How To Clean Rawhide

[CharlieR]

I have a friend who is bringing me a braided rawhide headstall that is pretty dirty. It is a nice headstall, but does need a good cleaning. SO--for all you rawhide braiders out there, what is the best thing to use to clean it--and any tips or precautions??? Thanks for your time in advance. Charlie

[rgerbitz]

I'd stick to using liberal amounts of white saddle soap, vaquero cream, or a like kind of stuff. And stay away from using much water. Work it in with your hands it will losen up most of the dirt, if it is real bad let it set for awhile then work with your hands again and wipe off any excess with a towel.

Rob

[CharlieR]

Sounds good-I'll let you know how it comes out. Charlie

[lilpep]

i can tell you the way i clean my stuff in particular a bracelet i always wear. when it gets really bad i do was it with water and a soft soap in particular moisturizing hand soap has worked well for me but its alot more lather than water i just rinse it off with water. after its dried out i condition it again with a soap and fat mixture i make i some times ad in a little cocoa butter. i dont have a particular recipe i just shave down some unscented moisturizing soap bar (dove works well) add in a heaping spoon full of lard and some cocoa butter add in enough water and simmer on the stove till everything integrates while stirring constantly. when i dont have time to make this i also work up a lot of lather with saddle soap and condition with that. hope this helps, ive never used vaquero rawhide cream but i've heard alot of good things about it.