Top 5 Tips To Clean Your Horse Rugs

Posted by More For Horses on September 11th, 2019

Horse rugs are quite expensive and so it’s a good idea to take care of them, washing them regularly, it will significantly extend their useful life as well as help to provide the best possible protection for your horse. Although it takes a bit of effort and your horse rug legstraps usually need to be removed, doing so will save you the expense of having to replace them more often than if you don’t look after them adequately.

Professional help

In most areas you will be able to have your horse rugs cleaned which can be a good idea for the larger, heavier type of horse rug that cannot fit into your washing machine. The advantage of this service is they do a very good job and can repair any repairs that may be required. Unfortunately, this can become quite expensive so many horse owners elect to do this job themselves. The advantages are you save money and it gives you a good physical workout.

Using a washing machine

If you have small light weight horse rugs that fit in your washing machine you’re fortunate, but larger rugs just won’t fit in a standard washing machine so need to be cleaned by hand. The types of rugs that are machine washable, come with specific washing instructions that if followed will ensure your rugs remain in good condition

Hand cleaning your horse rugs

Before you start you will have to remove all the horse rug legstraps and other hardware that may be attached to the rug. These can be soaked and then washed in your washing machine for the best results.

Begin by placing the rug over a fence or a form to give you easy access to it and scrubbing it with a hard bristled scrubbing brush. This will remove any dirt or debris from the outside. Then turn it over and scrub the inside to remove any hair or sweat residue.

Place some non-bio soap or horse rug shampoo into a large container filled with hot water and stir to combine well then add your horse rug. Use a strong stick or broom handle to agitate the rug a bit and then leave it to soak for a while to loosen any deposits or stains.

Remove the rug and lay in on a clear floor and start to scrub it with your hard scrubbing brush or a stiff broom. This is reasonably hard work, but will save the need for gym fees.

Once you have scrubbed both sides, rinse the rug with clean water and then hang it to dry on a frame or fence to dry.

Once your horse rug is dry, replace the legstraps and other hardware, but be sure you allow your horse rug to dry completely so it does not become musty or mouldy before using or storing.

There are a variety of products available to use on your horse rug, including waterproofing agents and conditioners that will help to provide for the comfort and well being of your horse, but it is important that you maintain the horse rugs in a clean condition by regularly washing them to prolong their life and appearance.