Washing your horse rugs the right way will help them last. Crucially, washing your horse's waterproof turnout rugs must be done right if you want to preserve their water repelling properties. This is why there is a large contingent of equestrians who swear by never washing their horses turnout rugs, and we can get on board with that!
How to wash non- waterproof horse rugs
For stable rugs, doonas, under-rugs, show rugs, cotton turnout rugs, fly sheets and synthetic mesh rugs with no waterproofing, this is how we recommend you wash your horse rugs.
Use cold water: Any synthetic fabrics, wool horse rugs or mesh rugs may shrink or distort in a warm wash.
Washing machine friendly: You can hand wash or machine wash. Doing up all the straps, buckles and clips can help reduce banging in the washing machine.
Line dry only: Do not tumble dry rugs as they may be too heavy for your dryer but also the heat of the dryer may also shrink or distort the covers, shrink straps or melt polyfill type linings.
How to wash waterproof horse rugs
Because your horse's waterproof turnout rugs have a lining on the underside of the outer fabric to make them waterproof, it is important not to damage this lining.
Avoid the washing machine: Because the agitator action can - yep you guessed it - perforate the waterproof layer of your horse's rug by creasing and twisting it.
Hand wash is best: Either rinse in cold water by hand or use a sponge to wipe them clean. Scrubbing with a stiff brush or high pressure hose can damage the waterproofing of the rug, mainly by putting extra holes in the underlayer of waterproof membrane.
Grass for the win: Don't lay the rug on concrete or gravel as this also increases the chance of perforating the waterproof membrane. Avoid sticks and rocks.
Keep it cool: As above, only use cold water and do not tumble dry. Heat can degrade the waterproofing of your horse rugs.
Keep it simple: Don't use bleaches, spot cleaners or any intensive cleaning liquids. These can also degrade the waterproofing of your horse rugs.
Hot Tip: Keep rugs aired out. Mould and mildew grow easily on rugs put away damp. Hang them somewhere to dry out before storing.
Here are some extra insights on preserving the waterproofing of your horses rug.
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Understanding & Care of Waterproof Horse Rugs