How to Wash, Repair, and Store Your Horse Blanket

Horse blankets and sheets are an investment in your equine's comfort during the cold winter months. But what do you do when winter is over and you're left with dirty blankets? Knowing how to properly wash, repair, and store them can make your blankets last longer and save you from repurchasing a new one every season. To help you and your horse get the most out of your blankets, the RDW Crew has put together a helpful how-to guide on how to properly wash, repair, re-waterproof, and store your blankets to keep them in their best condition.

Blankets and sheets should be washed at least once a year to remove the dirt and debris that has built up over the course of the season. Horses that love a good muddy roll might require more than one wash per season. Each blanket will come with detailed washing instructions for proper care from its manufacturer. These instructions should be followed carefully to ensure you are properly caring for your blanket.

Choosing the Right Blanket Wash

Choosing the right blanket wash is essential, because the wrong cleaner can strip the waterproof properties from your horse blankets and sheets. A good wash will be formulated to clean and preserve your blankets and may even add back some water-repellency. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle carefully. Nikwax Rug Wash is a great choice across blanket brands, as it safely cleans and revitalizes the insulation and water repellency of blankets.

When it comes to cleaning blankets, you have a couple of options. You can either choose to wash the blankets yourself or find a professional cleaning company to send your blanket to. If you choose to wash your blankets yourself at home or at a local laundromat, be aware that some blankets can be washed in a regular washing machine while others should be washed by hand. Below, we've included a table on which method is more suitable depending on the weight of the blanket.

Washing Machine

1. First remove all hair, dirt, and debris from your blanket with a stiff brush to help loosen any caked-on mud or feces.
2. When removing dirt from the blanket itself, always check the straps and brush them as clean as possible.
3. A quick "pre-wash" at the barn before putting the blanket in your washing machine will lessen the workload on your machine. Simply hose the blanket down and let it air dry.
4. Once dry, place the blanket in a mesh wash bag and into the washing machine. Wash with cool water and on a gentle cycle. Cool water won't damage the waterproof coating, and a mesh wash bag will keep the blanket straps from getting caught inside your machine.
5. Use a blanket-specific detergent to wash the blanket. Be sure to follow the directions on the detergent for best results.
6. Once the blanket is finished in the washer, hang it outside to dry. Do not put the blanket in the dryer, as the heat can damage the waterproof coating on the blanket. To prevent spotting, try to hang the blanket in the shade instead of directly in the sunlight. Be sure to flip the blanket to make sure it dries thoroughly and evenly. You want to make sure the blanket is completely dry before folding for storage to avoid any mold or mildew growing in the off-season.

Hand Washing

1. The first step for hand-washing is the same as for the washing machine. Start by removing any hair, dirt, and debris with a stiff brush.
2. Hose the blanket down with cool water to remove any loose dirt. You may need to repeat step one to loosen up tough dirt and manure stains.
3. Spread a blanket-specific detergent along your hard brush and begin to scrub the blanket down in a circular motion. Make sure you go over the entire blanket, especially the hard-to-reach areas.
4. Once the blanket is fully lathered, use the hose again with cool water to rinse the blanket. Make sure you remove all the soap from the blanket. Any residual soap could irritate your horse's skin.
5. When all the soap has been rinsed out, hang your blanket outside to dry. Again, try to find a place outside that is not directly in the sun to avoid spotting. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before folding and storing.

Re-Waterproofing Blankets

If you notice that water no longer beads and runs off the surface of the blanket, it might be time to re-waterproof it. Many factors can contribute to a blanket losing its waterproof properties, such as age, sun exposure, and incorrect washing. Luckily, re-waterproofing is an easy process, and it is a great idea to do this if you plan to wash your blankets at home. There are multiple waterproofing products to choose from; however, it is best to check with the manufacturer's policies to ensure that re-waterproofing doesn't void any warranties. Furthermore, they may suggest a specific rug wash to use on their products that will preserve the original waterproofing. Once you've decided on a re-waterproofing product, be sure to read and follow the directions carefully for the best results.

Horse blankets have many components that can become damaged over time. To keep your blanket looking its best, it is essential to inspect your blanket often. Leg straps, surcingles, chest straps, and tail cords can all break or need a replacement. Luckily, Riding Warehouse carries all of these replacement pieces. Rips and tears need to be professionally repaired to ensure the integrity of the blanket. Your trainer or even a local equestrian social media page in your area may offer recommendations for local blanket repair shops and businesses.

Preventing Future Damage

If you have a horse who loves to chew on their blanket, you can seek a chew deterrent. Spraying your blanket with a chew deterrent can prevent future damage and help your blanket last another season or two.

Keeping your blankets nice and tidy not only keeps them in better condition but saves time and effort later down the line. Blanket bars or racks can easily be installed on the front of your horse's stall or in a tack room where they will stay dry. Most fold down when not in use, keeping them out of the way when you don't need them.

An alternative is using a hanging blanket storage bag, which can be hung outside your horse's stall during blanket season or safely stored in your tack room during the off-season.

If you have a horse that turns everything into a toy, or if the door-hanging look isn't your favorite, floor boxes are a great option. Whether you go for a fancy trunk style or a clean storage container from a hardware store, boxes are great options to keep playful teeth away and aisles uncluttered. At the end of the season, simply pack them into the boxes after cleaning and stack the boxes in a storage space.

No matter how you choose to store your blankets, knowing how to properly fold your horse blankets helps you keep the barn organized. Below is a how-to video that shows the best way to fold and store a standard-neck blanket and a blanket with a neck cover.

Closing Thoughts

Your horse's blanket is an essential part of their winter gear, especially for clipped horses. Keeping them clean and in good shape can lengthen the life of the blanket. Whether your horse has a full blanket wardrobe or a simple cooler and rain sheet, every blanket user faces end-of-season cleaning and maintenance. We hope our washing, storing, repair, and damage-prevention tips help you during the upcoming blanket season!