Tips About Saddle Care
The most important aspect of saddle care is that the life of the leather depends upon the care you give it. Most saddles experience the tough rigors of the environment, and proper care is essential to prolong their life.
Leather
- Oil with the best oils and leather conditioners available to you.
- If your saddle gets wet, clean all leather parts that have been exposed to sweat and moisture, let dry naturally, and oil.
- Do not use artificial heat or direct sunlight to dry leather or it may become brittle and lose its strength. Leather which has been burned through this process should no longer be used.
SEATING LEATHER
- Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth and water.
- Blot spots immediately, do not let them soak into the leather-many stains will tend to disappear a few days after they have occurred. Some darkening can be expected.
- Let dry naturally-exposure to intense heat sources is not recommended
- DO NOT use cleaning products unless specifically designed for leather.
- DO NOT use solvents for cleaning.
- The regular use of specifically designed leather cleaners and protection agents is recommended.
SILVER
- Circle Y Silver is sterling silver electroplated and has a protective finish to prevent tarnishing-clean with a damp cloth only. Abrasive or chemical cleaners should not be used because they could result in removal of the protective finish.
- With normal use, saddle silver will be subject to scratches which may allow tarnishing. Use a soft cloth to buff away any tarnish.
7 Secrets of saddle care
- Do not store saddles in plastic bags or other non-porous covers.
- Allow a wet or damp saddle to air-dry naturally away from sources of heat. Apply a little leather conditioner when the saddle is nearly dry to restore flexibility. Condition thoroughly when the saddle is completely dried.
- To prevent mildew, protect the saddle from excessive humidity. In a dry environment, regularly condition the leather to prevent the saddle from drying out and cracking.
- DO NOT use waxes, silicone, or other preparations that impair the ability of leather to breathe.
- Greases should not be used because they seal the pores, picking up additional dust and dirt and slowing drying time.
- Never use caustic household chemicals to clean leather. Avoid preparations that contain alcohol, turpentine, or mineral spirits.
- DO NOT use mink or animal fats. They will darken leather. Animal fat can also turn rancid, causing the stitching and leather to rot.
