How to Soften Saddle Leather

Softening the leather on your saddle can help it last longer and provide you with a more comfortable ride. Whether you are breaking in a brand new saddle or reconditioning and old one, using the right products and the right techniques can improve the quality of the leather and boost the overall value of the saddle.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle soap
  • Soft cloth
  • Leather conditioner
  • Mink oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dip a soft cloth in some lukewarm water and rub it back and forth in the can of saddle soap. Continue to rub the cloth until you work up a good amount of lather.

    • 2

      Rub the cloth with the saddle soap over one small section of the saddle at a time. Rub deeply to work the saddle soap into the surface of the leather. The saddle soap will help to condition and soften the leather as you work.

    • 3

      Leave the saddle soap on the leather for 5 to 10 minutes, until the saddle soap has harderned somewhat. Rub the excess saddle soap away using a soft cloth and rubbing in a circular motion.

    • 4

      Apply a generous amount of leather conditioner to a soft cloth until the entire cloth is damp. Rub the leather conditioner thoroughly into the leather. Continue applying the leather conditioner until the surface of the saddle is shiny.

    • 5

      Wait until the leather conditioner dries into the saddle, then wipe it away with a soft cloth. Apply a coating of mink oil to the saddle, but only if you have a dark colored saddle. Mink oil can darken light leather. You can find leather protectants designed for light leather and use them in place of the mink oil.