Anything other than saddle soap?

[shannonandtay]

I had all good intentions tonight to clean my tack, so bought the saddle and bridle home was just about to clean it when I couldn't find the saddle soap. It wasn't in my locker when I left so assumed it must be at home from the last time. But no mysteriously disappeared, so is there anything else I can use that I might have at home or do I give up tonight and make a journey to the saddlery shop tomorrow to buy some.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Weird I know but clean mine with baby wipes sometimes gets the dirt of a treat

 

[sbloom]

Saddle soap really isn't actually that great for leather - just like with our skin it's the wrong pH. and the glycerine is neither a great cleanser not a good conditioner. I'd just use an old fashioned dishcloth, warm water and elbow grease to clean it and a good conditioner (I like Effex Lederbalsam, Stubben Hamanol, Oakwood Conditioner and Leather Therapy products and they're what I recommend to my saddle fitting customers) afterwards.

Glycerine is a humectant ie it attracts moisture, which is what makes it sticky and develop grease "jockeys" - even though I dont' clean my tack very often I've not had one since I stopped using saddle soap.

 

[shannonandtay]

Thanks for both your replies that's really interesting about the saddle soap I would never have thought that, will give it a try, thanks

 

[FairyLights]

interesting.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Another one in the trade who doesn't like, promote or use saddle soap, I have a written account of leather cleaning and care I supply with my own leather conditioner, if anyone would like a copy please pm me, Oz