Do you know how to wash horse blankets the right way (and yes, there actually IS a right way to do it)?
If you wash them like any other type of cloth, you risk damaging them, and that's the last thing you want, right?
Don't worry, it's not complicated!
Below, I will show you the best practices for washing and share more care tips.
How to Wash Lightweight Horse Blankets
How to clean a horse blanket? After all that time spent researching, measuring for, and actually buying the best horse blankets, you need to know how to take care of them.
Blanket manufacturers may provide specific instructions that you should adhere to. However, not all offer up this info.
So, keep reading to find out what you should do to keep those blankets in like-new condition for as long as possible.
But some basic steps are common among all blankets. You’ll need the following supplies and tools;
Rubber gloves
Bristled brush or shedding blade
Scrubbing brush
Leather and blanket wash
Leather and horse blanket rinse
Hose and nozzle sprayer
Washing machine
Now let's look at the step-by-step process.
READ MORE: Measuring for a Horse Blanket
#Step 1 – Brush off the Dirt
Using a bristled brush or shedding blade, start by dusting or scrubbing the loose dirt, grime, mud, horsehair, and any other unwanted materials from the horse blanket.
This makes it easier to clean the blanket and prevents too much hair or grime from ending up in the washing machine.
# Step 2 – Check for Damage
After brushing, check for tears, scratches, or any other damage on the blankets, buckles, leg straps, and any other section.
When choosing the best horse blankets, you go for durable materials depending on the intended use and the appropriate size.
But there are lots of reasons the horse blanket could be torn. If you can fix the damaged sections, go ahead and fix them if you know how. If not, take them to a professional.
#Step 3 – Clean the Buckles
Using a string or dental floss, clean dirt and other residues on the fasteners and buckles. Any additional attachments such as leg straps should be removed and cleaned separately.
#Step 4 – Scrub Using a Brush Appropriate Soap
Once you've scrubbed most of the dirt, it's time to do a basic wash. Lay the washing blanket on a clean floor, which could be a driveway or any other concrete ground.
Pour some squirts of the leather or blanket wash and scrub the dirt out using a brush. Avoid using regular laundry detergents since they may damage the breathable coating of the blankets.
Regular detergents and fabric softeners may also leave a residue that may be unpleasant to horses, and it could even cause itchiness on their skin.
#Step 5 - Rinse
After you’ve scrubbed most of the dirt using the brush and detergent, use the hose with a sprayer and hose down cold water at the blanket at high pressure. Avoid hot water since it can damage the waterproof coating.
#Step 6 – Repeat Step 4 & 5
Apply detergent and scrub the second time to make sure you get rid of all the dirt, and then do the same for the other side of the blanket.
If you don’t have a high-pressure water source, you can go to a car wash and utilize their high-pressure nozzle sprayers.
#Step 7 – Use a Washing Machine
Once you’ve done most of the surface work, it’s time to take the blanket to a washing machine for thorough deep cleaning.
At this point, you can choose to continue yourself or take the horse blanket to experienced cleaners. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you have a large heavy-duty washing machine for this task.
Also, ensure you secure the buckles and any other plastic or metallic parts so that they don’t damage the washing machine.
For effective cleaning, use cool water and initiate the delicate cycle. Also, don’t use the regular washing machine cleaning agents and fabric conditioners.
After completing the first wash cycle with detergent, conduct a second washing cycle without the cleaning agents to rinse the blankets.
#Step 8 – Clean the Washing Machine
Once you’re done with the washing machine, make sure you wipe and clean the washing machine to remove horsehair and any other residue before washing any other clothes.
Most washing machines will have a tub cleaning cycle to make this step easier.
#Step 9 - Drying
Next, dry the blankets on a fence or deck railing in the sun, especially on a sunny and windy day. It’s best to dry starting the inner parts to make sure they get enough UV light.
This is the part that comes into contact with the horse’s skin. And according to Melinda Freckleton, UV light helps kill all the microbes that cleaning didn’t get rid of.
Avoid tumble drying or any other artificial forms of drying since they may damage the blankets.
If it’s too cold, rainy, or during the winter season, you can find a room that isn’t too humid and has good airflow and hang them there.
#Step 10 -Re-waterproofing
This may not be necessary, but you can add an extra layer of waterproofing using wash-in products, spray products, and any other appropriate waterproofing products available at big-box stores.
Re-waterproofing helps in case some of the waterproof coatings on the blankets were damaged when washing.
# Step 11 – Storage
After cleaning and making sure the blankets have completely dried, it's time to store them. Ensure the room you store them in has good air circulation, low humidity and is free of pests and rodents.
A clip-lock storage bin is a secure place to keep the blankets. According to Tatum Norris, you can use silica crystals to remove excess humidity and prevent mold growth.
Cedarwood also comes in handy in warding off pests. And if there's a foul odor coming from the horse blankets, cat litter, or activated charcoal can help get rid of it.
Check this video for an actual demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDTObRwHPPE
How to Wash Heavy Blankets
Washing heavy horse blankets are similar to lightweight sheets for the most part.
Remove the dirt with a brush or shedding blade. Then, scrub the dirt and rinse at high pressure several times until you get rid of all the dirt and the stains.
However, it's not the best idea to throw heavy blankets in a washing machine.
NOTE: Washing horse stable blankets, turnout blankets, or cooler sheets for horses at home is not always the best idea. So, if there’s a commercial laundromat offering horse laundry cleaning services near you and you're not sure if you can wash them or don't have the time, it's best to have them clean them for you.
FAQs
Can you pressure wash horse blankets?
Yes, you can. Pressure washing helps get rid of excess hair and dirt that scrubbing couldn’t remove. You can use a hose with a nozzle sprayer or visit a carwash.
Can you wash horse blankets at home?
Yes, you can. But make sure you use the appropriate detergents, and make sure your washing machine is large enough to handle a horse blanket, and always use the gentle cycle. If it’s not large, then going to a laundromat is the best option.
How often should you wash horse blankets?
It's vital to keep horse blankets clean, but don't over-wash them. Wash them at least once to twice a year. But if you realize they are too dirty, you can wash them at least thrice a year. To prevent excessive dirt and grime build-up, scrub the dirt with a shedding blade or stiff brush often. Too much washing could damage the fabric.
Conclusion
And that’s it. I have covered all you need to know about washing horse blankets and maintaining them. Remember always to follow the manufacturer's instructions since horse blankets are made of different materials.
References
Heather Smith Thomas. 2018. “Tips on Cleaning Horse Blankets.” The #1 Resource for Horse Farms, Stables and Riding Instructors | Stable Management. The #1 Resource for Horse Farms, Stables and Riding Instructors | Stable Management. December 24, 2018. https://stablemanagement.com/articles/tips-on-cleaning-horse-blankets.
“Horse Blanket-Repair Tips.” 2009. Horse&Rider. Horse&Rider. December 2009. https://horseandrider.com/gear/blanket-repair-tips-15581#:~:text=Horse%20Blanket-Repair%20Tips%201%20Wash%20the%20horse%20blanket.,missing%20parts.%20...%205%20Call%20the%20pros.%20.
Did I miss anything on how to wash horse blankets? Please let me know in the comments