How to Clean a Horse Bit: Step-by-Step

Q: Why is bit sanitation important?

Per Brianna Trepanier (Best Ever Saddle Pads): bits accumulate saliva, food particles, and microorganisms that transfer between horses. Riders who swap bits between horses without sanitizing risk transferring respiratory pathogens, bacteria, and viruses through the mouth contact. Regular sanitation protects horses from cross-contamination and maintains bit quality (resists corrosion and gunky buildup).

Q: How often should I clean my horse bits?

Per Brianna Trepanier: after every use is ideal; minimum weekly for regularly-used bits. The cleaning routine takes only minutes and prevents most bit problems. Daily-use bits used by one horse can be cleaned weekly; bits swapped between horses should be sanitized between each horse. Tournament/show bits used over a few days should be cleaned each evening.

Q: How do I sanitize bits between horses?

Per Brianna Trepanier: quick wipe with diluted hydrogen peroxide solution or veterinary disinfectant, rinse with fresh water. The contact time needed for sanitation is brief (30-60 seconds). Avoid bleach (corrodes some bit materials and tastes terrible). Avoid alcohol on rubber bits (degrades the rubber). Veterinary disinfectants are formulated for animal contact safety.

Q: Are there bit storage practices that prevent contamination?

Per Brianna Trepanier: store dry, in ventilated area, separate from other horses' bits. Plastic-wrap storage traps moisture and creates contamination risk. Open hooks or shelving works better. Each horse's bit kit kept separate prevents cross-contamination during the storage period. Regular inspection catches developing issues (rust, corrosion, gunky buildup) before they affect bit performance.

Want to know how to clean and sanitize your Horse Bits?

Share This Article

Facebook X LinkedIn Email

Follow Best Ever Pads

Sponsored Content

How To Clean and Sanitize Your Horse Bits

Brianna Trepanier How to Clean and Sanitize Horse Bits

By Brianna Trepanier for Best Ever Saddle Pads

Hi, I am Brianna Trepanier, and I want to talk to you today about the importance of sanitizing your bits. I'm on the road quite frequently and I know that I have my favorite bits, that I tend to swap back and forth between all my horses. I think it's a good practice to get into, not only for keeping your horses healthy and happy, but also for maintaining the quality of your bits and taking care of your tack in general.

Dream with clean bit and other horse bits.

There are several different techniques that you can use in sanitizing your bits: ●You can dip them in Listerine mouthwash ●You can spritz them with alcohol ●You can put them in the dishwasher ●You can put them in a mix of water, vinegar, & baking soda

My preferred technique is the mixture of water, vinegar and baking soda. To do this I start by: ●Place bits in a bucket ●Completely submerge bits in vinegar ●Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda ●Fill the rest of the bucket with water ●Soak bits in mixture overnight

Using this or the other techniques listed will keep your bits clean and sanitize, in turn helping to keep your horses happy and healthy.

Check out the full interview:

Brought to you by Brianna Trepanier & Best Ever Pads

Brianna Trepanier Rides a 1” Kush Wool Best Ever Pad Build Your OWN PAD "Best Ever Pads give my horse, Quill, a soft and comfortable support that I don't find in any other pad on the market."

Best Ever Pads are a proud American product, designed and made by people who pride themselves in their work. Each pad is 100% hand made in the USA and made to order, that includes top grade 4.5-ounce wear leathers and spine reinforcement. We utilize our creative expertise to provide an original, unique product that is on the cutting edge. Designed with insight and made with care, results in a top-quality product.

Who do you want making your next saddle pad? Best Ever Pads are designed and made by professional horsemen with over 30 years experience in training, competing, and cowboying. Best Ever Pads have no gimmicks such as gels or air bubbles, only the highest quality 100% wool felt. We also offer pads with hospital grade polyester felt. Both materials have the unique distinction of being soft to the touch in order to insure a perfect fit to your horses back yet still firm enough to withstand pressure and durable to last a long time. What sets Best Ever Pads apart from every other pad are our unique custom wear leathers. You can choose from a variety of hair on hide options as well as exotic leathers. Make it as blingy as you choose or keep it simple. You might also choose from our variety of tooled leather options or perhaps have your wear leathers painted by our professional artists! Whatever you decide Best Ever will design it for you personally. They are the Best Looking pads that are rough enough to use.

Sponsored Content — Contact information provided by the sponsor

Key Article Takeaways

Each pad is 100% hand made in the USA and made to order, that includes top grade 4.5-ounce wear leathers and spine reinforcement.
Best Ever Pads are designed and made by professional horsemen with over 30 years experience in training, competing, and cowboying.
Best Ever Pads have no gimmicks such as gels or air bubbles, only the highest quality 100% wool felt.
I'm on the road quite frequently and I know that I have my favorite bits, that I tend to swap back and forth between all my horses.
We utilize our creative expertise to provide an original, unique product that is on the cutting edge.

Questions readers commonly ask (FAQ):

Why is bit sanitation important?

Per Brianna Trepanier (Best Ever Saddle Pads): bits accumulate saliva, food particles, and microorganisms that transfer between horses. Riders who swap bits between horses without sanitizing risk transferring respiratory pathogens, bacteria, and viruses through the mouth contact. Regular sanitation protects horses from cross-contamination and maintains bit quality (resists corrosion and gunky buildup).

How often should I clean my horse bits?

Per Brianna Trepanier: after every use is ideal; minimum weekly for regularly-used bits. The cleaning routine takes only minutes and prevents most bit problems. Daily-use bits used by one horse can be cleaned weekly; bits swapped between horses should be sanitized between each horse. Tournament/show bits used over a few days should be cleaned each evening.

What's the right cleaning method for different bit materials?

Per Brianna Trepanier: copper and stainless steel: warm water + mild dish soap, then rinse + dry. Sweet iron: dry-brush only (water damages the patina). Rubber/synthetic-coated: warm water + soap. Leather components on bridles: don't submerge — wipe with damp cloth. Match the cleaning approach to the material; what works for stainless steel doesn't work for sweet iron.

How do I sanitize bits between horses?

Per Brianna Trepanier: quick wipe with diluted hydrogen peroxide solution or veterinary disinfectant, rinse with fresh water. The contact time needed for sanitation is brief (30-60 seconds). Avoid bleach (corrodes some bit materials and tastes terrible). Avoid alcohol on rubber bits (degrades the rubber). Veterinary disinfectants are formulated for animal contact safety.

Are there bit storage practices that prevent contamination?

Per Brianna Trepanier: store dry, in ventilated area, separate from other horses' bits. Plastic-wrap storage traps moisture and creates contamination risk. Open hooks or shelving works better. Each horse's bit kit kept separate prevents cross-contamination during the storage period. Regular inspection catches developing issues (rust, corrosion, gunky buildup) before they affect bit performance.

📋