How to clean a saddle: step by step

What do you need?

• Saddle soap or leather soap (e.g. Effax or Lederbalm)
• Leather conditioner or leather grease (1–2 times per month)
• Soft sponges or microfibre cloths (at least 2)
• Lukewarm water in a small bucket
• A soft toothbrush for seams and decorative details
• Optional: rapeseed oil for extremely dry leather

Cleaning the saddle step by step

Always start by removing loose dirt and sweat. Use a slightly damp sponge — not soaking wet, as too much water damages the leather — and wipe down the entire saddle. Then work a small amount of saddle soap in with a dry sponge using circular motions. Pay close attention to the underside, the knee rolls, and the girth straps: these areas absorb the most sweat. Rinse the sponge regularly. Use the toothbrush to clean seams and eyelets. Let the saddle dry for 5 to 10 minutes before applying conditioner.

• Step 1: Remove loose dirt with a dry cloth
• Step 2: Wipe down the saddle with a slightly damp sponge
• Step 3: Apply saddle soap with a dry sponge
• Step 4: Work over seams and corners with a toothbrush
• Step 5: Allow to dry for 5–10 minutes, then apply conditioner

How often is enough?

Give the saddle a quick wipe-down after every ride: remove sweat and apply a thin layer of saddle soap. This takes no more than 5 minutes. A more thorough clean including conditioner should be done 1–2 times per month, or more frequently with intensive use or wet weather. At each session, also check the stitching, girth straps, and stirrup leathers for wear. If you keep track of this in the EquiSight horse profile, you'll always have an overview of when the saddle was last treated and when a check by a saddler is due.

Common mistakes in saddle care

• Using too much water: this opens up the leather fibres and causes cracks
• Using washing-up liquid or water-based soap: breaks down the natural oils in the leather
• Applying leather grease to new leather: clogs the pores and slows the break-in process
• Leaving the saddle in the sun to dry: dries out the leather too quickly
• Forgetting the underside: this is precisely where sweat salts accumulate

Conditioning leather: when and how

Add conditioner or leather grease after the saddle is clean and dry. Apply a small amount with a clean sponge and work it in using thin layers. More is not better: a thin, even layer absorbs better than a thick blob. Leave the saddle for at least 30 minutes before riding again. Choose a product based on the type of leather: smooth leather handles a liquid conditioner well, while rough or grained leather benefits more from a solid balm. When in doubt, ask your saddler for advice.

Storing and keeping the saddle after cleaning

Store your saddle on a saddle tree or saddle rack, never lying on the ground. A consistently dry space between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius is ideal. Avoid stable humidity directly around the leather: mould can develop within just a few days at humidity levels above 70%. A breathable saddle bag protects without causing condensation. If you plan not to ride for an extended period, treat the saddle thoroughly with conditioner first and store it with the girth straps detached.