The Complete Saddle Cleaning & Care Guide
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Time to read 4 min
At Saddles Direct, we handle thousands of saddles every year, from brand new to well-loved. One thing is always clear: good saddle care makes a huge difference.
Don't neglect your saddle, it's a major investment in:
Your horse’s comfort and way of going
Your position and security
Long-term leather condition and safety
If you've not got a saddle care routine in place, don't worry. This complete saddle care guide explains how to clean, feed and store your saddle properly, without damaging the leather or shortening its lifespan.
How to Clean a Leather Saddle Properly
The Old Myth: “If it's stiff, soak it in Oil”
We still hear it all the time:
“Lather it in neatsfoot oil — the more the better.”
No. Stop. Abort.
Leather saddle care 101: Leather should be cleaned and nourished. Most saddles soften perfectly with proper cleaning and feeding alone. Clean correctly, feed correctly then give a light coat of oil if needed.
Saddle Care Step-by-Step: Cleaning a Saddle Correctly
The best thing for leather is warm water and a gentle, pure soap.
Remove surface dirt first
Use a soft brush to remove sand, dried sweat and grease.Clean gently
With a damp cloth and warm water, lightly lather a small amount of gentle saddle soap and wipe the leather.Wipe off residue
Go over again with a clean, damp cloth to remove all soap.Allow to dry naturally
No radiators, hairdryers or direct heat.
A gentle washing-up-liquid-type soap can work in emergencies but only mild versions, and very sparingly.
Feeding Leather: The Most Important Step in Saddle Care
Once your saddle is clean and completely dry, feeding the leather is an essential step in saddle care.
Leather is animal skin, it needs nourishment to stay supple, strong and resilient. A proper leather feed or balsam typically contains conditioning agents that nourish without soaking, such as Beeswax or Lanolin.
Used correctly, feeding:
Prevents drying and cracking
Maintains flexibility
Extends the life of your saddle
A quick note on patent leather: it has a sealed surface, meaning nothing penetrates it. For shine, use a multi-surface furniture polish and buff. Yes... really.
Suede & Roughout Leather Care
Suede is the inside of the hide turned outward. Over time, it flattens and becomes shiny.
To restore suede:
Use a wire suede brush (cobbler’s brushes are ideal)
Brush firmly — don’t be gentle
Lift the nap back up to restore grip and texture
The biggest mistake we see is riders being too cautious. Suede needs confidence.
Why over-oiling damages leather:
- Oil traps moisture inside the fibres
- Leather dries from the inside out
- Fibres open, causing excessive stretching
- Long-term internal rot can occur
When oil can be used:
- Very old, neglected leather
- Only after cleaning and feeding
- A light, even coat — never saturation
⚠️ Never oil your Girth straps, Stirrup leathers or Reins. These are safety-critical components.
How to store your saddle correctly
There is no point in a great saddle care routine, if you don't store your saddle carefully. Poor storage can undo all your work.
Best saddle storage practices:
Well-ventilated tack room
Consistent, moderate temperature
De-humidifier if necessary to prevent damp / mould
Saddles stored on proper saddle racks
Saddle covers to protect from damp, mould, mites and sunlight
Bridles should be hung on proper hooks and ideally stored in bridle bags.
Saddle Care FAQs
How often should I clean my saddle?
You should wipe your saddle after every ride and give it a deeper clean weekly. Conditioning should be done only when the leather feels dry, not every clean.
Can I clean a saddle with soap and water?
Yes — warm water and a small amount of gentle soap is ideal. Avoid harsh detergents or over-wetting the leather.
Is glycerine soap bad for saddles?
Overuse can cause build-up and suffocate leather. It’s fine occasionally, but modern leather benefits more from gentle cleaning and proper feeding.
Should I oil a new saddle?
No. Oiling new saddles can weaken fibres and cause stretching. Clean and feed only if required.
How do I remove mould from a saddle?
Wipe mould away with a slightly damp cloth, clean gently, dry thoroughly and improve ventilation in your tack room.
Can you clean a saddle too much?
Yes. Over-cleaning and over-conditioning can damage leather. Gentle, regular care is better than heavy treatment.
Recommended Saddle Care Products
(Used & trusted by our team — not just bestsellers)
We clean a lot of saddles. So we know a thing or two about what we keep in our saddle care kits. So here are the products we genuinely use and trust in-store. Not because they’re popular, but because they work properly without damaging leather.
🧼 Saddle Care Products For Cleaning
🧴 Saddle Care Products For Feeding & Conditioning
Why Good Saddle Care Protects Value
A good saddle care routine will make your saddle:
Last significantly longer
Stay safer for horse and rider
Maintain comfort and balance
Hold it's value far better for resale or part-exchange
Need Expert Help?
If you’re ever unsure about your saddle care routine, just ask... we’re always happy to help.
If your saddle is looking tired, uncomfortable, or no longer right for your horse, our Saddle Trial allows you to try two saddles for five days, with expert support throughout.
We are the saddle people. Every rider matters. Every horse matters. Every saddle matters.
