Horse Rug Care Guide – How To Care For Horse Rugs Properly
Learn how to look after your horse rugs with our horse rug care guide.
Horse rugs are not cheap. Indeed, for many horse owners they represent a significant investment in their horse’s comfort and wellbeing, especially if you’ve saved up and bought a good quality rug. So, like any investment, proper care and maintenance is important to ensure the rugs longevity and functionality. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive Horse Rug Care Guide to help you care for your horse rugs properly.
We also answer all your questions, including common ones like
How often do you wash a horse rug?
Can I put my horse rug in the washing machine?
How do you wash a horse rug without a washing machine? and
What is the best detergent for horse rugs?
Read on to find out the answers to these and many more questions about caring for horse rugs properly.
Understanding Different Types of Horse Rugs
Before we start, a brief note about the types of horse rugs available and their purposes… Different rugs are designed for various weather conditions and situations.
Turnout or paddock rugs are for outdoor use during cooler weather, stable rugs are for indoor use, fly sheets provide insect protection, and rain sheets provide protection from rain and wind during seasonal transitions.
Horse Rug Care Guide Tips
If you’re like most horse owners, you’ll have accumulated a few horse rugs over the years. That can present a problem in the average tack room, especially if you’re agisting your horse. Where do you put all these rugs when you’re not using them? Here are few tips and ideas for storing your horse rugs.
Horse Rug Care Guide Tip #1
Never leave unused rugs hanging on gates or rails out in the open for weeks or months on end, unless you like buying new rugs every season! Get into the habit of storing them away – winter rugs for example can be cleaned and stored away safely as soon as your horse no longer needs it. Likewise, put summer rugs away over winter.
This not only makes more room for the rugs you are currently using, but it also protects unused rugs from dust, damp, and insects.
Horse Rug Care Guide Tip #2
Before you do put any rugs away, it’s always good practice to clean them first. Mud, pee, and manure can damage fabric over time, and also impact the waterproofing. Obviously, it goes without saying that the rugs should be thoroughly dry before storage too.
Horse Rug Care Guide Tip #3
When bringing the rugs out of storage, preferably well before you need to use them, inspect each one for damage, loose threads, and damaged clips and buckles. In particular, make sure all the straps are still in good order as these can perish. Additionally. remember to check the buckles and clips, and replace any that aren’t working.
Horse Rug Care Guide Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Your horse rugs will also definitely benefit from regular maintenance and cleaning whilst in use.
Brushing and Shaking
Regularly brush and shake off dirt, debris, and hair from your horse rugs. This prevents the accumulation of grime that could lead to deterioration and reduced breathability. It also makes it easier to pop it in the washing machine if your rug’s manufacturer recommends it.
Don’t forget the seams – hair gets trapped along these and will shed in your washing machine if not removed first!
Horse Rug Washing And Cleaning Instructions
Different rug materials may require specific cleaning methods.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results. Never dry-clean a horse rug and never tumble dry synthetic or canvas rugs.
How often do you wash a horse rug?
Horse rugs should be washed at least once a season to remove dirt and sweat build-up. In particular, they should be cleaned prior to storage.
Spot Cleaning
For minor stains, use a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap to gently clean the affected area. If using a brush to get rid of loose mud and hair, be especially gentle with synthetics so as not to damage the waterproof membrane.
Machine Washing – Can I Put My Horse Rug In The Washing Machine?
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations with respect to washing your horse rug in a washing machine. Some, like Rambo, state their rugs can be washed using the gentle cycle on your washing machine with a mild detergent manufactured specifically for horse rugs. However, some manufacturers specifically recommend HAND washing their rugs.
Hand washing is also generally a better option for synthetic rugs because machine washing can destroy the waterproof membrane.
If machine washing is allowed, follow these steps
Remove detachable straps, if any.
Fasten any Velcro closures to prevent snagging.
Use a horse rug-specific wash (avoid detergents that can damage waterproof coatings and/or irritate your horse’s skin).
