Give it a wipe down with warm water and saddle soap to lift off dirt, using an old toothbrush to get into any tricky corners where mud might be caked on. Let it dry naturally at room temperature but never near direct heat, as this can dry out the leather.

For extra care, apply a specialist leather dressing to areas that see the most wear. Let it soak in, then wipe off any excess with kitchen roll and give it a good buff to bring back its shine. A well-maintained bag will not only last longer but look great for years to come.

Gaiters 

Gaiters take a beating in the field, so giving them a proper clean now and then keeps them performing at their best. Most high-quality gaiters can be machine washed on a low temperature using a non-biological detergent but just check the label first.

To boost their performance and extend their lifespan, consider using Grangers Cleaner, Conditioner, and Proofer products. These exceptional solutions help maintain waterproofing and breathability, ensuring your gaiters stay protective and durable for seasons to come.

Wellington Boots

Your wellington boots have worked hard, so give them some love. Rinse off any mud after use to prevent damage and always let them air-dry; direct heat can cause cracking! To keep the rubber flexible and prevent splitting, use a rubber care spray like Grangers Rubber Boot Care Spray, which also helps restore shine and tackle blooming.

Store your boots upright in a cool, dry place to avoid creasing. If you're often on the move, a wellington boot bag is a great investment to keep them protected and easy to carry.

Taking the time to clean and store your wellington boots properly ensures they’re ready to go when the next season rolls around. For more detailed care tips, check out our previous blog!

Clear Out Your Gear Bag

After a long shooting season, your gear bag has likely accumulated a few unexpected items; empty cartridge cases, crumpled wrappers, and maybe even a forgotten snack or two! Taking the time to thoroughly empty it is a good habit to get into.

Not only does it help you clear away the clutter, but it also gives you the opportunity to reorganise your essentials and identify what needs restocking before next season. At John Norris, we’ve got you covered with everything from cartridge belts and shotgun slips to shooting jackets and headwear. By getting your shooting gear packed and organised now, you’ll save time and avoid last-minute scrambling when the season begins, setting you up for a smoother, more successful season ahead!

Top Takeaways to Remember

•        Storage is Key: Properly storing your shooting gear ensures it stays in pristine condition and is ready for next season. Keep everything clean, dry, and well-maintained, and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
•        Check the Label: Always check care instructions on your gear, especially jackets, gaiters, and boots, to ensure you’re cleaning them correctly. Different materials need different care, so following the manufacturer's guidelines will help prolong their lifespan.
•     Take Stock and Restock: Now’s the time to clear out your gear bag, assess what you need, and restock any missing items, whether it’s fresh cartridges, a new pair of gloves, or a replacement boot insert. Doing this now will save time and stress later.
•        Repair and Replace: If your shooting gear is damaged, it’s always best to repair it now. Don’t wait until the next season starts; take care of any issues early to keep everything performing at its best.
•        Treat Your Gear with Care: Regular cleaning, conditioning, and maintenance will extend the life of your shooting kit. Whether it’s waterproofing your boots, reproofing your gaiters, or buffing your cartridge bag, a little effort now goes a long way.

Taking care of your shooting gear at the end of the season is an investment in its longevity and performance. A little cleaning and proper storage now can make all the difference when you’re out in the field next season.

By following these easy tips and keeping your kit well-stocked, you’ll be prepared to hit the ground running when the season starts up again. Here at John Norris, we have everything you need to ensure your gear is ready for action so check out our expertly curated shooting gear in-store or online today!

Ready to refresh your kit? Start with these simple steps, and your gear will be set for the next season out in the Great British countryside.