How to Clean Your Saddle

Cleaning your tack properly every couple of months will keep it looking good and in good working condition for years.

Things You'll Need

  • Brushes For Cleaning
  • Cloth
  • Garden Hoses
  • Sponges
  • Water
  • Saddles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your saddle on a saddle rack, preferably a moveable one that you can put in your garage or outside where you can work on it.

    • 2

      Keep a new saddle in good condition and prevent it from darkening by lightly wetting and wringing out a soft dust-free cloth and wiping the entire saddle. Wipe off any excess water and allow the saddle to dry naturally.

    • 3

      Use a little extra elbow grease for older saddles. With a sponge, apply glycerin saddle soap to the entire saddle. Work soap in circular motions on smooth surfaces.

    • 4

      Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean basketweave and intricate scrollwork on the saddle.

    • 5

      Wipe soap from the saddle using a damp towel. Lightly dry saddle with a clean, soft, dust-free cloth.

    • 6

      Twist both fenders of a Western saddle to the outside and place a broomstick through both stirrups to help keep the proper form; let the saddle dry naturally.

    • 7

      Use the same materials for the rest of your tack.