Use a front-loading commercial-sized machine, if possible.
Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water because hot water can damage the waterproofing.
Hand Washing
If machine washing is not recommended, all is not lost! It’s just a bit more labour intensive… Just hand wash in a large tub or trough using a rug-specific detergent.
You can also use a hose but keep the pressure low so you don’t damage the waterproofing. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues.
How Do You Wash A Horse Rug Without A Washing Machine?
Remove any excess dirt or debris from the rug by brushing it with a dandy brush or vacuuming it.
Fill a large container with cold water and add a mild detergent. You can use a horse-safe detergent, or a mild dish soap.
Submerge the rug in the water and gently scrub it with your hands. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Rinse the rug thoroughly in cold water.
Hang the rug up to dry in a cool, shady spot. Do not tumble dry the rug.
Here are some additional tips for washing a horse rug without a washing machine
If the rug is heavily soiled, you may need to soak it in the soapy water for a few hours before scrubbing it.
Be careful not to use too much detergent, because this can damage the waterproofing of the rug.
Do not wring the rug out, as this can damage the fabric.
Allow the rug to dry completely before storing or using it.
How Should I Remove Tough Stains From Horse Rugs?
Identify the Stain
Determine the type of stain you’re dealing with. Different stains might require different approaches. Common stains on horse rugs include mud, manure, grass, urine, and various environmental contaminants.
Pre-Treat
Gently shake off or brush off any loose dirt or debris from the stained area. Use a soft-bristle brush to avoid damaging the fabric.
For dried stains, you can also try lightly scraping off the surface using a plastic scraper or even an (old) credit card.
Spot Clean
Before applying any cleaning agents, perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the rug to ensure that the cleaning product won’t damage or discolour the fabric.Once confirmed, apply a small amount of a mild, horse-friendly detergent diluted with water to the stained area.
Gently agitate the fabric with a soft brush or cloth in a circular motion. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that might weaken the fabric.
Rinse
Use a clean damp cloth or sponge to rinse the treated area and remove the detergent residue. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent any detergent build-up that might attract more dirt.
Air Dry
Allow the rug to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Hang the rug in a way that promotes airflow as this will help prevent mould and mildew growth.
Inspect
Once the rug is dry, inspect the treated area to ensure the stain has been fully removed. If any traces remain, you can repeat the spot cleaning process or consider professional cleaning services for stubborn stains.
Horse Rug Care Guide For Waterproof Rugs
For waterproof horse rugs, special care is necessary to maintain their waterproofing properties
Special care steps for waterproof horse rugs
If your rug has a waterproof coating or membrane, use a cleaner that won’t compromise the waterproofing. Canvas rugs may need re-waterproofing after washing. However, most synthetic rug manufacturer’s recommend against trying to re-waterproof synthetics because it can compromise the breathability of the rug.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents
When cleaning a waterproof horse rug, use mild detergents specifically formulated for horse rugs. Harsh chemicals can degrade the waterproof coating.
Hand Washing Preferred
If possible, hand-wash your waterproof rug instead of using a washing machine. Machine washing might compromise the waterproof layer, and destroy closures or straps.
Use Cold Water
When washing, use cold water to prevent excessive stress on the waterproof coating. Hot water can cause this to deteriorate.
Avoid High Heat
Avoid exposing the rug to high heat sources, such as radiators or driers, as heat can damage the waterproofing layer.
Retreat if Necessary
Over time, the waterproofing layer will wear off. In particular, if you notice water is no longer beading on the surface, you might need to reapply a waterproofing treatment as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Storage
Store your clean, dry waterproof rug in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding it in a way that could damage the waterproofing layer.
What Is The Best Detergent For Horse Rugs?
Never use harsh detergents or bleach on horse rugs, as these can damage the fabric or waterproofing. Indeed, the best detergent for horse rugs is a mild one specifically designed for use on horse rugs. These detergents are typically free of the types of harsh chemicals referred to above.
