How To Wash And Store Horse Blankets In The Off-Season
Posted by Millbrook Tack on 9th Mar 2023
Horse blankets keep your beloved horses warm and dry, but they must be properly stored if you want them to last. This means ensuring they’re clean before storage, checking for wear and tear before using them again the next season, and storing them correctly. Here are some tips on how to wash and store your horse blankets like a pro.
How to Wash Horse Blankets Before Summer Storage
Horse blankets can accumulate dirt, sweat, hair, and other debris while in use. It’s important to make sure they are clean before storing them for the season. The best way to do this is by hosing off any caked-on mud or dirt, then using a gentle detergent specifically designed for horse blankets. Once your blanket is cleaned and dry, it is ready to be stored away.
Storing Your Winter Horse Blankets
When storing horse blankets, it’s important that they’re kept in a dry place. Never store a wet blanket!
If you need to air out a damp one after cleaning it, make sure that it is fully dry before storing it to avoid the chance of molding over the summer. Ideally, hang the blanket up in an area with good ventilation where air can circulate around it but direct sunlight cannot reach It. This will help prevent your horse blanket’s colors from fading over time. If you live in a humid climate, storing horse blankets indoors is the best way to maintain the lifespan of your blankets.
Reproofing Your Waterproof Horse Blanket
Your horse blanket also needs a good reproofing at least once each year, typically at the beginning of the wearing season. Before reproofing, it’s important to check for wear and tear first, as small holes in the fabric or seams will prevent the blanket from keeping the water out! Look carefully at all of your blanket's fastenings, such as buckles and straps. Inspect all areas of stitching–any loose threads should be removed, and weak spots or small holes should be reinforced with additional stitching or patches if needed.
To reproof a horse blanket, wash-in waterproofer is generally the most effective, with sprays used for mid-season touch-ups. We recommend Nikwax Rug Proof for its ease of use – just add to the wash cycle, run, and you’re done!
Store & Wash Horse Blankets to Increase the Lifespan of Tack
Storing your horse blankets correctly will help maximize their life span. Cleaning before storage ensures that dirt isn't getting trapped inside the fibers of your blanket, which could damage them over time. Storing in dry places prevents moisture from affecting their longevity, while keeping away from direct sunlight helps keep colors vibrant longer.
And finally, checking for wear and tear before each season allows you to repair any problems quickly so that your horses are safe and secure when blanketed. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to care for your horse blankets like an expert!