Conference noted::equitation

589.0. "Western Saddle cleaning tips....add yours too!" by BOOVX1::MANDILE () Wed May 09 1990 13:57

    Just some tips on cleaning a western saddle that I
    thought might interest everyone.  These are my opinions
    on what has worked best (or not worked) for me.
    
    I don't recommend Murphy's Oil Soap.  It leaves a residue
    that gets into the nooks, pattern design, etc., which may
    cause that area to rot.                        
    If you have a suede seat, DO NOT use any type of treatment
    on it.  If its for suede only, it will stain the leather, and
    if its for leather only, it will stain the suede.
    
    (Do suede seat first!  Or bs will stick to the oiled leather)
    
    Sprinkle a coating of baking soda over the entire suede seat.
    let sit for a few hours, then remove by brushing thoroughly
    with a stiff brush. (This will freshen the seat and fluff the nap) 
    To clean/condition the leather, use a clean piece of towel,
    (old towels are great because the texture gets into the cracks
    of the design and removes the dirt)  Leather New and do only
    a small section at a time.  If you spray it on too large a section,
    it drips and drys out, which may cause a stain.  Take apart
    stirrups to get into all the sections.
    I let my saddle sit for awhile, then use neatfoots oil to put
    the last "finish" on.  USE SPARINGLY, as a little goes a long
    way.  Follow the directions carefully, as too much is not a good 
    thing.  Too much oil breaks down the fibers of the leather, weakening
    it. 
    Conchos i.e. silver, etc.  Use a silver or chrome polish, and be
    careful not to get any on the surrounding leather. (it stains)
    A Q-tip or absorbent cloth works well.
    
    L-
    
    

    I have a saddle with a lot of tooling, and I found an old soft
    toothbrush with saddle soap, does a good job of cleaning. To make the
    saddle look new again without a lot of oil, I have used Armour-all.
    Sandy
    

    I use a soft toothbrush also to get into all the tooling. After I am 
    done oiling, I let my saddle sit for a couple of hours  the I spray the
    whole thing with a clear shoe polish! I cover the suade seat with an
    old rag. It works great and seems to make the cleaning last a little 
    longer.