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Top 5 Synthetic Saddle Cleaners & Protectants in Canada (2025): Effax, Lexol, Horseman's, Absorbine, Fiebing — Lab-Tested Formulas to Protect Color and Durability

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Cleaning and protective products formulated specifically for synthetic saddles, girths, and webbing lift grime without degrading materials or coatings. Modern protectants combine targeted cleaners, UV stabilizers, and non-greasy finishes to maintain strength, color retention, and tack performance. In Canada, riders choose synthetic-specific formulations because they clean salt, mud, and sweat residue common in wet and variable climates while avoiding solvents or oils that can soften or break down polyurethane and coated nylon. Buyers prioritize material compatibility, quick-dry and non-slip finishes, low-odor and low-toxicity ingredients, and easy application for barnside maintenance. That combination of performance, safety, and convenience is why these products are appealing across recreational riders, show competitors, and stable managers.

Quick Menu

1. Best Specialized Synthetic Cleaner

2. Best Trusted Brand Formula

3. Best One-Step Cleaner/Conditioner

4. Best 2-in-1 Synthetic Tack Shampoo

5. Best Traditional Saddle Soap

1
BEST SPECIALIZED SYNTHETIC CLEANER

Effax Synthetic Material Cleaner

Effax Synthetic Material Cleaner

Effax's Synthetic Material Cleaner earns a best-in-class spot for synthetic saddle care because it was formulated specifically for man-made fibers and blends effective soil removal with material-safe chemistry. Compared with leather-focused lines like Fiebing's or multi-use options such as Horseman's One Step, Effax offers a technically gentler, pH-balanced formula that minimizes finish stripping on modern synthetics while remaining cost-effective thanks to its concentrated dosing. For buyers prioritizing long-term material care over short-term shine, Effax typically delivers better preservation of synthetic textures and colors than general-purpose cleaners on this list.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Gentle deep-clean

  • Restores matte sheen

  • Gentle deep-clean

  • Restores matte sheen

Review Summary

89%

"Users praise its gentle but effective cleaning on synthetic materials, leaving no residue and a pleasant scent. Some note the price is higher than mainstream options."

  • German-engineered sparkle

  • Formulated specifically for synthetic materials to remove dirt, sweat and light stains without harming coatings

  • German-engineered sparkle

  • Formulated specifically for synthetic materials to remove dirt, sweat and light stains without harming coatings

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

Recreational Enjoyment

Effax's Synthetic Material Cleaner earns a best-in-class spot for synthetic saddle care because it was formulated specifically for man-made fibers and blends effective soil removal with material-safe chemistry. Compared with leather-focused lines like Fiebing's or multi-use options such as Horseman's One Step, Effax offers a technically gentler, pH-balanced formula that minimizes finish stripping on modern synthetics while remaining cost-effective thanks to its concentrated dosing. For buyers prioritizing long-term material care over short-term shine, Effax typically delivers better preservation of synthetic textures and colors than general-purpose cleaners on this list.

  • Gentle deep-clean

  • Restores matte sheen

  • German-engineered sparkle

  • Formulated specifically for synthetic materials to remove dirt, sweat and light stains without harming coatings

  • Mild, non-abrasive surfactants that clean effectively while preserving texture and color

  • Gentle deep-clean

  • Restores matte sheen

  • German-engineered sparkle

  • Formulated specifically for synthetic materials to remove dirt, sweat and light stains without harming coatings

  • Mild, non-abrasive surfactants that clean effectively while preserving texture and color

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$12-20 CAD

2
BEST TRUSTED BRAND FORMULA

Lexol Synthetic Tack Cleaner

Lexol Synthetic Tack Cleaner

Lexol's Synthetic Tack Cleaner is a market-leading choice because of broad availability, consistent performance, and a mild, pH-balanced cleaning system tuned for synthetic tack and accessories. Compared with niche specialized products like Effax, Lexol trades some formulation specificity for dependable, easy-to-source value — a financial advantage for stables that buy in larger quantities or need national distribution. Technically, it strikes a middle ground between heavy-duty cleaners and delicate conditioners, making it a reliable everyday maintenance product for synthetic saddles.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Fast foaming clean

  • Non-streak finish

  • Fast foaming clean

  • Non-streak finish

Review Summary

83%

"Reviewers find it an affordable, effective cleaner for synthetic tack that lifts dirt without damaging materials. A few users say it can require extra scrubbing on heavy grime."

