How to Clean and Preserve a Suede Leather Saddle Seat
To clean suede leather saddle seats, there are several things to keep in mind. First, it is important to use the right cleaning methods. Do not use caustic household chemicals. When cleaning, use a saddle soap or stain-preventative spray. Lastly, clean the saddle seat using Tan-Kote leather saddle seat cleaning oil.
Avoiding caustic household chemicals
Avoiding caustic household chemicals when cleaning your saddle seat is the key to preserving the beauty and resiliency of the suede leather. Regularly clean your saddle seat by wiping it with a damp cloth after each ride. You should also condition your saddle regularly to keep it looking great. When cleaning your saddle seat, avoid using waxes, silicone or greases, as these materials will seal pores and attract additional dirt and humidity, making the leather more susceptible to mildew and mold. Also, avoid exposing your saddle to heat or intense light sources.
The best way to clean suede leather is with leather cleaning products made specifically for leather tack. Avoid using baby wipes or other non-leather household products because these can damage the leather’s finish. Only use saddle soap and cleansers made for leather tack. While washing the saddle seat, you should also use a saddle soap that has a liquid glycerin base. Avoid using paste-based saddle soaps, as these tend to settle in crevices.
Using a saddle soap
Saddle soaps are used in a variety of industries and have a deliquescent, neutral pH, which absorbs moisture readily. Leather needs moisture to remain supple and soft. Saddle soaps have a higher pH, and this changes the leather’s pH balance to an alkaline state, which can weaken the structure and cause it to harden.
You should apply a small amount of saddle soap to the leather saddle seat, working the product into a lather. Be sure to get all of the leather, including the underside and between flaps. Repeat as necessary. After cleaning the saddle, you should wipe away the soap residue. You may have to repeat the process a few times, depending on the type of leather and the level of dirt.
To clean suede leather, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the saddle seat, leaving it for about 10 minutes. You can then wipe the surface with a cloth.
Using a stain-preventing spray
When cleaning suede leather saddle seats, it is important to avoid using any alkaline products on the suede. Such products can break down the bonds that hold the fats and tannins in place. Moreover, leather, especially suede, is extremely sensitive to water. Therefore, most methods of stain removal on leather do not work on suede. Instead, use blotting techniques.
You can also treat suede with a waterproofing or stain-preventing spray before using it. It is available in outdoor stores and shoe repair shops. To maintain suede leather saddle seats, it is important to clean it regularly at least twice a year. Once a year, use a suede block to remove dirt and stains from the saddle seat. This tool, which resembles an oversized pencil eraser, will help remove stains from the saddle seat. Moreover, it will help you maintain the suede’s nap. You should make sure to use only light leather cleaners, since heavy ones can ruin the nap.
If a stain is too stubborn to remove, use an olive oil or vinegar solution. After applying the solution to the leather, wipe it dry with another cloth. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage the leather fibers. Another effective method is to use toothpaste on the stain. This solution will remove stains and scuffs.
Cleaning with Tan-Kote leather saddle seat cleaning oil
If you want to preserve the suppleness of your suede leather saddle seat, you can use Tan-Kote to give it a beautiful sheen and a protective layer from dirt and dust. The product is a water-based formula that won’t cause the leather to crack or peel. You can also use a floor polish or commercial wood lacquer to keep the saddle looking good.
When cleaning a suede leather saddle seat, you should first thoroughly dust off any dirt with a suede eraser. After that, you can use a damp cloth to spot clean. Avoid using conditioners on suede because they can ruin the nap of the leather.
After cleaning, you should oil your saddle. You can use saddle soap in bar or cake form, but it can get into the stitching and tooling. Liquid saddle soap is much easier to apply and remove. You can also use Blackrock, which costs $9 and is a great choice for saddle seats. You can even dilute it with water and rub it on your saddle with your hands. Make sure not to let the oil dry or rough out the suede. Regular spraying doesn’t hurt either.
