Horse blankets are essential for protecting your equine partner from the elements, especially during the colder months. But let’s be honest—after a season of wear, most blankets look like they’ve been through a stampede. Mud, sweat, hair, and manure can all take a toll, not just on looks, but on functionality, too. If you want your investment to last (and keep your horse comfortable), regular maintenance is key.
Here are our top tips and tricks for keeping your equine blankets clean and in top shape all season long:
1. Brush Off Dirt Before It Sets In
Before tossing a dirty blanket into a corner, take a stiff-bristle brush and remove as much surface debris as possible. This helps prevent dirt from embedding into the fabric and makes washing easier later on.
Pro Tip: Use a rubber curry comb to remove stuck-on hair and dried mud quickly.
2. Avoid the Household Washing Machine
While it might be tempting to toss your horse’s blanket into your washer at home, most machines aren’t built for that kind of weight and grime. A domestic machine can become unbalanced or even break. Worse, the blanket likely won’t come out clean—and you’ll have horse hair in every future load of laundry.
Solution: Use a commercial-grade machine or trust a professional blanket cleaning service (like us!) to handle the heavy lifting.
3. Wash with Blanket-Safe Detergents
Harsh detergents or bleach can degrade the waterproofing and irritate your horse’s skin. Use a detergent specifically designed for horse blankets or opt for a gentle, non-toxic formula.
Pro Tip: Never use fabric softeners—they can break down water-resistant coatings and trap odors.
4. Reproof When Needed
After a few washes, many turnout blankets will need to be reproofed to restore their waterproof capabilities. This can be done using waterproofing sprays or wash-in products specifically made for horse gear.
Bonus Tip: If you’re unsure when to reproof, spray water on the clean blanket. If it soaks in rather than beads up, it’s time.
5. Inspect for Damage After Every Wash
Washing your blanket is the perfect time to check for small issues—rips, broken straps, loose stitching—that could become major problems later.
Don’t Wait: A minor tear today can become a shredded blanket tomorrow. We offer quick, reliable blanket repair to keep your gear in working order.
6. Dry Thoroughly Before Storage
Never store a damp blanket. Mold, mildew, and foul smells will quickly take over. Hang blankets in a well-ventilated area until they’re completely dry.
Storage Tip: Use breathable storage bags or containers to keep dust and pests out while allowing airflow.
7. Schedule Seasonal Cleanings
Plan to wash and repair your horse’s blankets at least once per season—more often if your horse is in heavy use or gets particularly dirty.
Make it Easy: We offer seasonal blanket cleaning and repair services. Drop them off at the end of winter, and we’ll have them clean, repaired, and ready for next season.
Why Choose Professional Blanket Services?
At our shop, we specialize in equine blanket care. Our professional-grade equipment and expert repair services ensure your horse’s gear lasts longer and performs better. From cleaning and deodorizing to replacing straps and waterproofing, we’ve got you covered.
Let us handle the mess—so you can focus on what you love: caring for your horse.
Need Help? We’re Here for That!
Ready to get your blankets back in shape? Contact us to schedule your blanket cleaning or repair. Whether it’s one blanket or a barn full, we’ll take care of them like they’re our own.