  • Pocket-friendly polish

  • pH-balanced cleaning formula designed to lift dirt and residues from synthetic tack

  • Pocket-friendly polish

  • pH-balanced cleaning formula designed to lift dirt and residues from synthetic tack

Time-Saving Convenience

Recreational Enjoyment

Lexol's Synthetic Tack Cleaner is a market-leading choice because of broad availability, consistent performance, and a mild, pH-balanced cleaning system tuned for synthetic tack and accessories. Compared with niche specialized products like Effax, Lexol trades some formulation specificity for dependable, easy-to-source value — a financial advantage for stables that buy in larger quantities or need national distribution. Technically, it strikes a middle ground between heavy-duty cleaners and delicate conditioners, making it a reliable everyday maintenance product for synthetic saddles.

  • Fast foaming clean

  • Non-streak finish

  • Pocket-friendly polish

  • pH-balanced cleaning formula designed to lift dirt and residues from synthetic tack

  • Non-greasy, rinseable finish that won’t leave sticky buildup on synthetic surfaces

  • Fast foaming clean

  • Non-streak finish

  • Pocket-friendly polish

  • pH-balanced cleaning formula designed to lift dirt and residues from synthetic tack

  • Non-greasy, rinseable finish that won’t leave sticky buildup on synthetic surfaces

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$10-18 CAD

3
BEST ONE-STEP CLEANER/CONDITIONER

Horseman's One Step Leather Cleaner

Absorbine

Horseman's One Step holds a strong position as a fast, all-in-one cleaner and conditioner popular with users who want quick turnaround on both synthetic and leather tack. Compared to more tailored synthetic products like Effax or Lexol, Horseman's One Step delivers faster results and labor savings but can be stronger on finishes, so it’s best for heavily soiled or mixed-material stables rather than delicate synthetic-only gear. Its practical advantage is time and product consolidation — one bottle replaces multiple steps — which can reduce operating costs despite being less specialized.

3.9
★★★☆☆
  • One-step shine

  • Mild on materials

  • One-step shine

  • Mild on materials

Review Summary

75%

"Owners like its all-in-one cleaning and conditioning on leather, but it's not specifically formulated for synthetic tack and can leave residue on non-porous surfaces. Long-term users mention it's best for regular touch-ups rather than heavy cleaning."

  • Old-school charm

  • Cleans and condition in a single application to restore appearance and suppleness quickly

  • Old-school charm

  • Cleans and condition in a single application to restore appearance and suppleness quickly

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

Horseman's One Step holds a strong position as a fast, all-in-one cleaner and conditioner popular with users who want quick turnaround on both synthetic and leather tack. Compared to more tailored synthetic products like Effax or Lexol, Horseman's One Step delivers faster results and labor savings but can be stronger on finishes, so it’s best for heavily soiled or mixed-material stables rather than delicate synthetic-only gear. Its practical advantage is time and product consolidation — one bottle replaces multiple steps — which can reduce operating costs despite being less specialized.

  • One-step shine

  • Mild on materials

  • Old-school charm

  • Cleans and condition in a single application to restore appearance and suppleness quickly

  • Gentle, low-foaming formulation suitable for many surfaces when used as directed

  • One-step shine

  • Mild on materials

  • Old-school charm

  • Cleans and condition in a single application to restore appearance and suppleness quickly

  • Gentle, low-foaming formulation suitable for many surfaces when used as directed

Order Now
From 28.95$
4
BEST 2-IN-1 SYNTHETIC TACK SHAMPOO

Absorbine ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner for Synthetic Tack

Absorbine ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner for Synthetic Tack

Absorbine's ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner is tailored for show-prep and cosmetic upkeep of synthetic tack, offering gentle cleaning with shine and detangling benefits in a single formula. Unlike more preservation-focused cleaners (Effax) or industrial-strength options (Horseman's), ShowSheen emphasizes appearance and ease of use, making it financially attractive for frequent cosmetic maintenance where visual presentation matters. It’s a good supplemental product for keeping synthetic saddles looking polished between deeper cleanings.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • 2-in-1 convenience

  • Adds glossy sheen

  • 2-in-1 convenience

  • Adds glossy sheen

Review Summary

87%

"Customers report it cleans and conditions synthetic tack well, leaving a glossy finish and pleasant scent, with many praising its ease of use for shows. Some warn it can leave a slight residue if overused."

  • Show-ring sparkle

  • 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that removes dirt while adding shine to synthetic tack

  • Show-ring sparkle

  • 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that removes dirt while adding shine to synthetic tack

Time-Saving Convenience

Recreational Enjoyment

Absorbine's ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner is tailored for show-prep and cosmetic upkeep of synthetic tack, offering gentle cleaning with shine and detangling benefits in a single formula. Unlike more preservation-focused cleaners (Effax) or industrial-strength options (Horseman's), ShowSheen emphasizes appearance and ease of use, making it financially attractive for frequent cosmetic maintenance where visual presentation matters. It’s a good supplemental product for keeping synthetic saddles looking polished between deeper cleanings.

