Frequently Asked Questions

As long you as you take care to properly condition your leather gear, you should clean it whenever you think it is necessary. Oakwood leather cleaning products such as our Saddle Soap and Glycerine Cleaner are gentle yet effective enough to be used as often as required.

We always recommend Oakwood Leather Conditioner after cleaning to ensure the leather is moisturised, rehydrated and softened to protect your gear against everyday wear and tear.

Before cleaning, it is a good idea to remove any dirt, hair or dust from the surface of the leather. Place your saddle onto a saddle rack and strip the saddle of all fittings including the stirrup leathers and breastplate to allow free access to all leather area of the saddle. For English saddles, remove the girth and remove the stirrups, cinch strap and rear flank strap for Western saddles. Gently brush down the saddle with a soft cloth or damp dowel.

To clean the leather saddle, dust off leather and apply Oakwood Liquid Saddle Soap to a soft damp cloth or spray cleaner directly to the saddle. Rub the surface of the leather in a circular motion to remove dirt and allow surface to dry naturally. Wipe down the surface with a clean cloth and allow to dry naturally.

Use a soft bristle brush or toothbrush to effectively clean around hard to reach areas like metal fittings and tooling areas.

After cleaning, use Oakwood’s Leather Conditioner with a soft, clean cloth or sponge, buffing off any excess. For ‘in between’ cleans, use Oakwood’s Leather and Synthetic Wipes.

​Leather saddle and tack gear is expensive, so you want to take care to preserve, maintain and protect your gear by using products that help keep it in its original condition.

Leather care products that are ‘too waxy’ stick only to the surface of leather and attract dust while failing to promote long term protection by not penetrating the lower layers of the leather with necessary moisture.

On the other hand, leather conditioners in liquid form tend to lack natural oil or wax and may not provide the necessary moisturising and nourishing qualities that good quality gear require in order to maintain their natural beauty and longevity.

Oakwood Saddle Soap, Glycerine Cleaner, Leather Oil and Leather Conditioner are specially formulated to give you the perfect finish made simple.

Apply Oakwood’s Leather Conditioner to a soft cloth and rub into the surface of the leather. Allow the conditioner to absorb into the leather surface for about 5 minutes before buffing off with a soft cloth.

Avoid leather conditioner products that contain too much wax as they will not penetrate the leather, instead forming a waxy, waterproof layer that prevents the leather from breathing.

Also be careful of liquid leather conditioners which may contain surfactants and silicons. Although they will clean and shine the leather they will not condition it in the long term.

Instead, use Oakwood Leather Conditioner which is specially blended with the right proportion of ingredients to quickly penetrate the leather for long-term maintenance and protection.

​Absolutely. All Oakwood leather care products are carefully formulated and blended with safe ingredients to ensure all your stitching is protected.

​Oakwood leather treatment products are some of the best in the world, but the Glycerine Leather Cleaner, Leather Oil and Leather Conditioners are not suitable for suede or nubuck leathers.

Oakwood Leather Oil is also not suitable for furniture or automotive upholstery as it is too oily and greasy for fine leather in the home or automobile. Oakwood's Leather Conditioner is a perfect alternative for fine leather upholstery and automobile use.

Regular cleaning and conditioning is the easiest way to prevent mold growth on saddle gear. Damp, humid environments are the ideal places for mold to harvest so always store your gear in a dry, clean storage area. It’s also a good idea to store your saddle in a breathable saddle bag once it’s cleaned to keep it that way. Be sure to remove excess moisture and dry down your gear before storing it after riding in wet conditions. ​

Oakwood leather cleaners are specifically designed to remove mold and mildew from your gear. Regular maintenance using the Oakwood Complete Care System will remove existing mold and prevent further growth. Oakwood Products don’t use any harsh ingredients which can damage the natural structure of your leather so they are safe to use as often as necessary.

Yes. All Oakwood Leather Cleaners and Conditioners are safe to use on exotic leathers. They can be used on any leather product from boots, bags and equestrian tack to motorcycle leathers and golf bags. Always test in an inconspicuous area prior to use.