I want to buy saddle soap?

*niptuckfan*

Hi all

I have read the recommendations for saddle soap for cleaning leather suites can anyone recommend if there are better brands? I dont think I have anywhere locally to purchase this so been looking at ebay

Any one have any advise?

tiamai_d

Oh I wouldn't!

It tends to have a tint to it, and is bloody hard work! I have used it on my saddle only on occasion, but not my sofa. In fact most new saddles recommend you do not use saddle soap. Its alkaline which rots leather, and its oily, it stains, streaks and needs rinsing off! I hated it. Its useful for horse tack as it softens up bridles etc, but after that its a no no.

I use a micro fiber cloth with water and then a moisturiser for leather sofas afterwards.

If it has pen stains, try hair spray or acetate-free nail polish remover on a soft cloth, very sparingly and try a little bit out the way first. If that fails, some mild soap, like dove, can be used.

*niptuckfan*

thanks - its a brown 2 piece suite its only a year old and i normally use a microfibre cloth and water to clean it but thought i should feed the leather as have seen in other posts??

tiamai_d

Sorry, a conditioner or moisturiser for sofas. Makes them lovely and soft. One I have I got with the sofa, so you cold try Land of Leather, DFS etc, but you will find cheaper ones in tesco maybe? I apply it with a damp microfiber cloth (it works better when the leather is slightly damp and is easier too!) let it dry. It brings it up lovely and feels wonderful (sofagasm?)

Anyway, saddle soap dates back to the 1800's. And if you remember that they also used carbolic soap in them days... its about time things were replaced.

Horse stuff though, like saddle soap, hoof oil and a few others tend to stay around long after they are deemed useless and better products appear.

Quasar

I have some saddle soap (very old), which I use only on hardwearing shoes. It softens them and all that, but I've never used it on furniture. I have, however, used it a couple of times on a black, thick leather handbag then left it for a few days before using it so as not to stain my clothes.

It is not really good for cleaning, but a very thin veneer softens leather. Shoes and bags last only a few years whereas saddles themselves are meant to last a lifetime, so the products used on them should be of very good quality.

MrsTinks

Ahhhh the smell of saddle soap and wet leather... I would agree with not putting saddle soap on furniture... It's one thing using it for a saddle which is made of VERY thick leather which needs working to stay subtle and protecting because eventually it'll get wet in the rain... and then a lovely soft thin leathered sofa... I'd use some proper stuff for it to be honest

Mr_Proctalgia

The instructions for my suite say that I shouldn't use a microfibre cloth for cleaning as they are just too good at removing oils from the leather and will cause it to dry up.

I do use saddle soap on mine - Keeps it lovely and soft - Should I stop?

rustyjemma

urad tenderly.

I use it on hand bags, shoes, saddles, bridles, girths, belts etc when stiff. a very small amount of the above goes a very long way, my pot is years old and used at least twice a month. If you want a shine use the Urad tack preperation, but give it an hour before buffing & sitting on the sofa.
Urad also do a nice leather shampoo, if your sofa is a bit dirty.

Ps iv used all of the above & am aware I sound like a s*dding advert.:eek:

Saddle soap is often used incorrectly & therfore does not perform well. I would feel quiest happy to use saddle soap on a leather sofa & have used it on my leather car seats before.

Seakay

rustyjemma - could you give us a few pointers for correct usage? It's years since I used it (on a bridle after a riding lesson) and my memory is to put it on very wet and sudsy and then wipe it off. I suspect that this would not be the best way!

rustyjemma

Um... Iv not used it for a while as I use Urad now. Thats why I sound like an advert. Its better & easier than Saddle soap IMHO.

Im certainly no expert either - any advice is greatfully received

Firstly I hate the squirty version & would only use the bars.

I will try & remember. Im not the best with saddle soap, I met people who get great results but its a gaurded secret how they manage it (Possiably a fairy under the stairs? )

this is what I think I used to do.

Switch on tele... find something boring to watch..as the process is pretty much on auto pilot.

• get tub of warm water with lux (very mild) soap in & 3 or 4 dry cloths &/or sponges.
• sit infront of tele with tack hung on every surface. use soapy water to remove grease & sweat (fingernails & horse tail hair also work well to remove large globuals) dry leather immediatly with cloth to stop the soap & water sinking in.
• Now the leather is free from animal/ human grease, sweat & dirt (salt will make the leather dry & brittle. Undoubtly there are some lucky s.o.bs that dont need to do the above & there leather in decades old. It wouldnt be needed with sofas unless your getting sweaty on them regularly ). Often my saddles are clean as I use saddle pads under them so i will forgo the washing unless iv got my dirty boots all over them.
• Spit on saddle soap bar (spit is a million times better than water for some reason:o ) if your doing a whole sofa you may need to think of Jhonny depp to make you drool :cool:
• take a soft cloth or sponge and rub spit into soap. it doesnt foam much with spit.
• take the cloth with the saddle soap & apply to leather using elbow grease.
• Leave for 20 mins half an hour & buff with a clean cloth again using elbow grease to produce a shine & remove any reside.

For my car seats I didnt wash, I hadnt been to sweaty on them, I hoovered any dirt & grit off as it would scratch the leather & then applied spat on soap & buffed vigerously. I would have washed them if I had spilt anything on them or felt that there maybe excess sweat soaked into them.

Hopefully some one will know an even better method & let me know a thing or two on getting the best shine & leather protection.

Just thinking of the elbow greese is making me sweat.

Ps. I would spot check the soap in an inconspicous spot if its a cream sofa. Iv never had a problem with white padding going yellow but iv seen some travelling around that obviously have as they are a yellowing

ixwood

I've read somewhere that the best thing you can do is wipe with a clean cloth every week, to get the little bits off.

It also said not to use saddlesoap.