Remember that brand-new saddle without a speck of dust on it, and the metal was so shiny? But now, it has some rides under it and is desperate for a cleaning. Leather can crack and break without loving care, and silver will get dull and tarnished. So even though you know it has to be cleaned, you may not know how to clean your tack - or know what the best tack cleaning products, soaps, and conditions are.
What do you clean tack with?
You can find a million products online for cleaning tack, but what is essential, and what’s gimmicky? We waded through it all to give you what you actually need. Seven things are all you need to clean your tack effectively - that’s it! So, what do you clean your tack with:
- Sponges
- Saddle Soap
- Leather Cleaner
- Leather Conditioner
- Leather Oil
- Silver Polish
- Bit Cleaner
13 of the Best Tack Cleaning Products
You’ve got your list; it’s time to shop. So let’s get down to the dirty (or should I say clean?) truth of the best products. We compiled a list of great products that are tried and true.
The Best Leather Cleaner and Saddle Soaps
- Ultra® Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Spray
- Belvoir Leather Tack Cleaner Spray
- Effax Leather-Combi
- TLC Saddle Soap & Conditioner
- Fiebing's Saddle Soap Bar (7oz)
- Ultra® Leather Conditioner
- Passier® Lederbalsam Leather Conditioner
- Fiebing's 100% Pure Neatsfoot Oil
- Goddard's™ Silver Polish
- Ultra® Bit Cleaner and Freshener
- Goddard's™ Silver Polishing Cloth
- Schneider’s Small Tack Sponge
- Hydra Fine Pore Tack Sponge - 12 Pack
Just spray, rub in with your sponge, and dry. Easy, right? This all-in-one cleaner and conditioner not only cleans deeply but also penetrates the fibers to condition and protect the integrity and flexibility of the leather. It’s non-oily, prevents mold and mildew, and repels the biggest enemy of leather: water. It’s also incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for new and experienced tack owners alike.
Want to buy a separate conditioner, but want a great cleaner? This cleaner easily eliminates grease, sweat, and dirt with a simple wipe; no more scrubbing! Belvoir Leather Tack Cleaner won’t rot stitching or overdry leather, either. It’s also great for synthetic leather, making it a versatile cleaner before using conditioning soap or oil.
Rub it in with your sponge and watch the leather come alive. Cleaner and conditioner in one, this non-greasy cleaner absorbs quickly and penetrates each leather fiber for an effective clean. Effective on everything from boots to bridles, your tack will stay soft and supple for maximum strength and durability. Effax, a tried and true company for cleaners and conditioners, makes this cleaner.
Looking for an all-natural leather cleaner with a pleasant scent? Look no further. Made with goat’s milk and other natural human-grade ingredients, this cleaner tackles tack and other leather goods without a tacky or greasy residue. It’s available in lavender or green apple scents.
Since 1895, Fiebings has been keeping tack clean with amazing results. American-made, this saddle soap was used exclusively to clean and preserve tack for the U.S. Cavalry at Fort Riley, KS. Rub the soap bar using a damp sponge, then apply it evenly to the leather to clean and restore it.
The Best Leather Conditioners and Oil
Whether breaking in new or restoring old leather, Ultra Leather Conditioner is not greasy and won’t rub off on your clothes. Using a blend of petroleum jelly products and waxes, including beeswax, simply dab it on a cloth and rub it into leather. Your new tack will be supple, and the conditioner will breathe new life into the old: you’d never be able to guess how old your leather is after conditioning!
Passier’s conditioner will make the leather rich and soft for high-quality leather tack without being sticky or oily. Made without chemicals, rub Passier’s into your best leather goods, and your leather will be supple and water-resistant.
For over 100 years, this natural leather preservative and restorative repels water while protecting your leather from stiffening and cracking. Rub this oil into your leather tack using a sponge to keep it soft and pliable.
The Best Bit Cleaner and Silver Polish
Keep your silver tack gleaming bright with a silver polish that’s been trusted on silver for over 140 years. Put Goddard’s on a cloth and rub your silver tack, instantly dissolving tarnish while leaving a tarnish-resistant barrier. Once applied, allow the polish to dry before buffing your silver to a high shine. It’s an easy and effective cleaner for all your silver.
Your horse’s bit may not be seen while in use, but it’s important to keep it clean for your horse’s health. Using a sponge or cloth and this bit cleaner, polish your bit until the grime disappears and the shine returns. Ultra’s bit cleaner is great for cleaning as it breaks up dried saliva and disinfects the bit. No harsh chemicals here; the bit cleaner is safe for your horse and provides a nice peppermint taste for your horse. As an added plus, the cleaner buffs your bits to a high shine, making them look new again.
The Best Tack Cleaning Accessories
Wipes have replaced nearly every cleaning spray and liquid on the market, and silver polish is no different. Easy to use and reusable, Goddard’s Silver Polish Cloth contains the same great cleaning, polishing, and anti-tarnishing agents the liquid does. It’s easy to use and keeps your silver equipment bright and beautiful.
No tack cleaning kit is complete without tack sponges. These sponges work with various soaps, oils, and conditioners and are hardy for multi-use. With large pores to absorb and retain tack-cleaning supplies, these sponges are essential for all your tack-cleaning. They are also great at getting into even the smallest spaces in your tack, ensuring it is clean every inch.
Plenty of sponges on hand means you get cleaning quickly without ordering more first. Considered the best polyester sponge on the market, these sponges are made to last and give your tack the best cleaning.
We want the best tack for our horses, and our tack deserves the best in soaps, cleaners, and conditioners so that our horse is comfortable, and so are we. Cleaning your tack regularly keeps it looking great and staying supple, prolonging its lifespan for years. There’s nothing worse than a squeaky saddle or grimy bits! Plus, when we are in the ring, that’s the time we want to look perfect from tack to tail. So shop tack cleaning supplies at Schneiders and get what you need to keep your equipment in the best shape.
