With your horse’s rugs and blankets being a magnet for built up sweat, dirt, and grease it is important to keep your stable and turnout rugs clean and free of debris. Allowing this dirt and grime build up can lead to irritation, discomfort, and even hair loss on their shoulders, mane, and body as it grips, rubs, and pulls on areas of hair.
Cleaning & Re-proofing
To avoid this discomfort we suggest washing and reproofing your rugs at least once a season, or more frequently if multiple rugs are not used in rotation. There are often professional services that provide rug wash and repairs, but with a large enough washing machine you can do it at home or at a local laundrette. It is important to select a suitable rug wash (such as Nikwax) over mainstream detergents and conditioners which can often damage the waterproof barrier of your rugs.
Drying Your Horse Rug
It is important not to tumble dry your horse’s rugs and blankets as this could lead to damage, shrinkage, and destroy waterproof barriers. Instead it is best to air dry your horses’ wardrobe in a dry and well ventilated area. It is important that your blankets and rugs are totally dry and aired before being stored to avoid any mold or rotting of the stitching.
Storing Your Rug After Cleaning
Many rug manufacturers will sell their rugs and blankets in neat storage bags which can be reused when the blanket is clean and not in use. It is important that your rugs stay well ventilated while in storage so we suggest avoiding plastic bags and instead suggest cloth bags or rug racks.
How to extend the time of use between washes
You can often extend your use time of a rug or blanket by dry brushing dirt and debris, and hosing a blanket down with water to remove built up mud and dirt.