Saddle Soap?

B

Buck268

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
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Just wondering what brands everyone uses? Gotta keep the new Danners clean through all this weather! Right now a wet clothe wipe down every other day or so is plenty, but I want to keep up on them so they don't end up looking like my Bates! They recommend their own cleaning gel, which I will probably get, but I'm curious what soaps everyone favors for their leathers (specifically, black leather). Kiwi or others?
 
I'm really suprised NOBODY has an opinion on this... Anyways I'll probably just grab the Kiwi stuff as its most readdily available. Let you guys know if it causes an issue!
 
Sorry, I don't know of any Leather caring products specifically for Saddles

I do know of a Leather product that works well with Leather seats and other products, it's very popular in the restoration projects amongst car lovers

http://www.leatherique.com/products.html

I'd try to give them a shout and see what they would recommend, as my knowledge is very limited on this subject

Contact information: Email: lrpltd@bellsouth.net Phone 877-395-3366, fax 803- 648-4522

Good luck!
 
If you need to clean dirt off of your boots, then I recommend a basic glycerin soap from a saddle shop and a soft brush or sponge. After that, dry the boot and then make sure to condition it with Lexol or some other conditioning product. If you additionally need waterproofing protection for the leather, several coats of mink or similar oil, or a mink/beeswax combo works well.
 
I personally wipe and rinse with hot water until clean. Then I use Doc Martens Dubbin Grease. They really know how to put a nice boot together. What boots you got Buck?
 
I'd be guessing that saddle soap is more or less generic. I use whatever I bought 10-12 years ago..brush off loose dirt, use a wet sponge and work up a lather and completely wipe off exterior..remove excess with a towel and let air dry inside. Purpose is to get deep dirt out and off.

Never ever use neatsfoot oil however Lexol is an excellent product for restoring natural oils in old leather or leather that has been abused. I first read about it many years ago when it was being used to restore war between the States tack.

I use on boots, holsters ..and used to use on tack..our horses all have new homes..I think sparingly probably an idea on all leather work..unless your wet boning a new holster.

How you liking your new Danners?
 
I figured saddlesoap was fairly universal. The new danners are GREAT so far. I got the Striker II 4.5 GTX and while they are a little bulkier than the Bates I had before, they are breaking in nicely. I'm looking forward to see how they feel working the special events this summer (standing all day vs. in and out of the truck).


FWIW, I used some ancient saddlesoap in my box-o-stuff to clean up my worn out Bates and it worked great. After smathering them up with Danners black boot dressing they actually look fairly decent again- might have to keep them around as spares or "dirty" boots.
 
Posting a little late on this...

Danner has an excellent "system" they've developed specifically for footwear care.

It's a little pricey, but it really does work well.

3 stages, Clean, Waterproof, Condition.

I've used it and it does an excellent job.
 
The key to keeping your boots in good shape is to get them clean and then apply something that will protect them from the elements(like obenauf's). If they are kept protected they will not absord dirt,water,mud ect. This way you can use warm water and a cloth to clean them. If they are just dusty a fine haired shoe brush will shine them up in a hurry. I always put at least two coats of the obenauf's on my shoes and let them sit overnight. On new shoes the leather does not absorb much and you can wipe off the excess later. Good luck!
 
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