1. Arm yourself
You’re going to need two products: a detergent and a stain remover. If your blanket is newer (1-2 years old), use an unscented detergent that’s designed to be gentle on clothes, such as Woolite or Tide Free and Gentle. If your blanket is older (3+ years), use the manufacturer’s proprietary blanket wash or Nikwax Tech Wash to re-waterproof your blanket’s shell. By re-waterproofing your blanket, you’ll also increase its breathability and help it regulate your horse’s comfort. Here’s why:
Breathable waterproof garments are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. If the outer fabric absorbs water, the garment can lose up to 70% of its breathability. Therefore, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) on the outer fabric of your jacket must be maintained to ensure comfort.
2. Find your laundromat
Maytag’s multi-load commercial front load washer with the Super Cycle option gets horse blanket cleaner than any other machine. Phone laundromats in your area and find one that offers this machine and accepts horse blankets. I recommend washing your blanket late in the evening, just before the laundromat closes, so no poor civilian has to follow your stinky blanket with their household linens.
3. Wash your blanket
Renegade-ChampionIn the dark of night, head to the laundromat. Open all the buckles and closures and give your blanket a good shake in the parking lot to remove any lose shavings, straw or horse hair. Load the blanket into the Maytag and add your detergent and a generous squirt of stain remover. Pay the extra few bucks to wash with the Super Cycle setting in cold water. At Rainbow Carwash laundromat in Winnipeg, it will cost you $15. Then settle in with a good book because this wash cycle will take a while. I recommend Renegade Champion by Richard R. Rust.
4. Dry according to label directions
Check with your blanket manufacturer on how best to dry your blankets. I like to hang my blankets to dry, but some blanket shells need to be tumble-dried on a low setting to re-active the waterproof coating.
5. Make any repairs
Now’s the time to make any repairs to your blanket. Apply a drop of clear nail polish to any snags to prevent them from running. For major repairs to rips, tears, broken hardware or torn surcingles, ask your local tack store to recommend someone who specializes in these types of repairs.
Voila! Your blanket looks like new and is ready for another year of service. If you continue to take care of it, it will keep your horse warm and dry and continue to hold up for years to come.