How to care for your waterproof turnout blanket or sheet.
Envisage this, your faithful Rambo or WeatherBeeta Turnout has served you and your horse impeccably in the worst of weather for several years, and will most likely continue to do so for the next few. However it has become caked with mud and the inside is admittedly less that pristine! Should you do anything about it, and if so what?
Your turnout blanket or sheet will last longer and be more comfortable for your horse if it is cleaned and maintained properly. Dirty horse and pony blankets and sheets are also less hygienic and may cause skin and coat problems. At most, one thorough annual cleaning after the winter season should be sufficient.
Nylon linings, now favoured by Horseware Ireland, are more hygienic, last longer, do not deteriorate and therefore require less maintenance than would a cotton lined blanket. You should therefore find that nylon lined blankets need to be washed less frequently.
OK then, the winter season is over and your Rambo or WeatherBeeta Turnout is now a delightful shade of brown, what do you do?
Firstly remove excess dirt from the outside with a stiff brush or hose the blanket down. The blanket can be either washed by hand or, to make life easier, on a delicate machine cycle on a cool wash (max. temperature 30ºC).
Use only very mild soap. Horseware only recommends using RAMBO wash - an environmentally friendly, phosphate free product for use on synthetic fabrics. This mild wash will quickly and effectively remove dirt and grime while not reducing the waterproofing of the blanket. It is important to remember that excessive washing, at too high temperatures and using harsh detergents will compromise the waterproof coating.
When the blanket has been washed according to the above guidelines, rinse it thoroughly and leave to drip dry. Do not tumble dry.
Store the horse blanket or sheet when it is completely dry. Blankets should be stored in a dry and sealed area. The best containers for blanket storage include large tin trunks, strong plastic bags or drums with sealable lids. Another alternative is to hang the blankets from a specially designed blanket rack which will ensure that they remain aired, dry and free from intruders.
Occasionally your Rambo, Rhino or WeatherBeeta Turnout may benefit from being re-proofed to keep the waterproof coating in top condition. Any re-proofer for synthetic rugs, such as Nickwax will work effectively on Rambo, Rhino and WeatherBeeta Turnouts. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. I usually use laundry detergent on my horse's turnout blanket - is this OK as long as I re-proof it afterwards?
A. No! Household cleaners and detergents not only strip the repellency from the blanket, but may also damage or block the fibers and affect breathability. Carr & Day & Martin Blanket Cleaner is a pure soap solution that is 'kind' to all types of fabrics. It is easy to use as it can be used in the washing machine, or simply 'splash on' and scrub with water.
Q. Which re-proofer should I use for my synthetic blanket as I noticed you have a bottle and an aerosol which both seem to be suitable. What's the difference?
A. First, check if re-proofing is necessary by flicking water droplets onto the surface of a dry blanket - if they 'bead' on the surface the blanket repellency is OK, if the droplets disperse and soak into the fabric, the blanket requires re-reproofing. Carr & Day & Martin Blanket Re-proofer (bottle) should be used at least once a year as it provides exceptional water repellency. It is easy to use, solvent-free and will not affect breathability. The quick drying aerosol should be used in an open space and is more suited for touch-ups or leaks throughout the season and for reinforcing seams and repairs.
Q. My horse's blankets really stink at times and I only have one turnout and one stable blanket - I can't wash them every week, what can I do?
A. Blanket Refresher is a unique product that keeps blankets smelling fresh between washes. Simply spray on the lining of your blanket - as the fabric dries, odor-causing bacteria are killed and whiffs fade away, leaving blankets smelling fresh and clean. In fact, you can use it on any fabric such as the inside of your riding hat, blanket or saddle pad.
If you follow these guidelines your Turnout can give your horse or pony many years of effective protection from the worst of the weather.
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