How to Clean Leather Chaps

A Detailed Guide for Longevity and Care

Leather chaps are an essential part of horseback riding gear, offering protection, comfort, and style. Whether you use them for horseback riding, riding in shows, or as part of your daily gear, leather chaps need proper care and maintenance to keep them looking great and functioning well. With regular use, leather chaps inevitably accumulate dirt, grime, and even the occasional bug splat. Cleaning them may seem like a hassle, but with the right approach, it can become a simple and rewarding task.

This guide provides a detailed, researched, and easy-to-follow process for cleaning leather chaps and ensuring their longevity.

1. Prepare Your Chaps for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your leather chaps, ensure they are free of any loose debris such as dirt, dust, or dried sweat. Cleaning is easier and more effective when you remove these impurities first.

Remove Loose Dirt: Use a soft brush, cloth, or lint roller to wipe away loose dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the leather. Make sure to get into seams, creases, and zipper areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
Check for Stains or Damage: Inspect your chaps for any stains or damage, such as loose stitching, broken zippers, or holes. It’s important to repair minor issues before proceeding with cleaning.

2. Clean the Leather Surface

Once you’ve prepared your chaps, it’s time to clean the leather itself. Cleaning the leather removes built-up dirt and oils that can deteriorate the leather over time.

Suede Chaps:

If your chaps are made of suede, follow these steps:

Use a mild leather cleanser designed for suede, as regular cleaners may damage the texture.
Brush off excess dirt before applying the cleaner. A suede brush or soft cloth works best for this step.
Clean with a damp cloth: Dampen a cloth with water, then apply the leather cleanser and rub gently to remove salt, grime, or stains.
Let your suede chaps dry fully before wearing them again.

Genuine Leather Western Chaps:

For genuine leather chaps, follow these steps for the best results:

Brush off debris: Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to gently remove dirt and dust. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Apply saddle soap: Choose a high-quality saddle soap, such as Passier Glycerin Saddle Soap or Farnam Leather New Glycerin Saddle Soap. Dampen a cloth or sponge with warm water and apply the saddle soap in circular motions. This will help lift dirt and grime from the surface without stripping the leather’s natural oils.
Wipe off excess: After applying the saddle soap, wipe your chaps down with a clean, damp cloth to remove excess soap and dirt.
Let your chaps air dry naturally. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers or direct sunlight, as these can cause the leather to crack or fade.

3. Condition the Leather

After cleaning, it’s essential to condition the leather to restore moisture and flexibility. Leather conditioner helps keep the leather soft, prevents cracking, and enhances its shine.

Choose the Right Conditioner: Use a leather conditioner such as Passier Lederbalsam Leather Conditioner, Oakwood Leather Conditioner, or Lexol Leather Tack Conditioner. These products are specifically designed for leather care and provide deep nourishment.
Test the Conditioner: Before applying the conditioner to the entire surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t alter the color or texture of the leather.
Apply the Conditioner: Use a clean, dry cloth to apply the conditioner evenly across the leather. Work in circular motions, covering all areas, including seams and stitching.
Let It Absorb: Allow the conditioner to fully absorb into the leather. A high-quality conditioner should not leave greasy residue behind but should leave your chaps looking fresh and supple.

4. Clean and Maintain the Zippers

Leather chaps often feature zippers, which can accumulate dirt, grime, or even salt from sweat. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the zippers ensures they operate smoothly.

Clean the Zipper Teeth: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently remove any dirt or grime from the zipper teeth.
Lubricate the Zipper: If the zipper is sticky or difficult to move, apply a small amount of zipper lubricant or silicone spray. This will help keep the zipper functioning smoothly and prevent it from jamming or breaking.
Check for Loose Threads: Ensure that there are no loose threads or frayed edges around the zipper or stitching. If you find any, trim or re-sew the threads to prevent further damage.

5. Protect the Leather and Prevent Fading

Leather chaps can fade or become damaged when exposed to harsh conditions, such as direct sunlight or excessive moisture. Proper storage and regular maintenance help prevent these issues.

Store Properly: Always store your leather chaps in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid hanging them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause the leather to dry out and fade.
Use a Leather Protector: If you plan to wear your chaps in wet conditions, consider applying a waterproof leather protector to add an extra layer of protection. This will help repel water, preventing the leather from absorbing moisture.
Avoid Over-Cleaning: While regular cleaning is important, over-cleaning can strip the leather of its natural oils and lead to dryness. Clean your chaps only as needed to keep them in good condition.

6. Additional Care Tips

Repair Loose Stitching: Loose stitching can cause your chaps to fall apart over time. Check the stitching regularly and repair any loose threads immediately.
Remove Stubborn Stains: For tough stains like oil or grease, use a specialized leather cleaner designed for those stains. Be sure to test the cleaner in a hidden area before using it on visible sections of the chaps.

Mark’s Experience with Farnam Leather New Cleaner

Mark, a seasoned rider, shares his experience with the Farnam Leather New Cleaner, a popular alternative to traditional saddle soap. Although he found that the cleaner did not foam as expected and left a waxy residue, it did a decent job of cleaning his leather jacket and chaps. He advises using a microfiber cloth to ensure thorough cleaning, especially around seams and creases. While the cleaner left a waxy feel, he found that the results were generally positive, with his chaps looking clean and free of stains.

Conclusion

Leather chaps are an investment that requires proper care to ensure they last for years. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can clean and maintain your chaps effectively, keeping them in excellent condition and ready for any riding adventure. Regular cleaning, conditioning, and maintenance will help prevent wear and tear, ensuring that your leather chaps provide both protection and style for many seasons to come.

Always remember to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and conditioning your specific leather chaps, as different materials may require slightly different care methods. With the right care, your leather chaps will continue to serve you well for years of horseback riding enjoyment.