How to Care for Waterproof Horse Blankets - A Complete Laundry Guide

A quality waterproof horse blanket represents a significant investment in your horse's comfort and health. Whether you have a lightweight turnout or a heavy winter blanket, proper care extends its life and maintains the waterproofing that keeps your horse dry in wet weather. Let's break down exactly how to wash, waterproof, and store your blankets so they last for years, not just seasons.

Introduction: Protecting your investment in equine comfort

Your horse's blanket works hard. It withstands mud, rain, snow, and daily wear while keeping your horse warm and dry. But all that protection comes at a cost. Dirt, sweat, and ammonia from urine can break down fabrics and waterproof coatings over time. Without proper care, even the best blanket will fail prematurely.

At Kensington, we've been shielding what matters most since 1954. Our protective gear, including Supermesh turnout blankets made with our proprietary Textilene fabric, is backed by a lifetime guarantee because we believe proper care should be straightforward. This guide covers everything you need to know about washing, waterproofing, and storing your horse blankets, whether they're from Kensington or another manufacturer.

What you'll need for proper blanket care

Before you start, gather the right tools and products. Using the wrong detergent or equipment can damage your blanket's waterproof coating.

Cleaning tools:

• A stiff-bristled brush or shedding blade for pre-cleaning

• A hose with gentle spray attachment

• A mesh laundry bag large enough for your blanket

Cleaning products:

• Nikwax Rug Wash or Orvus WA Paste (never use regular laundry detergent)

• Optional: Nikwax Rug Proof for re-waterproofing

Equipment:

• A plastic tote for transporting wet blankets

• A clothesline, fence, or blanket bar for drying

• Access to either a home washing machine (for lightweight items) or a commercial laundromat (for heavy turnouts)

Important: Always check your blanket's manufacturer care label first. Some materials have specific requirements that differ from general guidance.

Step-by-step: How to wash your waterproof horse blanket

Washing a horse blanket isn't complicated, but skipping steps or using the wrong method can damage the waterproof coating. Here's the process that works.

Step 1: Pre-cleaning preparation

This step makes the difference between a clean blanket and a damaged washing machine. Start by hanging your blanket over a fence or laying it flat in a clean area.

Use a stiff brush to remove dried mud, dirt, and loose hair from the exterior. Pay special attention to areas where mud cakes on, like along the bottom edge and around leg straps. Then flip the blanket and use a shedding blade on the interior lining to remove accumulated horse hair. That yak-like winter coat needs to go before washing.

Once you've brushed off everything possible, hose down the blanket with gentle pressure to remove remaining debris. Avoid power washers. The high pressure can blast away the waterproof coating that makes your blanket effective.

Why does this matter? Pre-cleaning prevents your washing machine from clogging with hair and mud. It also means the detergent can actually reach the fabric instead of fighting through layers of dirt.

Step 2: Choose your washing method

You have two options for washing, and the right choice depends on your blanket's weight and your equipment.

Option A: Home washing machine

This works for lightweight sheets, coolers, and stable blankets. Use a front-load washer if you have one. Agitators in top-load machines can damage blanket straps and fabric.

Place the blanket in a mesh laundry bag to contain straps and buckles. This prevents them from wrapping around the drum or snagging on other items. Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle using cold water only.

Warning: Heavy turnout blankets can damage home washing machines. The weight strains the clutch during the spin cycle, and the bulk may not clean properly if crammed in. If your blanket has significant heft, use Option B.

Option B: Commercial laundromat

For heavy winter turnouts, commercial washers are your best bet. Look for laundromats that explicitly allow horse blankets. Many facilities in equestrian areas have at least one washer designated for this purpose. If there's no signage, ask the attendant.

Front-load commercial washers handle the weight better and can fit two medium-weight turnouts with neck covers in the largest machines. Bring a plastic tote to transport wet blankets. Waterproof turnouts hold water when they come out of the machine, and you don't want that draining in your car.

