Why it is important to wash your horse rugs regularly

Introduction

Ah, horse rugs—the fashionable blankets that keep our equine friends warm and protected, but let’s face it, they also double as dirt, sweat, and grime collectors that need regular cleaning! But, like your favorite shirt, it needs to be washed now and then! Horse rugs are an essential piece of gear in our industry; they play an important role in your horse's comfort and health.

A fresh rug does more than just look good

It may prevent skin problems
Maintain rug breathability/longevity
Keep your horse comfortable

We will look at the several reasons why washing your horses rugs regularly is crucial!

Table of content

Introduction Goodbye Grime! 1. Preventing skin irritations and infections 2. Key Reasons 3. A Clean Rug Makes for a Happy Horse How Often Should You Wash Horse Rugs? How to clean horse rugs in the washing machine Before you start the wash Drying process

Goodbye Grime!

1. Preventing skin irritations and infections:

Just like you wouldn’t wear the same pair of socks for a week while traipsing through mud, your horse deserves better than a grimy rug. Over time, horse rugs collect all sorts of delightful treasures: dirt, sweat, and—yikes—bacteria. Left unchecked, this delightful mix can lead to skin irritations or infections like rain scald and dermatitis.

Regular washing helps maintain your horse's skin health by reducing bacterial and fungal buildup, keeping your equine friend comfortable and content.

2. Preserving Quality and Longevity

Washing your horse rugs regularly helps preserve their quality and extend their lifespan. Over time, dirt and sweat clog the fibers of the rug, reducing its breathability. A clean rug allows better air circulation, ensuring your horse stays comfortable and dry by wicking moisture away from the skin. Regular cleaning helps maintain the fabric's integrity and prevents wear and tear.

Key Reasons to Wash Your Horse Rug Regularly

Built-up dirt and sweat can weaken the rug’s fibers over time

Dirty rugs can lead to rips and compromised waterproofing coating

Washing helps prolong the life of the rug

Washing keeps the rugs durable and cost-effective in the long run to last many seasons

3. A Clean Rug Makes for a Happy Horse

Horses are sensitive creatures, and comfort is vital for their overall well-being. A clean rug provides a snug fit that won’t irritate their skin, ensuring they’re happy and relaxed. Plus, a cozy horse is a content horse, ready to enjoy a leisurely day in the paddock!

How Often Should You Wash Horse Rugs?

Now that we’ve established why washing horse rugs is essential, you might wonder how often you should do it. As a general rule of thumb, washing your horse's rug every few weeks is ideal, but this can vary based on how often your horse wears it, the weather, and how muddy they get. After particularly muddy weather, starting to look a little grimy, noticing a difference to coat, or if your horse sweats excessively, it’s a good idea to give that rug a wash!

How to clean horse rugs in the washing machine

Surprisingly, most horse rugs can go right in your washing machine. Before you toss a muddy, manure-covered rug into the same washer you use for your favorite clothes, check that the machine can handle the rug's weight. If it can, there are a few steps you’ll want to follow to avoid turning your laundry day into a hairy disaster.

Remove Excess Dirt and Hair: First, get rid of as much hair, dirt, and mud as possible. A blast with a hose or a good scrub with a stiff brush should do the trick. If you're feeling fancy, a vacuum can help tackle the hair.

Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Next, place the rug in a mesh laundry bag to protect your machine from buckles and clips that could cause damage.

Prevent Clogs: The laundry bag will also help keep stray horsehair from clogging up the washer.

Before you start the wash

It is best to use a detergent designed specifically for horse rugs as some commercial washing detergents may be too severe and cause a reaction to your horse. Detergents designed for horse rugs usually contain anti-bacterial agents which will help to prevent your horse from itching. For rugs with waterproofing, it's best to avoid machine washing, as it can strip away the waterproof layer. Instead, we recommend using a dandy brush to remove dirt and hosing off any excess grime to keep the rug clean without compromising its water-resistant properties. If you need a more thorough cleaning, follow up with a re-waterproofing spray or treatment specifically made for horse rugs. This can help restore the waterproofing after a deep clean.

"Think of a clean rug as your horse’s version of freshly laundered PJs—soft, cozy, and ready for bed, or, you know, rolling in the mud."

Drying process:

Finally, hang the rug up to dry. Tumble drying may be quick, but it’s not rug-friendly—let the air do its thing instead. With these steps, your horse’s rug will be fresh, clean, and ready to take on the mud and grime of horse life all over again!