Make Saddle Soap
Saddle soap is used to clean dirt and grit from leather tack (or even leather boots). It helps to restore oil and wax to the leather, keeping it supple and well-conditioned. Although you can purchase saddle soap from any tack supply store, you can easily make your own version using a variety of simple, inexpensive ingredients. Just see Step 1 below to get started.
Contents
Steps
Making a Conditioning Saddle Soap
- Gather your ingredients. To make a conditioning saddle soap that will restore moisture to leather tack, you will need:
- 3 1/2 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of neatsfoot oil
- 3/4 cup of grated Ivory soap
- 1/2 cup of grated beeswax or paraffin
- Boil the water. Add the 3 1/2 cups of water to a pot and bring to the boil over a high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the ivory soap and beeswax/paraffin. Add the grated ivory soap to the water and stir until melted. Then add the grated beeswax or paraffin oil and stir until melted.
- Remove from the heat and add oil. Take the pot off the heat and add the neatsfoot oil. Stir the contents of the pot continually until the soap mix cools and thickens.
- Pour into a jar or container. Pour the thickened saddle soap mix into a jar or sealable container for storage. Wait until the saddle soap has set before using.
- Use the saddle soap. For instructions on how to clean leather tack and boots using saddle soap, see Use Saddle Soap.
Making a Simple Cream-Based Saddle Soap
- Gather your ingredients. To make a very simple and traditional saddle soap that will effectively clean leather, you will only need two ingredients: a block of glycerin and some cream or milk. You will also need an airtight container to store your finished saddle soap.
- Melt the glycerin. Break the block of glycerin into chunks and place in a microwaveable bowl. Heat the glycerin on medium power for 30 seconds, then remove and stir. Keep microwaving for 30 second intervals until the glycerin has melted.
- Add the milk or cream. Add the cream or milk to the melted glycerin and stir to combine. You will need approximately 1/4 cup of milk or cream for every 2 cups of melted glycerin.
- Pour into the airtight container. Pour the glycerin and milk/cream mixture into the container and leave to cool and set before using. The glycerin will prevent the dairy from going rancid.
Making a Scented Saddle Soap
- Gather your ingredients. To make a pleasantly scented saddle soap that will clean and condition your leather tack or boots, you will need:
- Bath-sized bar of glycerin soap
- 1/4 cup of Lexol leather cleaner (not conditioner)
- Couple of drops of lavender, tea-tree or eucalyptus essential oil.
- Melt the glycerin. Break the bar of glycerin into chunks and place in a microwaveable bowl. Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, then remove and stir. Keep microwaving for 30 second intervals, until the glycerin has completely melted.
- Add the Lexol soap. Add the 1/4 cup of Lexol leather cleaner to the glycerin and stir well to combine.
- Add the essential oil. Add three or four drops of your chosen essential oil to the soap mixture and stir to combine.
- Lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree oil are popular option, but you could also use lemongrass, bergamot, clary sage or any other pleasantly fragranced essential oil.
- Pour into a jar or airtight container. Pour the scented saddle soap mix into a jar or sealable container for storage. Wait until the soap has cooled and set before using.
Tips
- All of the ingredients listed above can be purchased at the tack supply store, craft store or supermarket.
- To use the saddle soap, dip a damp cloth into the soap and rub it gently into the leather. Use a clean, dry cloth to buff away any excess.
Warnings
- Neatsfoot oil may darken some leathers, so be aware of this before you use saddle soap containing this ingredient.
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