How to Clean and Sanitize Leather Harness
Depending on the type of leather harness you have, there are a few things you can do to maintain it. You can use saddle soap and mink oil to clean it. If you don’t have time to clean it yourself, you can take it to a dry cleaner. These professionals have seen it all and know how to treat the leather with respect and care. They can also remove stains.
Unfinished leather is more supple
Leather can become stiff after a period of time, but it can be kept supple with some common sense and best practices. First of all, quality is key. You want to avoid lower-quality leather whenever possible, and invest in higher-quality leather instead. Not only is higher-quality leather easier to care for, but it won’t dry out as quickly as lower-quality leather.
Although unfinished leather tends to be more supple, it is also more susceptible to stains and discoloration, which is why you want to clean it regularly. To clean unfinished leather, use saddle soap and a clean cloth. However, avoid using cleaning solutions on unfinished leather, as they can darken it. Metal collars also need to be cleaned regularly, since oil and dirt can build up and damage them. They can also irritate your dog’s skin.
Mink oil improves the condition of unfinished leather
Mink oil is a great conditioner for working leather goods. It is especially helpful for leather goods that are exposed to water or are subject to constant wear and tear. However, be sure to not apply too much. Too much can make the leather spongy and clog its pores, which can lead to mold and bacteria growth. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to the leather’s premature deterioration.
Mink oil penetrates the leather’s pores and repels moisture. Because it contains unsaturated fats, it doesn’t react with oxygen like other oils, so it has very little chance of going rancid. It is recommended to apply mink oil to unfinished leather harnesses once a year to prevent deterioration and maintain its appearance.
Oil-based lubes
Oil-based lubes for cleaning leather harnesses can help you maintain their shine and softness. These products can be applied to the harness with a soft sponge or a bristle brush. It is best not to rinse the product off the leather. You can also disinfect it with isopropyl alcohol to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. You should then dry the harness with a clean towel and hang it somewhere with good ventilation.
Ideally, you should clean your harness on a regular basis, or at least once every six months. This will prevent the harness from getting dirty or losing its shape. When cleaning your harness, use a 30 degC delicate synthetic cycle and avoid using the spin cycle. While cleaning, ensure that the harness is in a thick cloth bag to avoid damaging the machine’s drum.
Removable interiors
There are several ways to clean and sanitize the removable interiors of a leather harness. First, immerse the items in hot soapy water. Baby shampoo is a good option because it contains few extra ingredients and has a pH of 5.5 or lower, which is ideal for leather. The leather should be agitated for 20 seconds.
The removable interiors of leather harnesses are often machine-washable. You can use a solution such as Sporicidin or Lifeline Cleaner. These products are safe for skin, and they are biodegradable and non-acidic.
Identifying the safest disinfectant
Identifying the safest disinfectant to use on leather harnesses is an important step in preventing cross-contamination between your horse and your gear. Fortunately, there are several different products on the market and you can choose the one that is best suited for your horse’s needs. Among them is Lifeline Cleaner, which is biodegradable to US standards. It is gentle on skin and non-flammable. It is also non-toxic and non-acidic.
Common disinfectants can damage leather by stripping it of its natural oils. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the safest disinfectant for your horse’s harness and to follow local guidelines.
