How to clean and care for your leather saddle – The ultimate guide

A leather saddle is not just a work tool – it is an investment. Genuine leather in saddles is strong, flexible and built to last for many years, but only if it is maintained properly. Sweat, dust, dirt and weather conditions can quickly dry out the leather and significantly shorten its lifespan.

In this guide you will get a complete, professional method for cleaning and caring for your saddle using Sneakers Leather Cleaner for cleaning and Natural Leather Balm for care, protection and impregnation.

This is one of the most gentle and effective routines you can give your saddle.

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Why does a leather saddle need to be cared for regularly?

A saddle is exposed to heavy wear and tear every day:

• Sweat from the horse

• Dust, soil and mud

• Sunlight and rain

• Friction from the rider's legs

• Temperature and humidity fluctuations

All of this affects the leather and can lead to:

• Dehydration

• Cracks

• Dark spots

• Losing color

• Stiffness

• Shortened lifespan

Therefore, professionals recommend cleaning the saddle regularly and caring for it with quality products .

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Products you need

To achieve the best results, it is recommended:

• Sneakers Leather Cleaner – for gentle but effective cleaning

• Natural Leather Conditioner – for care, color renewal and impregnation

• 2 mushrooms – one for each product (not to be shared)

• Damp microfiber cloth – for wiping foam

• Shoe wood can be replaced with form support – if the saddle has loose parts, use padding/newspaper to secure the shape

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Step-by-step: How to clean a leather saddle

1. Prepare the saddle

Before you start, make sure:

• Remove stirrups and girth.

• Lightly brush the saddle to remove dust.

• Place it on a stable saddle post

This makes cleaning much easier.

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2. Remove surface dirt

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the leather saddle.

The cloth should be damp – not wet , as too much water can dry out the leather.

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3. Clean the saddle with Sneakers Leather Cleaner

Sneakers Leather Cleaner is ideal for smooth leather in saddles because it is:

• Danish handmade

• Mild and gentle

• Natural

• Free from harsh chemicals

• Very effective against sweat, grease and dirt

How to do it:

1. Lightly dampen a sponge.

2. Add a little Sneakers Leather Cleaner.

3. Lather the product in small circular motions over the entire saddle.

4. Work your way around sections:

   • The seat

   • Knee pads

   • Panels

   • Subsurface

5. Wipe the foam with a damp microfiber cloth .

6. Let the saddle air dry.

Now the saddle is clean and ready for care.

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4. Care for and impregnate the saddle with Natural Leather Balm.

Once the saddle is clean and dry, the leather needs to be nourished.

Natural Leather Balm is Denmark's #1 best-selling natural product and is ideal for saddles because it:

• Protector

• Caregiver

• Impregnates

• Restores color

• Keeps the leather supple

• Dries quickly

• Does not need to be repolished

Contains only natural ingredients:

• Beeswax

• Coconut fat

• Lanolin

• Vegetable oils

How to use it:

1. Use a clean sponge that is only for conditioner.

2. Apply very little conditioner to the sponge.

3. Spread it in thin layers in circular motions.

4. Apply to:

   • The seat

   • Knee supports

   • Exteriors

   • The underside (where the leather is smooth)

5. Stop when the leather is saturated.

6. Let the saddle rest for 10–20 minutes.

No polishing required – the conditioner soaks in on its own and leaves a beautiful finish.

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5. Let the saddle pull and become supple

After care, the saddle should stand and absorb the conditioner properly.

You can ride again later the same day, but for best results, at least 2–3 hours of rest is recommended.

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How often should you care for a saddle?

It depends on use and conditions:

• Daily use: Every 1–2 weeks

• Light use: Every month

• Winter/summer (hard season): Weekly

• After rain or heavy sweating: Immediate cleaning and easy care

Regular care can double the lifespan of your saddle .

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Summary – the perfect routine for your leather saddle

To keep the saddle healthy, supple and beautiful, you need:

1. Sneakers Leather Cleaner – for cleaning

2. Natural Leather Conditioner – for care and impregnation

3. Damp microfiber cloth – for removing foam

4. 2 sponges – one for each product

5. Form support/shoe tree alternative – for proper drying

This routine ensures that your saddle:

• Lasts longer

• Does not dry out

• Retains color

• Resists sweat and water

• Remains flexible and strong