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How To Clean A Moldy Horse Saddle

How To Clean A Moldy Horse Saddle

Moldy saddles and bridles, as well as saddle pads, blankets, and wraps, can accumulate in a tack room due to wet, humid circumstances. Moldy tack is not only an eyesore; because mold is a living organism, it may actually eat away at the leather and stitching of your saddle or bridle, sometimes resulting in equipment failures that could put you and your horse in danger. Here are some ways how to clean a moldy horse saddle.

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Isolate Molded Saddle

When it’s not pouring or damp outside, disassemble your saddle and get ready to clean it. By doing this, the mold’s spores won’t fall to the ground and spread to other leather saddles or equipment in the stables. Clean up the moldy patches on the saddle itself with old rags; discard the rags afterward to prevent mold from spreading. Use these damp, old cloths to remove as much mold as you can, scraping a little as you go.

Clean The Moldy Saddle

With a soft brush, carefully scrub the tack, removing as much of the powder as you can. There are certain pH-neutral cleaning agents that can be sprayed on leather to prevent mold and mildew formation. Spray these on, wait a few minutes, and then use a damp cloth to remove the moldy spot. Allow the saddle’s leather components to completely dry out in the bright sun.

Condition The Leather

The natural oils in your tack are designed to be restored by conditioners, which will actually help it last longer and keep it from cracking. So let’s give your tack a light coat of Leather Conditioner and let it dry in the sun once more. Then, it’s time for you to hang your hat!

Avoid using saddle soap because the moisture it produces lets mold or mildew get a start on growing anew. Mold growth can be prevented by regularly conditioning, cleaning, and maintaining the saddle after each usage, particularly when it has been raining or is moist outside.

How To Avoid Molds

You can try to improve airflow by using fans or making sure there is enough distance between gears for it to completely dry in order to prevent mold from growing on your leather goods and other horse products. Discard the rags you used to clean the moldy tack. If the fabric is used again, the mold spores will remain on it and spread to unaffected tack. Avoid draping your saddle pad over or tucking it beneath your saddle since this can collect moisture.

Conclusion On How To Clean A Moldy Horse Saddle

Fungus includes molds and mildew. The spores of these, which are common in poorly ventilated environments, can “infect” other pieces of tack by floating through the air and landing on fresh pieces of leather. Cowhide, the material used to make leather, was originally live tissue with layers and pores. These holes are vulnerable to the entry of mold spores, which grow there and leave a green or white powdery residue on the surface of the leather. Sweat, filth, or manure are the ideal environments for mold growth on leather.