A horse rug is worn by the horse to help keep it warm. Most working horses have some rugs. They are big, heavy pieces of clothing that are difficult to handle and clean. There are different types of rugs. Stable and turnout rugs are bulky and heavy. Summer sheet and coolers are relatively light and usually small enough to go in a domestic washing machine; however, they can damage them. This article will tell you how to look after your rugs and washing machine.
Steps
Depending on how dirty the rug is and how hardy your washing machine is, you may be able to skip some steps. Washing rugs reduces their working life. By putting a cotton sheet under the rug to help keep it clean and following steps 1-3 regularly, as well as doing some spot cleaning, you will reduce the amount you have to wash the rug and therefore increase its working life. Always clean and dry a rug completely before storing it or sending it for repair. Rugs damage washing machines with metal fitting and excess hair and dirt. Following these steps will reduce this, but the weight of the rug can also damage the machine. Stopping it before the spin cycle can minimise the damage. You can have rugs professionally cleaned. This is expensive, but useful if they are going to be stored, and you can often get them repaired and re-proofed at the same time. To help keep the water in the bin hotter for longer, insulate it with bubble wrap, feed bags, other rugs, etc.
- Lay the rug over a fence and bang it against the fence.
- Use an old dandy brush to brush out the worst of the dirt.
- Turn the rug over and brush the underside to get rid of the worst of the sweat and hair.
- Fill a large bin with hot water and non-bio soap.
- Put the rug in the water and beat it with a clean broom.
- Leave it to soak.
- Lay it out on the floor and scrub it with a brush or broom.
- Remove any straps that are removable. Put them in a pillowcase or special wash bag to protect the washing machine.
- Make any remaining straps as short as possible and cover them with a sock to protect the washing machine.
- Wash in the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Hang the rugs up on a strong washing line or over a fence, ideally in the wind and sun. They can also be hung with the breast straps fastened over a pole, however the pole must be high enough to keep the rugs off the floor. If necessary hang them inside or under the stables overhang.
- Check that the rug is completely, especially if you are about to store it.
Tips
Warnings