How do you get your leather tack REALLY clean??

[Brinner]

I use effax balm. But it never looks really shiny and clean. Saddle is old but in very good condition but the seams always looks dusty. Bridle leather is dry whatever I do!

The Pony Club way from 40 years ago.
For dirty/wet tack: first clean with warm water + dash of washing up liquid to remove the grease. Then lukewarm water + traditional saddle soap.
For dry tack: just the saddle soap + lukewarm water. Use a leather oil regularly but not on the stitching and only use the neatsfoot stuff. Some oils can have the opposite effect over time.
Regular cleaning is the key ie every few weeks.

I use things like effax balm as a treatment once I have cleaned the tack with regular saddle soap.

I'm sure effax is the one that is actually bad for leather over a period of time but i can't remember. Honestly I've never found anything better than Stubben saddle soap. I show and it always brings the leather up beautifully.

I always used warm water with a tiny bit of washing up liquid to clean my tack, followed by traditional saddle soap applied with a slightly damp sponge.

Oiling tack is okay very occasionally but don't overdo it.

Also, avoid anything with Glycerine in it.

I do this. I use a dab of soap in hot water and wring out the cloth then really rub the leather to get the sweat off. Then balm. I don't use trad saddle soap though. Maybe I'll try that. Does anyone use a toothbrush on the seams?

I have never used a toothbrush on the seams. I would be very careful, as it may well take the surface of the leather off.

The seams are so dusty. Its annoying me!

Another shout for stubborn saddle soap. It’s brilliant stuff. Use neatsfoot if it gets wet but otherwise hot water to clean off grease. Spit on the saddle soap and rub it in,especially on underside.

The stubben one has glycerine in it?

First of all, wash grease off with warm water and a microfibre cloth or a slightly abrasive sponge. Then soap with Albion saddle soap. If tack is new and stiff, or has had a soaking in the rain, use Renapur instead of the saddle soap.

Thanks all. Will get some proper saddle soap today and give it a go.

You might need to strip it - bucket of hot water and washing up liquid. I'm sure we used to add a dash of ammonia but use a lot of caution, gloves and do it in a well ventilated place.

Take the bridle apart and dunk all the bits, letting them get properly wet, then give them a good clean with a sponge. Then saddle soap them with a good glycerine soap, oiling if needed. You can wipe the saddle over with a sponge dampened in the ammonia solution then treat it the same as the bridle.

Not something to do often but it really does lift gunky tack!