Can someone please tell me how to use Higher Standards saddle soap?

[SunnyCalifornia]

I purchased the saddle soap because you all rave about it so much and I want to love it too, it smells divine! Except that it gets super sudsy and then I can’t see the leather through all the suds to tell if it’s clean or not. Flipping over the sponge as directed only results in more suds. And the foam gets in the stitching and leaves it white…hmmf! I seem to have more success when I squeeze dry my sponge in a microfiber towel so that it is almost dry. Is this how you all use it?
For those of you that love it, please tell me exactly how you use it!

These are the directions from the website: “Sponge should be wet thoroughly but not dripping. [emphasis mine] Wipe over soap in container, wipe tack (or scrub, depending on how dirty it is!) and wipe off any visible suds or residue with the same damp sponge (if one side is too loaded up with soap, flip it to the other side to remove residue from tack).”

[stb]

I use it just like directed. I think you are just putting too much soap on your sponge. You only need a small swipe. It’s awesome stuff - my favorite by far.

[xeroxchick]

Suds up, scrub, and after I wipe I use a nail brush to get suds out of stitching or crevaces. It is really good stuff.

[Denali6298]

It’s leather cleaner. Use as directed. My sponge is wet, I dab it on the soap clean. Rinse sponge. Use damp rag to wipe down.

It’s not that different from other soaps. What is the issue?

[SolarFlare]

I got some way back when it first came out, then maybe a year later. There was a different type of sponge in the later batch that I found held way too much water (not sure what they come with now).

I definitely got better results when I soaked the sponge, wrung it out by hand, then squeezed in a towel before applying soap to the sponge.

I also don’t like tons of lather which then leaves soap residue on the leather, so I prefer a somewhat drier sponge and less soap.

[beowulf]

Some “flavors” suds more than others, I’ve noticed.

IMHO sudsing is a non-issue for me. I “curry” the sponge into the leather, which does create a lather. After fully cleaning the saddle and allowing a little time to try (usually cleaning the bridle after the saddle is enough time) I then buff down with a dry rag. Makes for a nice patine and finish.

[stargzng386]

I actually use a damp rag instead of a sponge, it cleans just as well and doesn’t suds up as much.

[Renn_aissance]

Agreed, you want your sponge to be barely wet. Swipe once or twice across the soap. After cleaning, I use a different wet sponge to wipe off any excess lather, then dry with a cloth.

[SunnyCalifornia]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I tried using a washcloth and had much better success. I’m not sure that it will ever be my favorite tack cleaner, but I’ll definitely be able to use it up.

[TheJenners]

I love it also, and just curry up the suds and wipe off. Never tried squeezing the sponge in a towel, will def try that!

[spacytracy]

I love the soap. I HATE the smell of the conditioner lol.

[GraceLikeRain]

It looks like some people are letting the soap dry on the leather. To me, that’s analogous to soaping myself up in the shower, turning off the water, and letting myself air dry. The soap breaks down the dirt and scurf. If you don’t then wipe off the soap and yuck, what’s the point? Wouldn’t you just be adding a layer of soap and dirt/oil to the tack?

I wipe the suds off with a second damp towel no matte what soap I use. I guess the HS does suds more than my classic orange bar of soap but if you’re wiping it either way it doesn’t seem like an issue. I suds, wipe with a clean damp rag, and then do a light layer of conditioner once the tack is nearly dry.

[ecileh]

@spacytracy

I love the soap. I HATE the smell of the conditioner lol.

DITTO!

I wish they would scent the conditioner to match the soap. Or at least…with something other than what they use.

[HJdaydream]

I also bought it because of all the rave reviews on here. I am personally unclear on how it is better then a regular bar of glycerin . Smells nice and seems to work fine, but I am unable to tell a difference in it’s cleaning ability. Just know you are not alone if it doesn’t even up living up to your expectations!

[cocopuff]

I don’t follow the website instructions. What I do is this: wet a microfiber rag, wring it out well, wipe off my stuff. Then I spit on the little round sponge and rub it in the HS soap. Then I wipe that on all the leather stuff previously cleaned by the barely-damp rag. This method is how I was taught when using a plain glycerin bar and I like the way it works with the Higher Standards soap too.