Removing grease from tack

[Hormonal Filly]

I bought a new bridle recently, it wasn’t cheap and it’s lovely but my mare can be a sweaty type and it gets greasy quickly.

Is there a method of removing grease without damaging the leather? Just thought hope the tack cleaner doesn’t damage it, because it does smell very strong.

Currently I use Carr & Day & Martin Tack cleaner spray on, then use a warm damp cloth to wipe over and remove the grease. Although this does sometimes go a little black (is that a problem?) then use Renupar after.

Thanks all ?

 

[Sossigpoker]

Effol do a liquid cleaner that you apply with a dry cloth. I find it pretty good. I've got a very greasy cob and it lifts it off the bridle.

 

[HashRouge]

A little bit of washing up liquid in warm water. That's what we used when I was working as a groom. Then apply leather conditioner of your choice.

 

[Squeak]

A little bit of washing up liquid in warm water. That's what we used when I was working as a groom. Then apply leather conditioner of your choice.

This, everytime I ride I wash afterwards with warm water. If there was a build up then I would gently use the rough side of a washing up sponge - even better when the sponge has been worn in a bit so isn't quite as hard.

Eta - I've always found that the sprays just build up on the tack and have ended up with a sticky mess.

 

[Abacus]

Another vote for fairy liquid, warm water and a washing up scouring pad. With leather where there really is a build up of grease I’ve used a knife (like a butter knife) to scrape the grease off. Lots of conditioner or suitable oil afterwards, applied when still damp.

 

[Fieldlife]

Warm water, tiny bit of washing up liquid and a rough weave dish cloth.

 

[sbloom]

Effol do a liquid cleaner that you apply with a dry cloth. I find it pretty good. I've got a very greasy cob and it lifts it off the bridle.

Ledercombi, good product just rinse well as it shouldn't be left on the leather despite instructions, the dirt must come off with the cleanser of course

A little bit of washing up liquid in warm water. That's what we used when I was working as a groom. Then apply leather conditioner of your choice.

Cotton dishcloth for the right amount of "bite" and hand hot water (bath temp, warmer than most realise). I often advise cleaning the saddle quickly first with just water, then add the Fairy for the strap work which is always dirtier. Definitely wipe down every ride if possible.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Thank you all!

A little bit of washing up liquid in warm water. That's what we used when I was working as a groom. Then apply leather conditioner of your choice.

I didn’t know if fairy damaged the leather. Will do this next time. Thank you ?

 

[sbloom]

Thank you all!

I didn’t know if fairy damaged the leather. Will do this next time. Thank you ?

It will dry it out a fraction but so will any cleanser, make sure you use a good conditioner, many of use (and I recommend) the Saddler's Blend from @cremedemonthe, nothing else comes close for thicker traditional English leathers.

 

[ecb89]

Another recommendation for fairy. This was advised by my saddler. Really important to condition thoroughly after, you know what your hands feel like of you’ve washed up without gloves.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Ledercombi, good product just rinse well as it shouldn't be left on the leather despite instructions, the dirt must come off with the cleanser of course .

What does it do to the leather if left on? Does it rot stitching ?

 

[sbloom]

Well you're leaving the dirt on for a start, it may attract more dirt (as glycerine soap does), it may dry the leather out, I think stitching is probably the least of the issues. Anything one step should be for on the road use only, do a proper two step cleaning process regularly.