Leather help! Melted rubber rein gunk removal?

[Pikachu]

After pulling a couple of bridles out of a storage tub I realised one of the rubber reins had perished and now there is rubber gunk on bits of the bridle. Any ideas how best to get it off?

I used nail varnish remover on my hands and carpet (followed by carpet cleaner) but guessing the nail varnish remover will do more damage to the leather than the gunk has already done but can’t think what else will work against it as soap/water definitely don’t.

Any suggestions or just clean and ignore the crappy bits.

 

[Fieldlife]

Can you gently scrape of with blunt table knife or dish scourer?

 

[Highmileagecob]

A source of heat would probably work...heatgun, hairdryer, boiling water.....gently scrape the gunk off with a wallpaper scraper or knife as it softens, then feed the leather thoroughly.

 

[Pikachu]

A source of heat would probably work...heatgun, hairdryer, boiling water.....gently scrape the gunk off with a wallpaper scraper or knife as it softens, then feed the leather thoroughly.

Thanks, I think this could work on the solid bits but some of it is still gooey/sticky so might spread it more if heated? But definitely worth a try.

 

[Annagain]

Might be worth dropping Oz @cremedemonthe a PM to ask his advice. I suspect he'll say do whatever you need to get it off then wash thoroughly, allow to dry and condition like mad.

There is a product called Sticky Stuff Remover that might do the trick if the leather will take it.

 

[Pikachu]

Can you gently scrape of with blunt table knife or dish scourer?

I missed seeing your reply earlier, apologies. It might scrape off the surface on the top bits but it’s gone between the cheek piece and strap attached to head piece so not sure how fused together they are but again, it’s could be worth a try.

 

[Pikachu]

Might be worth dropping Oz @cremedemonthe a PM to ask his advice. I suspect he'll say do whatever you need to get it off then wash thoroughly, allow to dry and condition like mad.

There is a product called Sticky Stuff Remover that might do the trick if the leather will take it.

Oooh I might have some of the sticky stuff remover somewhere! I think it may have already damaged the top layer of the leather on a small bit I managed to wipe off, if that’s the case then trying stuff that might also damage it may be an option.

If they are too damaged then they might have to go, they’ve been retired a few years now was only getting out to harvest parts to try to make a bridle to fit parents new pony who has a very big head!

 

[Quigleyandme]

I have never been averse to dunking my saddlery in warm, soapy water, drying naturally and thoroughly and conditioning well. It has never done any of it any harm including my King George V sidesaddle.

 

[Annagain]

I have never been averse to dunking my saddlery in warm, soapy water, drying naturally and thoroughly and conditioning well. It has never done any of it any harm including my King George V sidesaddle.

Oz recommends it too, especially for mouldy tack, and I trust anything Oz says about leather care. As long as you allow it to dry thoroughly and the condition it to within an inch of its life.