How To Clean Horse Tack: What To Use and Why

In the vast plains and rugged landscapes of the American West, a horse's tack is more than just equipment – it's a trusted companion. And what you use for horse tack cleaning is just as important as how you do it.

As someone who's spent a lifetime riding the trails, the importance of maintaining tack can't be understated.

Gleaned from tales around campfires and long rides under the vast skies, here's an authentic guide to cleaning and caring for your horse tack.

How To Clean Horse Tack

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

There's an old saying that the right tool for the job is half the work done. An all-purpose cleaner serves just that purpose.

Process: Begin by shaking off the memories of dusty trails from the tack. Administer the cleaner, letting it work its magic as you brush with care. Give it a good rinse, like a refreshing rain after a long day, and let it bask in the sun, drying naturally. Regular encounters with the all-purpose cleaner keep your tack looking like it's fresh from the store, ready for another adventure.

2. Glass Cleaner

Some might raise an eyebrow, but out in the West, we learn to make do. And sometimes, that glass cleaner does wonders.

Process: Start with a gentle sweep, like the wind over the prairies, to remove dirt. Spritz that glass cleaner onto a cloth and gently rub away the day's grit. Finish with a damp cloth, wiping away any residue, revealing a gleaming finish, mirroring the clear Western skies.

3. Disinfectant Wipes

A cowboy understands the importance of a healthy horse and clean tack. That's where disinfectant wipes come into the story.

Benefits:

Convenience and Efficiency: Like the trusty pocket knife every cowboy carries, these wipes are compact and effective. Designed to fend off unwanted germs, they're the unsung heroes in a rider's kit.

Proper Cleaning Technique: Begin by dusting off the remnants of the journey. Embrace the disinfectant wipe's efficiency, covering every nook and cranny of the tack. Focus on those spots closest to the horse – the bit, the stirrup leathers – and let the air work its magic drying it.

Regular Maintenance: A cowboy knows the value of regular care. Clean after every ride, treat with a leather conditioner, and ensure your tack rests in a clean, dry place.

4. Bleach

Now, sometimes, tales get twisted. And the one about using bleach for horse tack is one of those tales you'd want to avoid. The harshness of bleach can cause damage akin to a summer drought, stripping away the essential oils from the leather. Stick to the gentler paths, like the milder cleaning solutions, to ensure your tack stays with you, journey after journey.

5. Baking Soda

A staple in any cowboy's kitchen and barn alike. Baking soda serves as a humble yet effective cleaning agent.

Process: Start by brushing off the memories of your last ride. Concoct a paste of baking soda and water, and with gentle motions, bring back the shine to your tack. Once done, let it stand under the open skies, drying naturally.

6. Vinegar

Nature's own solution, vinegar can work wonders without costing the earth.

Process: A blend of vinegar and water, reminiscent of the balanced life of the plains, can be your cleaning solution. A thorough wipe-down, especially focusing on the stubborn spots, will renew your tack's spirit. A rinse with pure water, and a good dry, ensures your tack's longevity.

7. Microfiber Cloths

In the evolving West, there's always room for innovation. Enter the microfiber cloth, the modern cowboy's trusty sidekick for cleaning.

Benefits: With unparalleled absorbency, these cloths capture the grit and grime, much like a cowboy's lasso. Their enduring nature means they're ever-ready, ride after ride.

8. Scrub Brushes

The trusty brush, an essential in any cowboy's cleaning kit.

Process: Begin by dusting away the memories of trails gone by. Then, with the assistance of a gentle cleaner, work the brush in earnest, paying heed to the sweat-laden areas. A thorough rinse under the cascading water, followed by a leisurely dry, and your tack is set for the next adventure.

The Rubber Gloves Approach

Rubber gloves, like the trusty sidearm of an old Western sheriff, provide protection during the cleaning process.

• Remove dirt with a soft brush or cloth.

• Use mild soap or specialized tack cleaner.

• Focus on areas with sweat or grime.

• Rinse and dry.

• Condition the leather to prevent cracking.

The Mop & Bucket Rodeo

Mop and bucket, the dynamic duo of the cleaning world, make the task efficient and straightforward.

• Use warm water and mild soap.

• Scrub thoroughly, reaching all nooks.

• Rinse mop often.

• Dry tack completely before storing.

Vacuuming: The Modern Tack Cleaner

Sometimes, even the Old West needs a touch of modernity. A vacuum cleaner offers efficiency like no other.

• Start by brushing off loose dirt.

• Use the vacuum's hose with care.

• Finish with a damp cloth and leather conditioner.

Dustpan and Broom: Back to Basics

The humble dustpan and broom, reminiscent of a homesteader's simple tools, offer an effective clean.

• Sweep away loose dirt.

• Use water and saddle soap.

• Allow to air dry.

• Condition to maintain suppleness.

Toilet Brush Technique

A novel approach, using a toilet brush for stubborn stains, offers surprising efficacy.

• Scrub with attention to crevices.

• Rinse thoroughly.

• Air dry to maintain quality.

The Sponge Way

Sponges, gentle yet effective, evoke memories of prairie streams - soft, persistent, and thorough.

• Apply tack cleaner or mild soap.

• Scrub gently, rinsing often.

• Air dry for best results.

Paper Towel Touch

Paper towels, quick and convenient, offer a modern solution to age-old problems.

• Wipe off dirt.

• Use mild soap for a deeper clean.

• Dry for a shiny finish.

Trash Bags: The Innovative Clean

Utilizing trash bags, a technique as ingenious as some of the Old West's innovations, streamlines the cleaning process.

• Place leather pieces in a large bag with soap and water.

• Massage and soak.

• Wipe clean.

• For metal parts, use a similar method with vinegar or metal cleaner.

• Regular maintenance is key for optimal performance.

Freshening Up with Air Fresheners

Regular cleaning with an air freshener touch ensures both longevity and a pleasant scent reminiscent of open plains.

• Clean leather and metal components.

• Check and clean stitching.

• Use leather conditioner for suppleness.

Floor Cleaner: A Ground-Up Approach

Floor cleaner, much like the firm ground beneath a horse's hooves, provides a strong foundation for tack maintenance.

• Disassemble tack and brush off dirt.

• Clean leather with quality products.

• Soak bits and stirrups.

• Inspect for wear and store properly.

Oven Cleaner: The Trailblazer

Oven cleaner, a surprise entrant in the world of tack cleaning, cuts through grime efficiently.

• Ensure proper ventilation.

• Test before full application.

• Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Shining with Stainless Steel Cleaner

For those glinting stainless steel bits and buckles, a specialized cleaner brings out their true shine.

• Brush off initial dirt.

• Apply cleaner as instructed.

• Rinse and dry.

In the heart of Americana, where stories of galloping hooves echo through time, the legacy of horse tack remains eternal. Proper care, through the methods outlined above, ensures that this legacy lives on, combining tradition with modern ingenuity. Just as Louis L'Amour would pen tales of grit and determination, let your horse tack tell its own story of meticulous care and timeless Americana charm.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.