Create the ultimate tack cleaning kit

You’ve invested a lot into your tack. The good news is, well cared for tack can last a very long time. Spring is a good time to take a look at your tack cleaning supplies and restock. Organizing them into an easy-to-carry tote is even a better idea. In this article, I’ll recommend some of the products I like and storage ideas for keeping them all in one place.

Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

When it comes to cleaning, it’s important to use a leather cleaner that is pH balanced for leather. Your leather is going to start out new at around a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Using a product that is more alkaline (higher than 5.5 pH) or using a product that is more acidic (lower than 4.5 pH) is going to slowly cause your leather to become brittle, discolored, and weakened. This is one reason I highly recommend Sterling Essentials leather care products. Not only are they specially formulated to take care of your leather products, but they also smell super nice.

If you are making a gift basket or just want to try the product before purchasing the full size, I would start with the Sterling Essentials Leather Care starter kit.

Other Supplies

Now that you have the cleaner and conditioner, you need the tools to apply them to your tack. The three key items I love to use when cleaning tack is sponges, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and a super soft toothbrush.

For sponges, I personally like the smaller craft sponges. They fit nicely in your fingertips and don’t require as much product to saturate them.

The microfiber cleaning cloths seem to do the best job at not leaving fibers all over your freshly cleaned tack. They are also soft and really buff the leather to a nice shine.

Lastly, the toothbrush helps get into small areas and to lift out dirt from tolled leather areas.

Storage

My son took a woodshop class a couple of years ago and one of the things he built was a wood box with a handle. It looks great and makes a perfect carrier for my tack cleaning supplies. If you are creating a gift or want something with a nice look, I recommend searching Etsy for “wood caddy.” Or if you are looking for an economical storage option that works just fine, try this caddy I found on Amazon.

You are now all set. Time to clean! Feel free to share any cleaning tips or supplies you like to use. I like to share products from small family-owned companies and would love to hear about the gems you’ve come across.