How to Clean a Bridle and a Bit

The best horse owners know that taking care of a horse means maintaining a clean bridle and bit. Cleaning the bridle and bit regularly will keep them in good condition and help them last longer. The cleaning process can take time because it's important to be meticulous, but it's well worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Saddle soap
  • Clean rags
  • Toothbrush
  • Dental pick
  • Metal polish
  • Leather conditioner
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Instructions

  1. Cleaning the Bridle

    • 1

      Soak a clean rag in a bucket of warm water. Gently ring out excess moisture before applying the rag to the bridle. Wipe off any dust or grime.

    • 2

      Apply some saddle soap to the rag and build up a sufficient amount of foam. Lather the bridle, including all straps and attachments, with the soap.

    • 3

      Scour the underside of the bridle with the soft bristles of a toothbrush to thoroughly clean it. Because this part of the bridle is what comes in contact with the horse's head, it's likely to have a lot of grime built up on it.

    • 4

      Pluck out any dirt that may have gotten caught in buckle holes with a dental pick. Scrape the edges of the buckles with the dental pick to remove excess buildup of horse sweat and dirt.

    • 5

      Polish the buckles with a metal polish. Rub all the metal pieces of the bridle in a gentle circular motion. After a few minutes, buff the metal, using a clean rag, until it shines. Don't apply the metal polish to the bit, which goes into the horse's mouth.

    • 6

      Apply a leather conditioner to the underside of the bridle. Evenly coat the undersides with the conditioner, using your fingers or a rag to rub the conditioner into the leather. Apply only a thin layer of the conditioner to the top side of the leather; this side doesn't absorb moisture as easily as the underside.

    Cleaning the Bit

    • 7

      Remove the bit from the bridle. There are a few different options for cleaning a bit. Some metal polishes are available for bits, but don't apply polish to a bit unless it's specified as bit polish.

    • 8

      Wash the bit by placing it in a dishwasher. If you don't have a dishwasher, set water to boil. When the water is bubbling, place the bit in the water. After ten minutes, remove the bit.

    • 9

      Scrub the bit with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any obstinate dirt and grime. Simply wipe the bit clean when you're finished.