How To: Wash Horse Blankets

   With spring finally approaching many of us are entering the dreaded mud season. Here in the PNW that season lasts for months on end and dealing with dirty blankets is a regular struggle. With so much rain in the forecast blankets can start losing their ability to keep up and need a refresher with a good wash and re-waterproofing. Below is a step by step guide on how to wash and waterproof your blankets.

The Supplies

   Horse blankets require specialized detergent. If you send your blankets through the laundry with everyday detergent you run the risk of ruining any chance of it staying waterproof. And, honestly do you really think that soap is powerful enough to clean the ground in dirt your horse likes to accessorize with? Getting specially formulated blanket wash and waterproofing solution is key to taking the best care of your blankets!

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WASHING

Step #1: Pre-Treat Stubborn Stains

   With a sponge or soft nylon brush use undiluted Rug Wash to help loosen up a stubborn stain before washing the whole blanket.

Step #2: Clean The Washing Machine

   Making sure any excess detergent is removed from the dispenser ensures your blanket will not be ruined by traditional detergents.

Step #3: Load The Machine

   Even though you might want to hurry the washing process along, only wash one blanket at a time to allow the detergent to reach every part of the blanket. 

Step #4: Fill With Detergent

   For top loading machines add 5 fl oz after the machine has filled with water. For front loading machines use 3.4 fl oz of detergent. ​For hard water areas add an additional 1.7 fl oz. Make sure to shake the rug wash detergent before pouring into the machine.

Step #5: Pick The Right Settings

   Set washing machine settings to a heavy soil level and wash with warm water. And for top loading machines set the water level to medium.

Step #6: Rinse Thoroughly

   Make sure there is no remaining detergent left on your blanket. Lingering detergent can cause irritation to your horse's skin and will also hinder the waterproofing.

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WATERPROOFING

Step #1: Clean Washing Machine

   Make sure any leftover detergent has been removed from the machine.

Step #2: Load Clean Blanket

   Make sure the blanket is clean and properly rinsed. You don't want to seal in dirt and detergent into your blanket. 

Step #3: Fill With Waterproofing Liquid

   Shake water repellant before loading into the machine. Use 17 fl oz for one blanket. Only treat one blanket at a time!

Step #4: Pick The Right Settings

    Set the machine to the cotton setting. This is also the regular or normal setting. 

Step #5: Drying

   Either allow your blanket to completely air dry or you can tumble dry on a low setting.

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Before & After

Before washing my horse's medium turnout blanket it was very stained with mud and manure. And the seams had starting allowing water to seep through. 

After, the same blanket looks so much better! No more crusted manure or huge stains. I could have probably washed it a second time, but the inside is super  clean! Bring on the cold rainy weather!

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This post was brought to you by the partnership between The Barn Rat and Nikwax Waterproofing.