  • 2-in-1 convenience

  • Adds glossy sheen

  • Show-ring sparkle

  • 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that removes dirt while adding shine to synthetic tack

  • Leaves a smooth, detangled finish and light protective residue to ease grooming and upkeep

  • 2-in-1 convenience

  • Adds glossy sheen

  • Show-ring sparkle

  • 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that removes dirt while adding shine to synthetic tack

  • Leaves a smooth, detangled finish and light protective residue to ease grooming and upkeep

Order Now

$12-20 CAD

5
BEST TRADITIONAL SADDLE SOAP

Fiebing's Saddle Soap Plus

Fiebing's Saddle Soap Plus

Fiebing's Saddle Soap Plus is a well-known, budget-friendly product rooted in traditional leather care that some users still reach for on mixed tack, but it is less optimized for modern synthetics than the other cleaners here. Technically it uses classic soap-and-conditioner chemistry that can clean effectively but may leave residues or alter finishes on contemporary synthetic materials, making it a cost-saving but potentially suboptimal choice for synthetic-only equipment. Its chief advantages are low price and wide recognition, which appeal to buyers prioritizing economy over specialized synthetic protection.

3.8
★★★☆☆
  • Deep conditioning boost

  • Protects stitched seams

  • Deep conditioning boost

  • Protects stitched seams

Review Summary

72%

"Many users appreciate its deep cleaning and conditioning on leather, but it's less suitable for synthetics and can dry or leave a film if overapplied. Long-term reviewers recommend careful use and follow-up conditioning."

  • Vintage leather vibe

  • Classic soap-based cleaner that lifts heavy grime from natural leather surfaces

  • Vintage leather vibe

  • Classic soap-based cleaner that lifts heavy grime from natural leather surfaces

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

Fiebing's Saddle Soap Plus is a well-known, budget-friendly product rooted in traditional leather care that some users still reach for on mixed tack, but it is less optimized for modern synthetics than the other cleaners here. Technically it uses classic soap-and-conditioner chemistry that can clean effectively but may leave residues or alter finishes on contemporary synthetic materials, making it a cost-saving but potentially suboptimal choice for synthetic-only equipment. Its chief advantages are low price and wide recognition, which appeal to buyers prioritizing economy over specialized synthetic protection.

  • Deep conditioning boost

  • Protects stitched seams

  • Vintage leather vibe

  • Classic soap-based cleaner that lifts heavy grime from natural leather surfaces

  • Contains conditioning ingredients to maintain leather suppleness, though designed for natural materials

  • Deep conditioning boost

  • Protects stitched seams

  • Vintage leather vibe

  • Classic soap-based cleaner that lifts heavy grime from natural leather surfaces

  • Contains conditioning ingredients to maintain leather suppleness, though designed for natural materials

Order Now

$8-18 CAD

What the Research and Testing Say

Materials science and equine equipment testing consistently show that cleaners and protectants designed for synthetics better preserve coated fabrics and webbing than generic soaps or heavy oils. Key findings from laboratory material-compatibility tests and independent tack evaluations underline the importance of pH-balanced formulas, UV-inhibiting additives, and non-silicone, low-residue finishes for long-term durability. In practice, properly matched cleaners can reduce surface abrasion, limit color fade, and extend the useful life of synthetic tack while protectants that include UV stabilizers slow photodegradation in outdoor storage conditions.

pH-neutral cleaners help preserve polyurethane coatings and reduce cracking compared with alkaline or solvent-based cleaners.

UV absorbers and stabilizers demonstrably slow color fade and loss of tensile strength in coated synthetics exposed to sunlight.

Silicone-free protectants retain fabric breathability and reduce slickness that can affect girth and saddle stability.

Non-volatile, low-residue formulations attract less dirt and dust over repeated applications, lowering cleaning frequency.

Laboratory abrasion and tensile tests show that properly paired cleaner-plus-protectant routines reduce surface micro-abrasion versus using household detergents.

In the Canadian context, choosing the right synthetic saddle cleaner and protectant matters for durability, color retention, and barn practicality. The five products featured here — Effax Synthetic Material Cleaner, Lexol Synthetic Tack Cleaner, Horseman's One Step Leather Cleaner, Absorbine ShowSheen 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner for Synthetic Tack, and Fiebing's Saddle Soap Plus — cover a range of specialized cleaner and protectant needs. For most synthetic saddles and regular barn use, Effax Synthetic Material Cleaner stands out as the recommended pick due to its material-focused formula and balance of cleaning power with gentle protection. We hope you found what you were looking for; use the search to refine by feature, price, or targeted material if you want a narrower or broader selection.

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