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Saddle soap
By | August 27, 2007
Saddles need to be maintained clean and dry. A saddle should be cleaned regularly to avoid sweat and dirt which cause cracks and uncomfortable rubbing on horse. Proper care, cleaning and conditioning of saddle will increase life and retain value.
Saddles should be cleaned using a saddle soap, followed by conditioning product. Moisturizing product will restore natural oils back into leather. Minimal amount of water is used as too wet leather can lead to several problems.
Saddle soap is a compound containing mild soap and softening products as glycerin, lanolin and neatsfoot oil. Soap is used to clean, condition and soften leather of saddle. A damp sponge is dipped in saddle soap and lather is worked out. Lather is applied to leather to cover al surfaces which removes dirt. A damp cloth is used to remove left over soap. Leather should be left to dry and then treated with leather conditioners. Conditioners not only polish the leather but also darken leather’s natural color.
After using soap conditioning is done but it is important that all soap residues should be removed before applying conditioners. Glycerin based saddle soaps have conditioning properties and need no extra conditioners as over oiling may rot stitches in humid climate.
Synthetic saddles or saddles not made of leather can be cleaned using water and mild soap. They do not require conditioning as they can withstand exposure to heat and dust.
Neatsfoot oil is a special conditioner for leathers obtained from feet and shin bones of cattle. Most of saddle soap companies add neatsfoot oil in soap to preserve leather. Lanolin is a cream used to soothe skin of animals.
Saddle soap is requirement for those who want their saddles in top condition. Saddle soaps not only clean dirt and grit from leather bur also supply oil and waxes to protect it.
Saddle soaps can also be made at home using beeswax, flake lye, castile soap shavings, water and pure gum turpentine.
Topics: Saddles |