Leather Cleaners (53)

It is essential to clean your riding equipment carefully and regularly in order to preserve it for as long as possible. If leather dries out too much and becomes brittle, it can no longer withstand stress and may tear. That is why saddles, snaffles, straps and other equipment should be cleaned thoroughly three to five times a year. Coarse dirt or dust can always be wiped off with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. When the equipment is thoroughly cleaned, the saddle, snaffle and the other equipment are taken apart so that every piece can be easily reached and the straps can be cleaned individually. First, wash the leather thoroughly with a damp cloth and saddle soap to remove all traces of dirt and impurities. Then take leather oil or balm and apply it in sparing amounts directly to the previously dried leather. Be careful not to use too much oil or balm, as this could dry out the leather. Wait a short time for the care to be absorbed into the leather and then reassemble the individual pieces.

It is important to note that leather riding boots require regular and good care so that they can remain in use for as long as possible. Dirt and dust can be wiped off with a damp cloth. Horse sweat should also be wiped off the shoe or chaps after riding so that it does not attack and exhaust the leather. After that, dab all areas with a dry cloth. It is advisable to use special leather care products and rub them into the leather. You can also use shoe polish in the same colour as the leather. For zips, commercially available zip sprays are recommended to ensure that they close properly.

For basic care of genuine leather, it is advantageous to use a bucket of lukewarm water, a rag or cloth and a small cleaning brush. This helps to remove coarse dirt or dirt accumulations on the soles. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the leather. If you clean genuine leather thoroughly and neatly, it makes sense to use special leather detergents or commercially available shoe polish. Never use hairspray, glitter spray or shampoo for leather care. Furthermore, it is essential that leather is not dried in the sun, but in a dry and airy place. The same applies to imitation leather, although here it is sufficient to clean the areas with leather soap and to dry them in a dark place. Imitation leather care sprays can also be used.

When cleaning and maintaining leather, it is a good idea to look for mid-priced to higher-priced products. The purchase of genuine leather products is usually not cheap, which is why leather should always be treated carefully and professionally. By no means should body shampoos or hair care products be used for leather care. It is definitely advantageous to treat expensive leather products carefully and to clean and maintain them with good materials. Since cleaning and care should not happen too often, it makes sense to invest in high-quality products. As relatively little material is used, the products can be used very frequently.

Genuine leather should always be treated very carefully. It is important to remove coarse dirt and horse sweat directly after use. Otherwise they can attack the leather and destroy its structure. Make sure that the leather can dry well and is not covered when damp to prevent it from moulding. Leather should always be stored in a dry, dark and airy place. Direct sunlight should be avoided as much as possible or at least kept to a minimum. Heat and warmth dry out the leather, making it brittle and unstable. In the worst case, it can even tear. Therefore, you should store the leather products in protectors or special boot bags after use and, if necessary, after drying.