In the arsenal of horse breeders there is always a special tool for the care of ammunition - saddle soap, which serves to clean and protect leather products from drying out and cracking. However, the scope of its application is not limited to this.
What do modern manufacturers make soap with? How to use it and is it possible to make it at home?
VEDA Product
Soap saddle "Centaur" is produced by the Russian manufacturer "Veda", known in the market for pet products since 1997.
The product comes in a 250 ml plastic bottle. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the product is used to effectively care for saddles and harnesses, removing soil, animal sweat, vegetable fats, mineral oils and other types of pollution. Soap saddle "Centaur" can also be used to cleanse any leather goods and other materials:
- leatherette;
- cotton and synthetic fabrics;
- plastic surfaces.
Please note: this product is not suitable for processing suede and nubuck products!
Thanks to the specially developed composition, the Centaur saddle soap is safe for animal skin and is successfully used for washing hands, processing utility rooms and domestic premises.
Composition of the product
The product from the manufacturer of pet supplies is made on the basis of purified water, which is used for the production of medicines. The composition of the Centaur saddle soap also includes the following components:
- Sodium laureth sulfate (sodium lauryl sulfate) is a surfactant with high cleansing properties, which is widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Cocamidopropylbetaine - a surfactant, a foaming agent, an emulsifier, a thickener.
- Glycerin is a polyhydric alcohol, emulsifier, moisturizing component.
- DEA (diethanolamide) coconut oil is a surfactant with pronounced cleansing and softening properties.
- Sodium lactate is a water-retaining substance.
- Propionate, acetate and sodium citrate are preservatives.
- Fragrance.
It’s a very effective and gentle composition of saddle soap, developed using components authorized in the Russian Federation, many of which are also used in food production.
Mode of application
To clean the surface of the product from contamination, you need to take a sponge moistened with water, apply a little soap on it and beat until foam forms. Then the composition is rubbed in a circular motion, after which the surface is wiped with a dry sponge or soft cloth.
For more effective treatment of the skin, the manufacturer recommends using a special centaur wax-conditioner. The carnauba wax and castor oil included in the composition nourish and soften the skin, protect it from drying out, and give the product shine. Highly recommended for old and shabby leather items.
According to the manufacturer, the regular use of saddle soap and wax significantly extend the life of leather products of any kind.
According to customer reviews, the Centaur soap perfectly cares for the skin, smells good, leaves no sticky residue and stains. In online stores, the cost of the product starts from 80 rubles.
Now it is worth considering similar products from other manufacturers.
Saphir Products
Saphir Etalon Noir Saddle Soap is a product of one of the best manufacturers of cosmetics for shoes - the French company Avel.
The product is available in cans with a capacity of 100 ml and is intended for the care of smooth leather products. The composition of the product includes glycerin, tar components, preservatives.
Soap saddle Saphir is equipped with a special foam sponge, although a soft cloth can be used for processing, but in any case it must be moistened with water to form a foam before use.
The surface of the leather products is cleaned with soft circular movements, and then wiped with a clean, dry cloth.
Reviews about the use of the product are positive. Soap is well suited for cleaning not only shoes, but also bags, as well as leather furniture. The cost of the product from different suppliers ranges from 500 to 600 rubles.
Fiebing Products
Fiebing's SADDLE SOAP saddle soap is a shoe care product from the American manufacturer Fiebing.
The form of release of the product is a can of 100 g. Soap, you can choose yellow, white and black.
The product is suitable for processing smooth leather products: bags, belts, shoes, watch straps. It is applied to a damp sponge or rag, foams and is easily rubbed. After that, the surface can be polished with wax - Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner with Beeswax conditioner.
Soap saddle from Fiebing costs about 500 rubles. A can of wax (400 g) - about 1200 rubles.
If you wish, it’s easy to weld a saddle soap with your own hands. This is especially important for those who need large amounts of skin care products.
Popular recipes
We bring to your attention 2 recipes for making saddle soap at home.
In the first case, you will need:
- 400 g of water;
- 40 g of potash (crystallized substance, potassium carbonate);
- 250 g of beeswax;
- 80 g of sound soap (the purest, without additives);
- 600 g of turpentine.
Potash is dissolved in water, and beeswax is melted in another container. Now the resulting mixture must be combined and boiled for 5 minutes. The soap should be grated and added to the resulting mass, stir until the soap is completely dissolved and immediately removed from the heat.
Then, in small portions, add turpentine into the container, constantly stirring. Saddle soap is ready.
The second recipe uses the following ingredients:
- 120 g of water;
- 20 g of sound soap;
- 20 g of glycerin;
- sodium salt - dye methyl orange.
Soap should be diluted in warm water, gradually bringing to a boil. Add glycerin and dye, remove from heat.
Unlike factory analogues, which well form foam on a sponge, homemade soap products are applied to a previously moistened skin surface. After 30 minutes, wipe the product with a woolen cloth.
As practice shows, the regular use of saddle soap effectively cleans leather things from dirt and salt, protects against cracking and drying, restores their original qualities and attractive appearance.