Step 3: Select the right detergent

Here's where many people go wrong. Regular laundry detergent breaks down waterproof coatings over time. It may get your blanket clean today, but you'll pay for it with a leaky blanket next season.

Use a detergent specifically formulated for waterproof gear:

• Nikwax Rug Wash (widely available at tack shops and online)

• Rambo Wash (Horseware's branded option)

• Orvus WA Paste (professional-grade cleaner)

These products clean without stripping the waterproof treatment. Avoid fabric softeners entirely. They coat the fibers and compromise breathability and water resistance.

Follow the product instructions for the amount based on your load size. When in doubt, use slightly less rather than more. Excess soap is hard to rinse out completely.

Step 4: Wash settings

Set your machine to cold water only. Heat damages waterproof coatings and can shrink synthetic fabrics. Use a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize stress on seams and straps.

If your machine has an extra rinse option, use it. You want to remove all soap residue, which can irritate your horse's skin and attract dirt. Before starting, double-check that all straps are secured inside the mesh bag or wrapped to prevent tangling.

Step 5: Proper drying technique

Air drying is the safest method for all waterproof blankets. Hang your blanket on a clothesline, fence, or blanket bar. Position it to allow air circulation on both sides. A sunny, breezy day works best.

Make sure the blanket is completely dry before storing. Any residual moisture can lead to mildew and odor that is nearly impossible to remove.

Some manufacturers allow warm tumble drying for their blankets, but never use high heat. Check your care label. If you do use a dryer, remove the blanket while slightly damp and let it finish air drying to prevent heat damage.

Maintaining waterproofing: When and how to re-proof

Even with proper washing, waterproof coatings wear down over time. Here's how to know when your blanket needs re-proofing and what to do about it.

Testing your waterproofing

The easiest test is the water bead test. Spray or pour water on your blanket's surface. If it beads up and rolls off, the waterproofing is working. If it soaks in or spreads across the fabric, it's time to re-proof.

Most manufacturers guarantee waterproofing for a specific period. With proper care, you shouldn't need to re-proof during the guarantee period.

Re-proofing methods

Wash-in method: The easiest approach is adding a wash-in waterproofing treatment like Nikwax Rug Proof to your wash cycle. Follow the product instructions for timing and amount. This treats the entire blanket evenly.

Spray-on method: For targeted application, spray-on waterproofers work well. This method is better for addressing high-wear areas like shoulders and along the spine where water contact is heaviest.

Professional services: Many tack shops and equestrian facilities offer professional washing and re-proofing services. If you've invested in high-end blankets, this option ensures proper treatment without the hassle.

Storage best practices for off-season

How you store your blankets between seasons affects their longevity just as much as how you wash them.

Storage preparation

Only store blankets that are completely dry. Any moisture trapped in storage leads to mildew, mold, and fabric degradation. Before packing away, inspect for damage and make any needed repairs.

Storage options

Breathable storage bags: The bag your blanket came in works well, or you can purchase dedicated blanket storage bags. You can also explore Kensington's blanket storage solutions for durable options.

Plastic bins: A plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid keeps dust, dirt, and rodents out. This works well if you have multiple blankets to store together.

Vacuum-sealed bags: These save significant space if you have limited storage. Just be sure blankets are completely dry before sealing.

Storage location

Store blankets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure degrades fabric over time, even through storage containers. Avoid damp barn areas or attics with temperature extremes.

Label each storage container with your horse's name and the blanket type or weight. When you need that mid-weight turnout in six months, you'll know exactly where to find it.

Repair or replace? Making the right call.

Sometimes washing reveals damage that wasn't obvious when the blanket was dirty. Here's how to decide whether to repair or replace.

When to repair

Small tears along seams are usually repairable. Most blanket repair kits include patches and adhesive for quick fixes. Missing or broken buckles and leg straps can be replaced with parts from the manufacturer or tack shop. You can find replacement leg straps and other hardware at Kensington.

For larger tears or extensive damage, professional blanket repair services can often restore functionality. Check with your local tack shop or search online for blanket repair services in your area.

