9 Tips for Better Blanket Care

Maintain good-as-new blankets using the tried-and-true methods of this professional.

I won’t lie to you. Cleaning horse blankets is hard work. I wash and repair about 2,000 blankets a year and, aside from developing an insatiable appetite for dirt, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make the process go a little easier.

Tip # 1: The Brush Off
Before throwing your blankets into the washing machine, remove as much hair as you can from both the inside and outside. I use a grill-scrubbing pad to remove dirt, hair and even stains. It’s amazing, but this tool can scrub off almost anything and make most blankets look like new without ever washing them. Some blankets with a stretchy knit or an old fleece lining actually hold the hair, but removing it is your best defense against clogging up your washing machine and pipes. You can also use a power washer or a hose, but it can create quite a mess.

Tip # 2: Shorten the Straps
To save my washing machine any undue stress, I tighten the surcingle straps back onto themselves. To do this, push the slide to its shortest position. Then, I hook the head of the T-clip into the slide. This is an important step because, when left loose, the straps bang around in the machine and can easily tear the lining of the blanket. This helps especially with lightweight fly sheets that are made of a really thin material.

Tip # 3: Cover Velcro®
As when washing polo wraps, Velcro can cause many problems if not covered. To ensure that the Velcro does not stick to anything other than itself, I place a 4-inch soft-sided piece of Velcro over the existing prickly side. This way the Velcro won’t stick to the leg straps, lining or fiberfill, if the blanket happens to be torn. Otherwise, the result is a tangled blanket that may not clean properly.

Tip # 4: Make That Tail Strap Sparkle
The tail strap can get especially dirty. Before washing it, use a dull knife to scrape off the dirt and manure. If, after being run through the washing machine, the tail strap still is not bright enough, I place it in a mason jar of bleach. Bleach is hard on metal and fabric, so I’m careful not to leave it in too long. It usually takes about 20 minutes. To ensure that the metal continues to work properly, I sometimes spray it with WD-40® oil.

Tip # 5: Into the Washer
Once as much hair and dirt as possible has been removed, I place the blanket in my front-load, 40-pound commercial washer, which goes through five separate water changes. I use a specific kind of soap and waterproofing product, but any mild soap should do the trick. For a standard washer, you may have to run the blanket through a couple of times to get the results you desire. For drying, I recommend Mother Nature. In nice weather, I place the blankets on a fence rail to air dry. In wet or cold weather, I hang them from the ceiling in my barn. A good way to tell if your blanket is clean enough is from the water dripping off—it should be clear. Synthetic blankets should not be placed in a dryer, as the fabric may shrink or even melt.

Tip # 6: Keep Old Blanket Parts for Repairs
Don’t throw away those old blankets just yet. I harvest many good quality buckles, straps, tail flaps and even material for patches from old, worn-out blankets. This way, I can match almost anything. After almost 10 years in this business, I have 100 scrap blankets and they certainly come in handy. If you keep this in mind every time you buy or sell a horse or buy a new blanket, you can quickly have a useful collection of extra parts. As far as repairs go, many can be challenging for the do-it-yourselfer, unless you have the right equipment. I have an industrial quality sewing machine and extra heavy thread, so any rips and tears are quickly fixed. If you are without such equipment, certain repairs, such as a ripped surcingle, can be sewn by hand, but make sure you have a strong needle and thread. For tears in the actual blanket fabric, you can use glue-on patches from your local sewing store. Mind you, these patches will probably not hold long against the outside elements, but they can help get you to your next cleaning. If ambitious, you can sew a piece of an old blanket onto the ripped area.

Tip #7: Clean Blankets Often
Many people clean their blankets once a year at the end of the winter season. But for the blanket to work properly, it needs to maintain its waterproof and breathability qualities. If they are covered in mud, manure or urine for an extended period of time, the fabric will break down. Therefore, blankets should be cleaned whenever they are filthy, either because of mud, rain, straw, hay, shavings or manure. If your horse is often turned out, his blanket should be washed one or two times over the winter season. Washing does not remove the waterproof quality of a blanket. Give them the added protection of a wash in a blanket-specific, waterproofing product every couple of years.

Tip # 8: Always Have a Spare Blanket
Having an extra blanket around, even if it is ancient, is always a good idea. This backup can come in handy if, for example, one blanket gets really wet or extremely muddy to the point of being uncomfortable for the horse. This way, you can switch it out and your horse can dry in comfort. If the blanket isn’t wet all the way through, however, you might be better off leaving it on overnight, as the horse’s body heat will stay in the blanket and eventually dry it.

Tip # 9: Properly Store Unused Blankets
When stored incorrectly (left crumpled in the corner of the hay loft, for example), blankets are susceptible to mildew, mice and rust if the metal gets wet. I have found that placing clean, dry blankets in a sealable bin or a tack trunk works the best. For space, I suggest putting the blankets in white trash bags with hand ties. This way you can label them with the horse’s name and, if needed, you can tie the bag tightly to squeeze air out, compressing it down for storage. If you are caring for multiple blankets and don’t have the storage space, you can roll them up in a tarp. This will keep various critters from chewing holes or making stains.

I hope these tips make it easier for you to take on all the muddy blankets that come your way this year.