After hours of riding on dusty ground and long rides in the stables, the dirt remains etched in every fold of the saddle. But there's nothing a little work can't fix.
Steps
Step 1. Dip a sponge in a bucket of warm water
Step 2. Squeeze it until wet and scrub the saddle and harness (this opens the pores of the leather to allow for a deep clean and softens the harness when you apply the saddle / saddle soap)
Step 3. Rub the sponge on a piece of saddle soap to create a nice lather
Step 4. Lather the skin from top to bottom, underneath and everywhere on both sides
This job may take some effort and you may feel your hand is sore, but the end result will be a gorgeous soft saddle.
Step 5. Use a dry cloth to wipe off ALL of the soap
Step 6. Do you still find traces of dirt?
A toothbrush should solve the problem. Soap it and go through all the crevices and seams. This job may take time and effort, but a simple cleaning of the saddle with a sponge and soap, even just once a month, can make all the difference.
Step 7. Since you are already covered in foam and want your saddle to look as good as new, why not polish it a little?
A saddle wax and a balm will make the leather soft, and it will return to the same shine as when you bought it.
Step 8. You can usually clean all non-leather parts with a damp cloth, or sometimes you can use carpet cleaner
Advice
- Cleaning it regularly can be a quick job, and will ensure a longer life for your saddle.
- Remember to check it periodically to see if it still fits your horse.
- There are different forms of soaps and conditioners: wipes, sprays and soaps. Use the ones you prefer.
- Boiling water helps to clean better.
Warnings
- Read the labels. Some soaps must remain on for a while, others must be removed before they dry.
- Saddle soap can dry out the leather, so it's best to use a leather conditioner more often, which also allows you to clean it. Use soap when the saddle is really dirty. You can also use a damp cloth to remove the grime before applying the cleanser or conditioner.
- Some parts of the saddle cannot be cleaned with soap, as it could damage them; in this case use alternative detergents.
- You can clean bridles and other leather harnesses the same way you clean the saddle, but be careful NOT to use soap on the bit. If it falls a bit on top, clean it immediately!
