How to deep clean your leather saddle and tack like a leather worker

Who better than a leather worker to teach you exactly how to do a deep clean your leather tack! Emily from EKP Leathework educates us on how to deep clean your leather to ensure it lasts and is safe to use.

Why deep clean your leather?

Regular thorough cleaning is essential for prolonging the life of your saddlery and protecting your investment (because we all know horse gear ain’t cheap!). Not only does it keep the leather itself in good condition, it allows you to monitor wear and tear and take action before it’s too late. 

How to deep clean your leather

1. Begin by taking everything apart. Use a saddle soap according to directions with a soft sponge to thoroughly clean both sides of the leather, avoiding getting the leather too wet, and wiping the soap away when finished.
2. Once dry from cleaning, apply a leather conditioner according to directions, to help replenish the fats and waxes. Generally, a little goes a long way! The aim is to keep the leather supple, but not greasy – this is not only unpleasant to hold, it attracts more dirt and can lead to weakening of the leather fibres.
3. An old soft toothbrush can be useful for gently cleaning particularly dirty areas. Toothpicks are handy for pushing accumulated dirt, soap and leather balm out of buckle holes.
4. Bits, stirrups and buckles can be easily cleaned with steel wool and polished off with a cloth (be careful using steel wool around buckles to avoid scratching the leather).
5. Check for loose stitching, worn buckles, and any wear or stretching of leather. If in doubt, get it checked by a leatherworker (or a saddler for saddles).

DO choose quality cleaning and conditioning products, specifically formulated for saddlery use, and follow their directions for use.

DON’T soak leather in oil. Some oils are acidic and can gradually rot leather and thread. Additionally, over-oiling causes swelling of the fibers in leather, which leads to weakening and inability to fit buckles.

About the author

Based in Dayboro, Emily Porter is the creative force behind EKP Leatherwork. While she offers custom and repair services, her fusion of traditional techniques with classic equestrian aesthetics breathes life into distinctive and practical pieces crafted from repurposed saddlery. Recently awarded First Place and Best Leatherwork Exhibit of the 2025 Ekka, Emily embodies a wealth of talent that pays homage to the quality craftsmanship of yesteryears.

See more of EKP Leatherwork online: www.ekpleatherwork.com.au or on socials: @ekp_leatherwork