With the temperatures beginning to drop there is one thing that all horses owners start doing, taking out the horse blankets. Some people choose to pay to have their horse blankets washed which can defiantly save your washer and dryer from major wear and tear. But for those of us that choose to wash the horse blankets ourselves here are a few tips.
OdoBan
I have found this product to be a lifesaver when it comes to getting those horsey odors, both out of the blankets themselves and from the washing machines. I just add some to wash with the detergent and the blanket and then wash it as normal. I have an HE washer and I usually do an extra rinse since my horse has sensitive skin and I want to make sure there is no residue left. I have only ever used the Eucalyptus scent concentrate, as that is what was available at our local box club stores. But on the website there are many other scents available
VACUUM
If you have a blanket that have a fleece lining, I would suggest vacum it off as much as possible before you wash it. You can also take a spray bottle and pour in a couple inches of fabric softener. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well, then mist lightly over the area you want to vacuum.
SOCKS
CLANG CLANG CLANG....is usually what you hear when you wash your horses blanket, especially in a front load washing machine. Well here is a tip to help protect your washer and drier from being completely marred by all those buckles and a little help for your ears. I gathered up a bunch of old socks the one where the elastic was shot but had no holes in them and a bunch of rubber bands. I made all the straps as short as I can make them and then I put all the metal buckles into the sock and secure it with the rubber band. Sneaker socks work great for the front closure buckles and a type of tube socks works best for the belly straps. If you can remove the leg straps do that and put them in an old pillow case and either knot it closed or secure it closed with a rubber band. FYI you can also use the pillow case to wash halters and other things that tend to be noisy or get tangled in the wash.
Here is a link to the washing recommendations from Weatherbeeta
http://www.weatherbeeta.com/how-care-your-weatherbeeta-blanket-0
OdoBan
I have found this product to be a lifesaver when it comes to getting those horsey odors, both out of the blankets themselves and from the washing machines. I just add some to wash with the detergent and the blanket and then wash it as normal. I have an HE washer and I usually do an extra rinse since my horse has sensitive skin and I want to make sure there is no residue left. I have only ever used the Eucalyptus scent concentrate, as that is what was available at our local box club stores. But on the website there are many other scents available
VACUUM
If you have a blanket that have a fleece lining, I would suggest vacum it off as much as possible before you wash it. You can also take a spray bottle and pour in a couple inches of fabric softener. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well, then mist lightly over the area you want to vacuum.
SOCKS
CLANG CLANG CLANG....is usually what you hear when you wash your horses blanket, especially in a front load washing machine. Well here is a tip to help protect your washer and drier from being completely marred by all those buckles and a little help for your ears. I gathered up a bunch of old socks the one where the elastic was shot but had no holes in them and a bunch of rubber bands. I made all the straps as short as I can make them and then I put all the metal buckles into the sock and secure it with the rubber band. Sneaker socks work great for the front closure buckles and a type of tube socks works best for the belly straps. If you can remove the leg straps do that and put them in an old pillow case and either knot it closed or secure it closed with a rubber band. FYI you can also use the pillow case to wash halters and other things that tend to be noisy or get tangled in the wash.
- I do not guarantee that you will not harm your washer or drier or blanket using these techniques they have just worked for me over the years.
- Always check your blanket manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are in any doubt, seek out the services of a local professional blanket-washing business to care for your blanket.
Here is a link to the washing recommendations from Weatherbeeta
http://www.weatherbeeta.com/how-care-your-weatherbeeta-blanket-0
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