Keeping your saddle clean isn't just about looks; it protects your investment and keeps the leather in good working condition for years to come. Here's a simple, tried-and-true process for cleaning your saddle the right way.
Step 1: Blow Off the Dust
Start by blowing your saddle off with an air compressor, getting into the tooling, crevices, and any hard-to-reach spots as best you can. This clears away loose dust and dirt before you introduce any water or cleaner.
Step 2: Wash Your Saddle
For washing, use regular dish soap that you put into a bucket with water. If you choose to use Dawn soap, since it is a degreaser, it will lift a little oil out of your saddle so it's important to remember to add that back in. As a famous saddle maker once put it: if it's safe enough for baby ducks, it's safe enough for a saddle; and it tends to do a better job pulling out deep dirt and grime than some leather-specific products. If you'd rather use an actual leather cleaner, Bentley's Liquid Glycerine is a solid choice.
- Get your saddle damp with a spray bottle of water.
- Spray with Dawn and scrub with a soft-bristled brush, like a dish brush.
- Rinse with water — don't worry about getting your saddle wet. Saddles are meant to be used and get wet.
- After you're done cleaning, you can take the air compressor and blow any excess water off to just help with the drying process. Not a must just a good tip!
- Repeat as needed to remove all the dirt, especially in the toiled areas. Fair warning: it's an arm workout!
Step 3: Re-Rough a Roughout Seat (If Needed)
If you want to rerough your roughout while the saddle is still damp, take a small wire brush and rough up the leather with small, circular motions.
Step 4: Let It Dry Completely
After you've got your saddle clean, it's extremely important to let it dry completely. If you think it's dry, let it sit a half day longer just to be safe. If it's cold outside, bring your saddle inside to dry rather than leaving it out in the elements.
Step 5: Oil Your Saddle
Once your saddle is fully dry, it's time to oil it.
- Roughout leather: Use pure neatsfoot oil.
- Smoothout leather: We recommend a light coat of neatfoot oil then do a coat of aussie cream.
The best way to apply oil is with sheepskin pads. A little oil goes a long way, so apply very light coats to start — you can always add more, but you can't take oil away once it's on. Keep in mind this process will darken your saddle a few shades. If a darker color isn't something you want, it's best to find a dedicated saddle cleaner instead of an oil-based conditioner. The first few rides back in your saddle don't wear your favorite pair of jean as their may be a little oil transfer