cleaning calfskin saddle

[teazle]

Hiya

I've just bought a gorgeous new Prestige saddle that's fully calfskin, and I'm not sure how to keep it looking beautiful? I've read various things about not using standard hard saddle soap on calfskin, and I want to make sure I treat it well.

So I'm looking for advice on a leather cleaner and conditioner? I use Horseman's onestep on all my other tack but I'm not sure whether this would be okay for the calfskin?

Thanks in advance for the help!

(also posted in stable yard)

 

[sbloom]

You should only use Prestige's own conditioner - calfskin is always doubled and bonded when used for flaps etc and the glue can delaminate if you use anything with oil in it. Using their own means there can be no warranty quibble. Personally I always advise staying away from one step products - cleansers should be rinsed off, so cannot condition. From a very trusted source of advice I always recommend cleaning only with warm water and elbow grease (Leather Therapy cleanser if it is really grimy but again do rinse) and then a good conditioner, lightly applied and only when needed.