cleaning bits

[claudia]

was given a bit by a friend. in good shape but doesn't want to come clean. any ideas? would really like to be able to use it and get it looking nice.

[jacksgirl]

I just put my bits in the dishwasher. Either that or place into boiling water a while to loosen off the caked on junk. Loosen and scrape off. this is how we clean up.

[shawnaJ]

Toothpaste. It is fantastic at cleaning bits. Its got a gentle abrasive and smells good too. If it helps my horses breath - i consider that a bonus !!

[rhapsody]

Is it a stainless steel bit?

If it has any rust on you should throw it away....never use a rusty bit, you will never get it clean unfortunately and its unhealthy to your horse :(

If its just caked on then soak it overnight and then take to it with a stiff scrubbing brush or do as the previous post, put it in the dishwasher.

The best way to keep bits clean is to rinse them under running water when you are untacking your horse. It only takes a few seconds and saves a lot of scrubbing later :D

[HooverH]

Ooh. I'll have to try the toothpaste to clean Hoovey's bit. He loves peppermint already.

[dillannie]

If the toothpast doesn';t do the trick, try a combo of about a gallon of warm water, 2 cups of white vinegar and about a 1/4 cup of salt . Makes a VERY weak acid that'll take most junk off of metal. RINSE, RINSE, Rinse dry and you're ready to go. Could even brush it after that. Never thought of that.

[lenellenlen]

I've never seen anything except a stainless steel bit. What else would you make them out of? Learn something new every day.