Plaited reins - how do you clean yours?

[geronimostilton]

I've recently been given an old bridle with plaited reins, and I'm finding it hard keeping them looking smart. I asked the friend who gave me the bridle how she kept them clean, and she told me every so often she'd dump them in the sink, scrub with a soft nail brush and warm water until clean, dry slowly then use leather food on them.

I'm a little wary of trying that, having had the old 'don't get leather wet' drummed into me since a child, but it seems to have worked as they are in pretty good condition.

Before I give that a go, I'm after other ideas - so how do you clean yours?

 

[posie_honey]

C&D&M leather cleaner spray just with a cloth.... but then mine are 3 strand plait not 5 strand so possible easier to keep clean?!

 

[ThePony]

For fiddly bits I use an old soft toothbrush with a little saddle soap on to clean. The wipe over with a soft and v v slightly damp cloth. Go easy with saddle soap and conditioner though as the last thing you want is little blobs of it in the nooks and crannys!

 

[geronimostilton]

Mine are 5 strand, I've been using C&D&M leather cleaner but can't seem to clean them properly, I tried a toothbrush but it took forever

Maybe I'll go back to my rubber reins!

 

[ThePony]

Oh, it does take forever! No quick route that I've found tbh. Rubber for everyday for me too. The plaited are gorgeous but I hate dirty tack and I'm not spending hours cleaning them every week - they are just for best!

 

[geronimostilton]

Watch out, I've had an idea!! I'm going to try the toothbrush method but using a nail brush, hopefully it will be a bit quicker