Short answer: Fiebing's directions are to clean first, then oil. Brush off loose dirt, work a lather of saddle soap into the leather with a damp sponge or cloth in small sections, and wipe off the residue. Once the leather has dried, test the oil on a small hidden spot, rub a small amount in with a soft cloth, and let it soak in; Fiebing's says to let it sit "for several hours to overnight".
The steps below are quoted from Fiebing's own product pages for its Saddle Soap, Liquid Glycerine Saddle Soap, Pure Neatsfoot Oil and Mink Oil Paste. Always check the directions on the container you buy, and test any product on a hidden spot first.
How to clean a saddle with saddle soap
From Fiebing's Saddle Soap page:
- "Start by brushing off any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the leather using a soft-bristled brush."
- "Moisten a clean sponge, soft bristle brush or cloth with water." "You want it to be damp, but not dripping wet."
- "Rub the dampened applicator onto the surface of the Fiebing's Saddle Soap to create a lather." "Then, apply the lather to the leather in a circular motion, working in small sections at a time."
- "After cleaning a section, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any excess saddle soap residue."
Saddle soaps and glycerine soaps we list: Fiebing's Black Saddle soap 340g; Fiebing's foaming liquid glycerine saddle soap 150ml; Fiebing's glycerine soap bar 196g; Fiebing's leathercraft sponges; Fiebing's liquid glycerine soap 473ml; Fiebing's liquid glycerine soap 946ml; Fiebing's saddle soap 100g; Fiebing's saddle soap 340g.
How should leather dry after cleaning?
From Fiebing's Liquid Glycerine Saddle Soap page: "After cleaning, allow the leather item to air dry naturally." "Avoid using heat sources such as hair dryers or radiators, as they can cause the leather to become brittle or crack."
How to oil a saddle with neatsfoot oil
From Fiebing's Pure Neatsfoot Oil page:
- "If necessary, clean the leather with Fiebing's Saddle Soap and allow it to dry completely before applying the neatsfoot oil."
- "Before applying neatsfoot oil to the entire leather item, it's wise to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and to see how the leather reacts to it."
- "Apply a small amount of neatsfoot oil onto a clean, soft cloth or sponge." "Rub the oil onto the leather surface using gentle, circular motions, ensuring even coverage."
- "Typically, you should let it sit for several hours to overnight."
Pure neatsfoot oil vs prime neatsfoot oil compound
Fiebing's describes its Pure Neatsfoot Oil as 100% natural; the maker's page notes it is "Packaged in 8 ounce, 16 ounce, 32 ounce and gallon." It describes Prime Neatsfoot Oil Compound as a combination of natural and synthetic oils. Fiebing's gives the same clean, test-patch and let-it-absorb steps for both. Neatsfoot oils we list: Fiebing's prime neatsfoot oil compound 3.78L; Fiebing's pure neatsfoot oil 236ml; Fiebing's pure neatsfoot oil 3.785L; Fiebing's pure neatsfoot oil 473ml; Fiebing's pure neatsfoot oil 946ml.
Mink oil paste: when to apply it
Fiebing's Mink Oil Paste page follows the same order: clean with saddle soap first, then "Allow the leather to dry completely before applying the mink oil." On absorption it says: "Depending on the temperature and humidity, this may take a few hours to overnight." Mink oil and weatherproofing pastes we list: Fiebing's Golden Mink oil leather preserver 168g; Fiebing's mink oil liquid 236ml; Fiebing's mink oil paste 168g; Fiebing's snow proof original weatherproofing paste 85g.
Other leather care products we list
Absorbine Horseman's One Step Leather Cleaner & Conditioner 425g; EZ-Punching Leather Punch; Farnam Leather New Spray 950 mL; Farnam Leather New Deep Conditioner 475 mL; Farnam Leather New Foam 207 mL; Farnam Leather New Spray 473 mL; Fiebing's 4 way care leather conditioner w/ sprayer 946ml; Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner 400g; Fiebing's boot scrubber; Fiebing's carnauba creme 118ml; Fiebing's instant boot shine (black); Fiebing's instant boot shine (brown); Fiebing's instant boot shine (neutral); Fiebing's Leather Softener Preserver Blended Silicone-lanolin Saddle Oil 946 mL. Check each product page for its size and directions.
Other Fiebing's products we list
Horse grooming, hoof and barn products from the same maker: Fiebing's blue frost whitening shampoo and conditioner 473ml; Fiebing's detangler and shine 236ml; Fiebing's Green Clean 946ml; Fiebing's hoof dressing 3.785L; Fiebing's hoof dressing with applicator 946ml; Fiebing's hoof polish black 236ml; Fiebing's hoof polish clear 236ml; Fiebing's horse salon shampoo and conditioner 946ml; Fiebing's udder balm 113g; Fiebing's Udder Balm 454g w/pump.
Sources: Fiebing Company product pages for Saddle Soap, Liquid Glycerine Saddle Soap, Pure Neatsfoot Oil, Prime Neatsfoot Oil Compound and Mink Oil Paste, fiebing.com, viewed October 2026. Product names and sizes as listed.