Boring Subject, but has to be done - Rug Cleaning

[StellaArtois]

Hi just a quick query, do you always have to get your outdoor rugs reproofed every time you get them washed. As my outdoor rugs as new this year dont know if I will have to. What do you think? As its a lot cheaper not to reproof.

 

[nicnag]

I don't, only reproof them probably every third year. I clean them myself with a pressure washer, leave them to dry naturally. If they need repairs I'll patch what I can do myself, expensive rugs I might send away to local rug company - otherwise it's cheaper to chuck out and replace with a new one.

 

[scotsmare]

If you can, I'd hose off the worst of the mud etc yourself rather than getting them cleaned - they're never just quite as waterproof again.

 

[milliepops]

Another DIY rug-cleaner here

. My horse has a Horseware wardrobe, so especially with the nylon linings, they are easy to clean up. I try not to send them off to be washed if possible, but would reproof if I had to.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

I have mine cleaned,reproofed and repaired every year - have always been as waterproof as before.

 

[Jericho]

ohh good post as was thinking about this and planning to send my 5 rugs away to be cleaned. Hadnt realised you could pressure wash them instead - we have a great pressure washer so will be putting that to good use come summer!!!

But what is the best product / method for reproofing? I have used NikWax spray before but that seems quite pricey and wasnt convinced it worked....

 

[Spook]

Before pressure washing soak in a wheelie bin(3 or 4 at a time) add a good dollop of washing powder and leave over night.

 

[Donkeymad]

I use the Nik Wax wash-in reproofer, easy and very effective.

 

[tabithakat64]

I get any turnout rugs that are dirty washed and reproofed by my local saddlery.

 

[MrsMozart]

I spent £120 having rugs washed, fixed, etc. last year. This year I'm going for the cheaper option

.

...I wonder how much a pressure washer is...

 

[air78]

[ QUOTE ]
Before pressure washing soak in a wheelie bin(3 or 4 at a time) add a good dollop of washing powder and leave over night.

[/ QUOTE ]

ON the label in my rambo rugs it says not to use detergent, but to use soap flakes. I think washing powder can make them less waterproof.

 

[Jericho]

Little donkey - how do you wash it in? you dont put them in the washing machine do you? (my OH will go mad as broke the last WM washing a girth!) and how does it not reproof the lining?

 

[CBAnglo]

I get all of mine washed and reproofed every year at a cost of £10 and they come back like new. A few years ago I used to wash and reproof them myself, but it took ages and they were never really clean enough. Most of mine need repairs by the end of the season anyway, and the saddlery only charges between £4-£8 for repairs, and they can repair virtually anything (including Nats_UK's rug which was in pieces!)

 

[Janette]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't, only reproof them probably every third year. I clean them myself with a pressure washer, leave them to dry naturally. If they need repairs I'll patch what I can do myself, expensive rugs I might send away to local rug company - otherwise it's cheaper to chuck out and replace with a new one.

[/ QUOTE ]

I get mine done every spring - Storing dirty rugs is not a good way to prolong their lives.

At £12 for washing and reproofing a HW rug without a neck - how on earth is it cheaper to chuck out and then replace with new?????

 

[nicnag]

I meant if they were going to be a big repair job. I had one rug which cost me £42 to buy and £56 to repair - simple maths says don't bother, they aren't going to be as waterproof with patches anyway.