Tack Cleaning

[Dyllymoo]

I don't wipe over after every ride (I know... I know...) but is there something I can use regularly that cleans properly? I'm happy to condition regularly as well.

I used something random recently and it hasn't cleaned my bridle at all, and has left a bit of an odd "covering" over it.

Any recommendations?

 

[milliepops]

warm water and a non scratch dishwashing sponge for me - that gets the grime off. and then some kind of leather conditioner/balsam.

 

[Dyllymoo]

warm water and a non scratch dishwashing sponge for me - that gets the grime off. and then some kind of leather conditioner/balsam.

That's what I did but it came out like the grime was still there.... really weird. Will have another go tonight.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I use the hottest water I can stand if something is really bad. Might not be the best for the leather, but after a light layer of conditioner it appears no worse for the wear.

I use Carr Day and Martin stuff for the most part and am pretty satisfied. I wipe down my bridle after every ride though, because I have a sweaty and dirty (although he appears clean) beast.

But really, wiping down every day saves you from frustration. I do this and completely disassemble every week or two for a thorough cleaning and it's a breeze.

 

[Unhappy Hacker]

I've settled on Horseman's One Step. I have a big stack of cheap microfiber cloths and give the tack a wipe over with that whenever it gets wet or once every week or two. Quick and easy.

 

[Widgeon]

I have a big stack of cheap microfiber cloths

Me too, these are great for scrubbing the dirt off with a bit of hot water. I use Ecover in the water and it seems to work well, then leather balm once clean. I only clean my tack every few weeks.

 

[eggs]

A drop of washing up liquid in warm water really helps get the grease off.

 

[pansymouse]

Wilf Whites Leather Soap and microfibre cloth are best for routine cleaning; suited to modern and vintage leather keeping it supple without making it sticky.

I've just had bridle in for repair which has been cleaned with glycerine soap and oiled - I had to strip it before I could work on it was so sticky and filthy where the dirt has stuck to the glycerine and oil - horrible. I took off all the surface detritus and worked it back up with Wilf Whites and my own conditioner - it looks like a totally different bridle now and the leather feels lovely.

 

[Widgeon]

I've just had bridle in for repair which has been cleaned with glycerine soap and oiled - I had to strip it before I could work on it was so sticky and filthy where the dirt has stuck to the glycerine and oil - horrible.

Glycerine soap is horrible isn't it!!

 

[Micropony]

I just give the girth a quick wipe with plain water after every ride, quickly dunk the bit in the horse's water bucket and give the bits of the bridle that touch the horse a quick wipe every two or three rides. Takes seconds, but substantially extends how long a very lazy person can go between 'proper' cleans without feeling guilty about potentially giving the horse rubs from dirty tack...

 

[cremedemonthe]

I'll send you my leather care article, Oz

 

[Firefly9410]

Glycerine soap is horrible isn't it!!

I think it is great but misnamed I put a thin layer on as a conditioner after the leather has been cleaned with water and a drop of fairy liquid. If I needed to oil the tack I would do that before applying the glycerin saddle soap.

 

[joosie]

I've settled on Horseman's One Step. I have a big stack of cheap microfiber cloths and give the tack a wipe over with that whenever it gets wet or once every week or two. Quick and easy.

Ah, see, I can't stand that stuff! It just leaves a layer of grease on the leather. As a groom if I start working for someone who uses it my first move is to wash all that yucky stuff off I just clean tack properly with warm water & then oil it when it's still damp. I've converted many people away from Horseman's One Step

 

[Tihamandturkey]

Ah, see, I can't stand that stuff! It just leaves a layer of grease on the leather. As a groom if I start working for someone who uses it my first move is to wash all that yucky stuff off I just clean tack properly with warm water & then oil it when it's still damp. I've converted many people away from Horseman's One Step

Same (apart from the groom bit) ?