Cleaning turnout rugs

dogatemysalad said:
Stable rugs are done in my machine regularly, before they get too dirty. Turnout rugs, depending on use are sent to be washed twice a year, and reproofed once a year. We're on clay soil and during a wet winter, the linings can be drenched in mud due to my horse rolling in mud puddles.
Although I've always bought top of the range rugs, the quality and durability is no longer the same. LInings rip quicker, as does the outer shell, so more frequent washing isn't helpful.
I never jet wash after destroying a couple of rugs about 20 years ago when the quality was still very good.
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None of them last well now, I think Horseware realised they were making them too good and therefore weren't selling enough of them and FalPro seem to have gone out if business :(

I have one 25 year old Rambo Wug that only comes out when the weather is really bad, a couple of Amigos I bought in the sales and the lightweight (no fill & 50g) I just buy the cheap Shires ones (Tempest & Typhoon), they will just about do two or three winters.

I can fit all my rugs in my machine except the Wug but other than the light weights and stable rugs which get more use, I try not to machine wash the heavier rugs unless they're really manky in the the hope that they'll last longer. I hang them over a gate and wash with the hose & brush.
 
For my two oldies (now sadly no longer with me) I bought two winter turnout rugs, one for each of them. I never ever had them washed. I would leave the outside be, and use a hosepipe/scrub the insides in the Spring. Nothing else. I could depend on both of those rugs (think they were Weatherbeeta) to keep my horses warm and cosy even in the most adverse weather.
 
Polos Mum said:
Interested as to why

I scrub my horses white socks in blue washing up liquid and that seems OK

I only use it on inside of the rugs not the outside waterproof layer
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Well, you are obviously getting on ok with it, but it’s a strong detergent - shifts grease and oils from crockery alright, but ideally needs copious clean water to completely rinse, thus likely to soak through to the underside of rug exterior, where it wouldn’t be recommended for waterproofness.
On the horse - I think plenty do use this because it’s cheap and usually available, but no vet or dermatologist would recommend, some horses (also dogs, humans) rapidly develop skin problems from it.
Soap molecules clean differently, we used to wash horse clothing in soap flakes (rarely seen now), ‘delicates’ wash liquids don’t contain biological enzymes.
Our laundry uses ‘soap nuts’ in cold cycle for turnout rugs, really good results.
 
Exasperated said:
Well, you are obviously getting on ok with it, but it’s a strong detergent - shifts grease and oils from crockery alright, but ideally needs copious clean water to completely rinse, thus likely to soak through to the underside of rug exterior, where it wouldn’t be recommended for waterproofness.
On the horse - I think plenty do use this because it’s cheap and usually available, but no vet or dermatologist would recommend, some horses (also dogs, humans) rapidly develop skin problems from it.
Soap molecules clean differently, we used to wash horse clothing in soap flakes (rarely seen now), ‘delicates’ wash liquids don’t contain biological enzymes.
Our laundry uses ‘soap nuts’ in cold cycle for turnout rugs, really good results.
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Good answers Exasperated for the use of washing up liquid on rugs and horses, I couldn't have done better myself :)

I haven't heard of using soap nuts to wash horse rugs. I always used Nikwax and 30 degrees wash for turnouts with excellent results, when I was doing rugs.
 
Exasperated said:
Well, you are obviously getting on ok with it, but it’s a strong detergent - shifts grease and oils from crockery alright, but ideally needs copious clean water to completely rinse, thus likely to soak through to the underside of rug exterior, where it wouldn’t be recommended for waterproofness.
On the horse - I think plenty do use this because it’s cheap and usually available, but no vet or dermatologist would recommend, some horses (also dogs, humans) rapidly develop skin problems from it.
Soap molecules clean differently, we used to wash horse clothing in soap flakes (rarely seen now), ‘delicates’ wash liquids don’t contain biological enzymes.
Our laundry uses ‘soap nuts’ in cold cycle for turnout rugs, really good results.
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I won't wash up without gloves because of what it does to my hands so I certainly wouldn't use it on an animal's skin.
 
ILuvCowparsely said:
I don't clean them as the cost of cleaning and reproofing is nearly the same as new, so I use them till they leak then sell them for under a £ 10. I never brush them now as it damages the reproofer like a scouring pad. The expensive Fal Pro I hose ( never jet wash) they are years old but only get used in minus weather so never get muddy or well used. but those are rugs that were £ 300, now I buy Gallop which are £ 50 so use and sell and buy new.
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I scrub mine with a body brush so relatively soft, the grease won't come off otherwise.
 
I send my Rhino turnout once a year to the rug man for washing, and he also does repairs if needed. Lasted five years.

But I've found, living in Australia, that sun and wind damage is far worse than washing. When I'm lazy and 'store' mine on the field gate; I know when they reach a certain stage of bleachedness, their not waterproof anymore. I mainly use H/W and Weatherbeeta.

So my thing now is storage. Gone off and bought a wheelie bin yesterday for the old chap's rugs, so will see if they last longer. Rugs are an investment, and expensive these days, so I thought $70 for a wheelie bin was justified.
 
I send mine away once per year to a local rug cleaner. I’ve been known to wash thin ones on a cold wash in the washing machine and spray with reproofer (the gold label one)
 
silv said:
You could suggest the launderette has a machine specifically for horse/pet stuff. Our local launderette does and it is VERY busy! Might be a good earner for them.
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I think it would be a selling point for a livery yard if they had a laundry area for rugs, numnahs etc so people don't have to drive to their launderette, if it has a facility like this.
 
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