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Care and cleaning: washing horse rugs yourself

Care and maintenance: how to wash horse rugs yourself

Reading duration: 5 minutes | Publication: 25.03.2025

To ensure your horse rugs last a long time, proper care and cleaning are essential. Before washing, check the rug for any damage, such as holes, so you can repair them beforehand. Otherwise, the fabric may stretch during washing, causing the holes to enlarge and worsen the damage.

Another important step before washing: carefully read the care label. Each horse rug has different properties that must be considered. The care instructions will determine whether hand washing or machine washing is the better option.

Tip: Avoid using fabric softener, as it can have an unpleasant smell for horses and negatively affect the quality of the rugs.

Step-by-step guide to a clean rug – here’s how:

1. Remove coarse dirt: Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and hair. A rubber curry comb can help effectively get rid of hair. A wire brush is useful for cleaning Velcro fasteners.

2. Pre-clean with a hose: If the rug is particularly dirty—such as after a muddy adventure in the pasture—rinse it with a hose beforehand to prevent dirt from clogging or damaging the washing machine.

3. Secure the fastenings: Safety first: To protect your washing machine and prevent fastenings from getting tangled in the drum, wrap them in the rug or cover them with old socks.

4. Soak in water: For dried-on dirt, soak the rug in warm water beforehand. A large tub or basin works well for this. For large, thick rugs, use a sufficiently large container and a washing machine with a suitable capacity (at least 12kg).

5. Set the washing machine: Adjust the temperature according to the care label. A wash cycle with pre-wash, main wash, and one or two extra rinse cycles ensures maximum cleanliness.

6. Drying: After washing, hang the horse rug flat and wrinkle-free. Never use a hot air dryer, as it can damage the rug or affect its functionality.

Tip: Only fold the horse rug once it is completely dry; otherwise, residual moisture may cause mold. Once dry, store it in a cupboard until its next use.

Re-waterproofing horse rugs

Washing often reduces the waterproofing of horse rugs. It’s recommended to refresh the waterproofing after each wash. This can be done in two ways:

Using a special detergent with built-in waterproofing agents during the wash cycle.
Applying a waterproofing spray after the rug has fully dried.

Important: If using a detergent with waterproofing properties, keep in mind that it affects both the inner and outer layers of the rug, preventing it from absorbing your horse’s sweat. With a spray, you can treat only the outer layer, avoiding this issue.

Caution: If your rug is made of waterproof material, avoid re-waterproofing it, as this can be counterproductive. The ingredients may clog the fabric’s pores, making it less breathable.

If you prefer not to wash the rug yourself, you can use a professional rug washing service. These specialists have the expertise to clean and repair horse rugs, ensuring they’re in perfect condition for the next season.

How to Properly Wash Your Horse Blankets: Tips for Gentle Cleaning

To keep your blanket, whether it's a sweat, rain, or stable blanket, functional for a long time, gentle cleaning is key. Before washing, remove any large dirt and hair, preferably using a brush or handheld vacuum. This not only protects your washing machine but also helps achieve a better wash result.

Always check the care label before washing. Some materials are more delicate and may require hand washing or lower temperatures. Generally, you can wash horse blankets at 30 to 40°C on a gentle cycle.

Avoid fabric softener – it can coat the fibers and reduce the blanket's breathability. A mild, horse-friendly detergent is a better option. After washing, let the blanket air dry rather than using a dryer, as this can distort the shape and texture of the fleece.

How Often Should You Wash Your Horse Blanket?

How frequently you should wash your blanket depends on how often it’s used. Here are some general guidelines:

Daily use (e.g., after every ride in the winter): Wash every 2–4 weeks, depending on how dirty or sweaty it gets
Occasional use: Washing every 1-2 months is usually sufficient.
After the season: At the end of the season (e.g., in spring), be sure to wash thoroughly and store it clean to prevent bacteria and odors from building up.

Tip: Air out the blanket regularly after use and remove hair and dirt daily. This extends the time between washes and protects the material.

Our Recommendations for Horse Rugs

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Coperta outdoor NORDIC in pile Coperta outdoor NORDIC in pile Coperta outdoor NORDIC in pile

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The author

I discovered my love and fascination for horses at an early age, which has shaped me to this day. Thanks to my studies in Technical Management and Marketing, I found my creative vein in social media, where I was able to combine my enthusiasm for writing with my affection for horses. With my technical know-how and my passion for horses, I am able to write authentic and targeted content that is both technically sound and emotionally touching.

Joana Stepke