January 19, 2024 Meghan Stevens

How To Wash Horse Blankets

Did you know horse blankets should be regularly cleaned at least once a year? But it obviously takes a bit more thought than just throwing them in with the rest of your household laundry. Most blankets and sheets can be washed in a machine, but always check the manufacturer's label or instructions to prevent damage and voiding the warranty.

Step-By-Step Guide to Washing Horse Blankets

Follow these tips for a clean and fresh horse blanket that will keep your horse warm and dry for many years.

Inspect the Horse Blanket : Before washing the horse blankets, check to see if there are any tears or loose hardware. Blanket repair should be completed before laundering if possible because washing can exacerbate the damage.

Prep for Washing : These steps will help get the biggest debris off the blanket and help protect it during the washing process.

Remove as much visible debris as possible by brushing the blanket
For extensive grime, give it a good rinse with a hose.
Take care of the straps by either fastening them or, if detachable, removing them.

Place the Horse Blanket in the Washing Machine : Make sure the washer is large enough to accommodate the horse blanket. Then use cool water, a mild detergent and the gentle cycle. While the blankets are large and bulky, you want to treat them gently to prevent damage to the lining.

Dry the Horse Blanket : After washing the horse blankets, it's time to dry them. You must take care to dry them thoroughly to avoid mold and mildew. Do not use a clothes dryer unless specified by the manufacturer — line dry the blanket. If it's a sunny day, hang them out over a fence and the sun and wind will do the work. A drying rack and fan is another option.

Clean the Washing Machine : Horse blanket washing is dirty business, so you'll want to make sure that the washer is clean after you are done. Wipe out the inside to remove any remaining hair or debris. Then run a couple of cycles to ensure that everything is clean before washing clothing.

Horse Blanket Washing Do's and Don'ts

You should never just toss a horse blanket in the washing machine because both the blanket and the machine could be damaged. Follow these simple steps to keep your horse blanket safe when cleaning it.

Choose the correct washing machine - commercial-grade front-loaders without an agitator are best.
Don't use fabric softener — it can degrade waterproof coatings.
Use a horse blanket wash bag when available, to protect both the blanket and the washing machine from buckles and other hardware.
Tackle dirt and stains with specially formulated horse blanket wash products. Wool-safe detergent and pre-treatments are made to safely address dirt and stains.

Other Tips for Washing Horse Blankets

Washing horse blankets is a bit of a project, so you'll want to keep up on regular maintenance to reduce the need for more frequent cleaning.

Waterproofing Turnout Blankets : Turnout blankets have waterproofing that wears off after a certain amount of washing. If you notice that the blanket isn't as weatherproof as it once was, it is likely time to reapply. After the blanket has been washed and dried, treat it with an equine water repellant spray, water-based products that are wax and silicone-free to maintain the breathability of your blanket fibers while offering waterproofing protection.

Storing Horse Blankets : Store horse blankets in a dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep them in a plastic storage container, bag or trunk that protects from dust, moisture and rodents. Try a blanket storage bag like Tough 1's Horse Blanket Storage Bag!

Spot Clean Instead of Washing Horse Blankets : If the blanket has a few dirty spots, tackle them immediately to buy yourself some time. A stiff brush for spot cleaning is a smart way to avoid a full wash. For heavier soiling, use a bleach-free stain remover. This can help prolong the time between washes.

Tough 1 Turnout Blankets

Classic Equine Trainer Blankets

Horseware Blankets

How to Wash Horse Blankets by Hand

If you don't have access to a washing machine that is sized right to handle washing a horse blanket or the blanket is heavyweight and too bulky, you'll have to use elbow grease.

1. Remove built-up hair with a shedding blade.
2. Use a small, stiff brush to loosen and remove dirt.
3. Spray the blanket with cold water.
4. Scrub it with horse blanket wash products specifically designed to be tough on grime yet won't damage delicate fabrics or irritate the horse's skin.
5. Rinse the blanket thoroughly with a spray wand or hose. Soap residue can harm the animal's skin.

When Washing Horse Blankets Isn't Enough

If your horse blanket is damaged beyond repair or too far gone to be salvaged by a cycle in the washing machine, it's time to replace it. You're certain to find just what you need in our winter blanket collection. We have a wide range of styles in both turnout and stable blankets, to keep your horse comfortable during the winter months.