Don’t let mold destroy your leather tack
Mold can grow deep into your leather tack making it just about impossible to eliminate. This is why the first line of defense is a good offense.
Storage
Mold grows in warm, damp, and dark locations. This means your tack should be stored in a dry, clean location. Natural light is also a bonus. If mold is in the storage area it will get to your tack. So, be sure your take room stays clear of dirt and dust (I know this hard!). Adding a dehumidifier can also help eliminate excess moisture in the air.
Cleaning
Dirty tack can also lead to mold. Sweat and grime will break down the leather giving mold a spot to grow. Lightly clean your tack after every ride to remove excess sweat and dirt. Do not use dirty cleaning supplies that might have mold spores on them. You will just spread it around. In our tack room, we have a stack of washcloth sized towels and a wire basket. When we are done riding we use a rag from the clean pile to quickly wipe down our tack and then toss it into the wire basket to be washed.
If mold is already present:
- First, wipe the mold off with a damp rag or sponge. Then replace rag or sponge with clean ones.
- Use a PH balanced soap to clean the leather.
- Let tack dry completely. If you can, place the leather in the sun to help kill the mold. Don’t leave it long enough to get hot. We don’t want to bake it!
- Condition the leather. Conditioning the leather replaces the lubricants in the leather, filling the spots the mold spores like to hide and grow in.
Why Condition?
Leather loses lubricant over time. Sun, rain, general use, and even cleaning strips away its natural lubricants. It’s important to replace these with a form of leather conditioner. If you keep your leather tack clean, dry, and conditioned mold won’t have a chance.
