12/22/2025
Tack cleaning can be enjoyable, but there isn’t always time to clean tack as thoroughly as desired. When work could be left behind at the office, tack was always show-ring ready—but that kind of time isn’t realistic for most riders now. With that in mind, here are five practical tips and products for keeping tack serviceable and tidy between in-depth cleanings.
One Step Cleaning Products
One-step tack cleaning products can be easy to dismiss. They don’t always seem as effective as glycerin soap and oil, and some leave behind a greasy residue. Fortunately, product innovation has come a long way, and one standout daily essential is Effax Leather Cream Soap.
This soap comes in a squeeze bottle that can hang directly from a tack hook, making it easy to grab without hunting for supplies. It requires no water, which makes tack cleaning much more appealing in cold weather. Simply squeeze a small amount into your hand and rub it into the bridle, girth, and saddle billets after each ride. Wipe everything off with a rag, and the job is done. Tack stays soft and clean, without sweat and dirt sitting on the leather and causing long-term damage.
The Bit
No matter how busy the day gets, the bit should always be cleaned. In a rush, a quick rinse in the sink is better than nothing. With an extra minute, using the spray and cleaning rag from the EHI Bit Wash Cleaning Kit helps ensure the corners of the bit are thoroughly cleaned, keeping it as comfortable as possible for the horse the next time it’s used.
Mildew
In humid climates, mildew can be an ongoing battle—even in air-conditioned tack rooms. Bridles that aren’t used daily are especially prone to developing mildew, which no one wants. Effax Leather Combi+ Mildew Free Formula Leather Care, which contains mildew-inhibiting ingredients, works particularly well. The spray is applied to a damp sponge, wiped onto the tack, and then any excess is toweled off. It helps keep tack from getting gross.
Note: This is not a conditioning soap, so following up with Effax Lederbalsam is recommended for proper leather conditioning and effective mildew deterrence.
Boot Zippers
Zippers shouldn’t be allowed to get so clogged with dried sweat, dirt, and horse hair that they need premature replacement. Brushing them out and applying a zipper lubricant at least once a week can significantly extend their life. Many suitable products are available at tack and shoe stores. Use a toothbrush on the zipper while it’s unzipped, zip it up, spray on the lubricant, then run the zipper up and down a few times. Be sure to wipe off any overspray from the leather. This same process works well for half chaps, too.
Boot Leather
Leather boots and half chaps require just as much care as the rest of the tack. Especially during warmer months, sweat can quickly cause buildup on the inside of boots. If left dirty, a white film can form and become difficult to remove over time. Half chaps can be wiped down with Effax Leather Cream Soap, while tall boots benefit from a product specifically designed for boot leather—Meltonian makes a reliable option. When there’s an extra minute, applying a swipe of polish helps as well; the more polished the boots are, the less dirt they tend to hold.
This is the quick-and-dirty approach to keeping tack in solid working order between deep cleanings.
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