The type of horse rug detergent you use also depends on the type of fabric the rug is made of. Some fabrics are more delicate than others and require a milder detergent. Conversely, severe stains may need a stronger detergent.
Drying Horse Rugs
Should I air dry or tumble dry horse rugs?
Never tumble or spin dry synthetic and canvas waterproof rugs because it destroys the waterproofing.
Avoid Heat
Never dry a waterproof rug in front of a radiator or other heating source because the heat will damage the waterproofing.
Line Drying
Hang rugs on a sturdy line or rail in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Air Drying
Lay the rug flat on a clean, dry surface, turning it occasionally to ensure even drying.
Storage Advice For Horse Rugs
Clean and Dry
Ensure rugs are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before storing it. Moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth, which will destroy the fabric.
Fold Carefully
Fold the rug neatly to prevent creasing. Rolling can also be an option to avoid creases.
Storage Bags
Consider using a breathable storage bag to protect the rug from dust and pests while allowing air circulation.
Elevated Storage
Store the rug in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area off the ground to prevent it from absorbing moisture, preferably on a shelf or in a rug storage bag to protect it from dust and pests.
Unused, clean 44-gallon drums with secure lids are another popular choice of storage for rugs, particularly if they are being stored in a tack or feed room. The drums keep the dust, rodents, and insects out. Otherwise, consider large plastic storage boxes with lids. You can also place a few mothballs or similar products in with the rugs for added protection.
Store your rugs away in closed containers
Regular Inspections
Conduct periodic inspections during storage to ensure the rug remains in good condition. You don’t want to find out when you urgently need the rug that silverfish, cockroaches, or rats have destroyed it. Replace or repair any damaged parts promptly.
Horse Rug Repairs And Maintenance
Regularly Inspect Your Rugs
Check your rugs regularly for any rips, tears, or loose stitching. Address minor issues before they become major problems. You can repair many minor rips and tears yourself with a needle and heavy-duty thread (tip – the cotton thread used on feed bags is great for small emergency repairs as it’s fairly strong and durable).
Here are some other tips for looking after your horse rug
Check the straps, buckles, and fasteners regularly to ensure they are in proper working condition. Replace or repair any damaged or worn-out components.
Patch small tears or holes using suitable fabric patches or repair kits designed specifically for horse rugs.
Reapply waterproofing treatments as necessary to maintain the rug’s water-resistant properties.
Brush the rug occasionally with a soft brush to help maintain its appearance and increase its longevity.
Professional Repairs
For major repairs, such as torn straps or holes, consider seeking professional repair services or using a DIY rug repair kit. Tip – if sending the rug away to be repaired, rug repairers appreciate clean rugs!
Professional Cleaning and Reproofing
Despite regular cleaning and maintenance, horse rugs may require professional cleaning or reproofing periodically. Professional rug cleaning services specialise in treating and removing stubborn stains or odours effectively. Also consider professional reproofing when your rug starts to absorb water instead of repelling it. This will restore the waterproof barrier and ensure your horse stays dry and comfortable.
Seasonal Transitions And Rug Selection
Always rug your horse according to the weather and avoid over rugging. If in doubt, it’s always better to leave the rug off as horses can warm themselves up. They can’t however keep themselves cool if over rugged. Need more rugging advice?
Transition with the Weather
Adjust your horse’s rugs according to the weather. For example use lightweight rugs in warmer months and heavier rugs in colder months.
Proper Fit
Ensure the rug fits your horse properly to prevent rubbing or discomfort. Here’s how you do that…
Layering
Consider using multiple layers, such as a liner under a turnout rug, to provide extra warmth in extreme cold.
Sweat Management
Use cooler rugs to wick away moisture after exercise and also prevent your horse from getting chilled.
Cooler rugs are good for wicking away sweat and letting your horse cool down.
Horse Rug Care Guide Conclusion
We hope this horse rug care guide has given you enough pointers to keep your horse rugs in good condition. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care recommendations.
