How to Clean Your Leather Saddle

By Katherine Blocksdorf, About.com Guide

While traditional wisdom says we should clean our saddles every time we use them, that may not be practical. How often you clean your saddle may depend on how it is used. If you only use your saddles on weekends for leisurely pleasure rides you might not need to clean your saddle as frequently as someone who participates in a sport where the saddle is exposed to sweat, mud and dirt on a regular basis.

It makes sense to clean them before storing, before a competition, or before selling one. (And if your stored saddle has sprouted mould, don’t worry. Just follow the steps below.)

Gather all your cleaning equipment. You’ll need:

• Mild saddle soap (glycerin)

• Non-detergent leather conditioner

• Small sponge

• Toweling (3 to 4)

• Small bucket or bowl of water (not hot)

• Stiff bristle or wire brush (optional)

• Cotton swabs

• Metal cleaner

Previous

• Gather Your Equipment
• Strip The Saddle
• Saddle Soap
• Clean the Leather
• Clean Off Any Residual Soap
• Apply Leather Conditioner
• Clean Metal Fittings and Stirrup Leathers
• Brush Up Suede or Rough-Out Leathers

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