Cleaning blankets at home, also waterproofing?

I have always taken mine to a laundromat and used the big triple loaders to wash my blankets (be careful, sometimes they don't like horse blankets in their machines - make sure you wipe it out when you are done). I also always use baby or hypoallergenic detergent because my mare has sensitive skin. For my turnouts I usually throw them in the dryer for about 5 minutes on low heat so that they are a little lighter to carry home. I always put mine out on the fence in my yard or (my dad hates this) I string up a bunch of rope between a bunch of different trees and throw them up on them.

When they are dried I wait for a nice day with little breeze and no expected rain and I spray mine down with scotchguard (buy the heavy duty stuff - you will need 1 to 2 cans per turnout). I do a minimum of two coats with the scotchguard and let it dry for two days between. Don't completely SOAK them with the scothguard, but make sure you get a good application. I found that my turnouts maintained excellent water resistance.

I try to get all of mine done during the summer so they are ready to go in the fall. During the winter I just brush them off. I am a little crazy though, I also vacuum mine before I wash them....

Most of the newer blankets out do not require waterproofing again. They are made to take several washes before they lose it. You can call the manufacturer and ask. I wash ours in Microtec blanket wash, its smells great, low bubbles and gets rid of any bacterial on the blankets. I line dry them and when fully dry, I put them in space bags and store them without taking up too much space.

If you have older blankets, get some scotchguard but before spending all the money and time, call and ask. Horseware blankets do not have to be re-waterproofed unless you done some repairs on the blanket.

I make blankets, and waterproof them myself. What I do is use shoe water proofing. Comes in a can, very easy. I do two coats, and my blankets are dry, and never bother the horse.

Also for cleaning I put my in the washing machine. Never hurt the blanket at all, never bothered the horse. Best regards ~Bee

I really like the car wash for blankets. Powers off anything that is on them. And easy to rinse.

Look for something called Nikwax online or in sporting goods. It comes in different types...but can be used in your washer...or applied later. And can be applied whether material is wet or dry.

You can 'replace and repair' the waterproofing with one type...and I know they sell a cleaning soap made of the same stuff to 'maintain' the water repellency...[is that a word?]

It's called Nikwax rug wash...the cleaning soap to maintain waterproofing.

It's good stuff. Many blanket repair places use it.

The buckles won't do harm. the only subject i will see you having is getting it out of the washer if it swells whilst that's packed with water (some do) and / or stuffing it into the sentrifuge. I used to bathe a great style of saddle pads and blankets in my washer at abode. Then, sooner or later, my mom (who's allergic to animals with fur) went ballistic and made me dismantle the bathing gadget and %. out all the hair (and there grow to be a great style of it !!!). After that I resorted to the bathing gadget interior the barn :P Why do no longer you look into getting all the boarders mutually and getting a used washer for the barn? they actually do no longer fee plenty, some even supply them away for unfastened on Craigslist, after which you're able to have a showering gadget which could take all the grimy disgusting blankets and hairy saddle pads and stuff. you does no longer could subject approximately it. tremendously with a showering gadget that grow to be used and espresso fee. =) yet in answer on your question ... no, buckles heavily isn't a topic.

Hi I don't have an answer for the water-proofing question-but as far as the best way to clea them-what wev'e always done, is take em' down to a regular ol' laundry mat-w/ just regular washer soap.Thats always worked real well for us.

the dish soap could irritate the skin. i suggust rewashing it again useing woolite laundry soap because it is ment for not irritate the skin. my dad thought of a eaiser way to clean my horses blankets it preasure washing them with a preasure washer. i havent tried but we are tomarrow.