When to replace

If you've re-proofed multiple times and water still soaks through, the waterproof layer may be permanently compromised. Large tears along the spine or back, where water and snow make direct contact with your horse, often can't be repaired effectively without compromising water resistance.

Consider replacement when repair costs approach or exceed the cost of a new blanket. Also replace blankets with significant fabric degradation, cracked waterproofing, or insulation breakdown.

When retiring a blanket, salvage usable hardware first. Buckles, leg straps, and surcingles can repair other blankets or serve as emergency replacements.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even experienced horse owners make these errors. Avoid them to extend your blanket's life.

Using regular laundry detergent: Standard detergents strip waterproof coatings. Always use blanket-specific wash products.

Power washing: The high pressure damages waterproof layers. Use gentle hose pressure only.

Machine drying on high heat: Heat shrinks fabric and destroys waterproofing. Air dry or use low heat only if the manufacturer permits.

Storing damp blankets: Moisture leads to mildew and odor. Wait until blankets are completely dry before storage.

Over-washing: Deep clean once per season, typically at the end of winter. Spot clean as needed during use, but avoid frequent full washes that wear down fabrics.

Ignoring small tears: Minor damage becomes major damage quickly. Repair small issues before they spread.

Skipping pre-cleaning: Washing without removing loose dirt and hair clogs machines and produces poor results.

Keep your horse protected with proper blanket care

Proper blanket care isn't complicated, but it does require attention to detail. The right detergent, gentle handling, and thorough drying make the difference between a blanket that lasts one season and one that lasts a decade.

Remember: less is more when it comes to washing frequency. Once-per-season deep cleaning, combined with regular spot maintenance and proper storage, protects your investment and keeps your horse comfortable.

At Kensington, we believe in products that protect and perform. Our turnout blankets and protective gear are designed for durability, but even the best equipment benefits from proper care. With 70 years of experience shielding what matters most, we've learned that the best protection comes from quality products maintained with quality care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you wash a waterproof horse blanket to maintain its protective qualities?

Deep clean your waterproof horse blanket once per year, typically at the end of the season. Spot clean muddy or sweaty areas as needed during use, but avoid frequent full washes. Over-washing wears down fabrics and waterproof coatings faster than normal use.

Can you use regular laundry detergent when you care for waterproof horse blankets?

No. Regular laundry detergents break down waterproof coatings over time. Use blanket-specific products like Nikwax Rug Wash, Rambo Wash, or Orvus WA Paste. These clean effectively without compromising the waterproof layer that keeps your horse dry.

What is the best way to dry a blanket after you care for waterproof horse blankets?

Air drying is the safest method. Hang your blanket on a clothesline, fence, or blanket bar with good air circulation on both sides. Avoid high heat from dryers, which can shrink fabric and damage waterproofing. Some manufacturers permit warm tumble drying, but never use high heat settings.

How do you know if your blanket needs re-waterproofing when you care for waterproof horse blankets?

Perform the water bead test. Spray water on the fabric surface. If it beads up and rolls off, the waterproofing is working. If water soaks in or spreads across the fabric, it's time to re-proof using a wash-in treatment like Nikwax Rug Proof or a spray-on waterproofing product.

Is it better to wash heavy winter blankets at home or at a laundromat when you care for waterproof horse blankets?

Use a commercial laundromat for heavy winter turnouts. Home washing machines often can't handle the weight and bulk, risking damage to your machine's clutch and drum. Commercial front-load washers accommodate heavy blankets better and typically clean them more effectively.

What storage method works best after you care for waterproof horse blankets?

Store completely dry blankets in breathable storage bags, plastic bins with tight lids, or vacuum-sealed bags for space savings. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and UV exposure. Label containers with your horse's name and blanket type for easy identification next season.

When should you repair versus replace a blanket as you care for waterproof horse blankets?

Repair small tears along seams, replace missing buckles or straps, and fix minor damage promptly. Replace the blanket when waterproofing fails after multiple re-proofing attempts, when large tears compromise water resistance along the spine or back, or when repair costs exceed replacement cost.