Disinfecting rubber mats

L

Lady_Bug

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 January 2007
Messages
682
Location
UK
angelsonhorseback.co.uk
I've recently made the leap to rubber mats in an effort to cut down on shavings costs primarily, but also to save some time mucking out. I can't afford to mat the whole stable, but he has 4 mats for his bed and it seems to be working fine.

Just got a couple of questions regarding maintenance of them:

What sort of disinfectant should I use? I'm looking for either a spray or powder (which isn't hideously expensive!), something which dries quickly. Is it OK to get a cheapo household disinfectant and just spray any wet patches as necessary?

How often does everyone clean their mats and what's the best way to do it? I won't be attempting this process until the warmer weather as horses need to be in at night all year round here, so it would need to be a hot day for the stable to dry in time.
 
I must admit I don't do this very often as I semi-deep litter the bed. But when moving into a different stable or out of one then I use Virkon mixed up in a bucket and brushed well into the pimples.

I know one of the yards uses ordinary household disinfectant. I also know of people who use Jeyes fluid.
 
I drag mine out once a year & thoroughly clean the mats & concrete floor.
I always wait for a warm day in the summer.

I hose out the stable with water, then a solution of Jeyes Fluid, but don't use it on your mats as I believe it rots them.

I used Ecofect stable cleaner which comes in a 500ml spray bottle, so nice & easy. There are many similar products on the market, but check it won't damage your mats over time.

I let my floor dry, but it shouldn't really matter, as it'll soon be wet underneath again!

My stables smell no worse than traditional beds, but the ammonia can be strong when you first lift the mats. I know somebody who gives their mats a good hosing several times a year, & the water obviously seeps beneath, diluting whats underneath. I tend to get a raft effect though!

Have never regretted investing in mats though. Good luck!
 
Green Gloop! From the Fieldguard website. (Green Gloop link) Made especially for rubber mats so won't damage them; neutralizes ammonia smells, smells absolutely fantastic and a bottle of it lasts absolutely ages. Last bottle has lasted me 18 month and is still going strong.

How often you wash out your box depends a lot on the set up of your stable and how easy it is to wash it out and drain it. When I was at a yard with a brilliant stable drainage I washed my stables every week with a bucket of dilute Green Gloop and swept them clean. They were outside stables, with a drain directly outside, so I did not pee anyone off by swamping the yard with my regular mucky sweepings out. Something to bear in mind!

Now I am at a yard, with my stables inside a barn, with less good drainage, I sweep the bit of bedding I use out of the way and spray the mats with the dilute Green Gloop once or twice a week. Paying particular attention to the gaps inbetween the matting. I have mares and they are really smelly, and the Green Gloop knocks the ammonia smell on the head instantly. If I had cleaner, less smelly horses I might be happy to do it less often. You can play it by ear (or should I say, nose!) and just do it when you think it needs doing. Some people choose never do it! Just depends on how you choose to maintain your mats and if your horse's urine smells strongly.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Green Gloop! From the Fieldguard website. (Green Gloop link) Made especially for rubber mats so won't damage them; neutralizes ammonia smells, smells absolutely fantastic and a bottle of it lasts absolutely ages. Last bottle has lasted me 18 month and is still going strong

[/ QUOTE ]

Another fan of green gloop here but can never find the means to order it on line or have I missed something? It is the business for stables and just eliminates smells, brilliant.
 
Thanks. I'd like to order some Green Gloop, but there is no means of paying for it on the website and they haven't answered their phone. I've emailed them, so hopefully they'll reply back soon.

Spyda - how did you order yours or did you get it from a shop?
 
I've always contacted them over the internet. Either using their 'Contact Us' form, and filling in what I want to buy in the 'Comments' section, or I email them asking for what I want, with a delivery price. Never had much of a delay getting hold of them. I've bought their rubber ties too. Very good. I'd try phoning too, if you were in more of a hurry.
 
Well I ordered some on the phone yesterday, he did say it'd be here today but it isnt as yet. No worries, I don't need to be anywhere today.
I am going to put some diluted GG in a spray bottle and just spray the wet patches and let it dry. I will then use it to clean out my stable and mats fully in the summer when it has a chance of drying. Pity I can't leave my boy out all night!
 
Oh good, glad you managed to order some. Great stuff. I am sure you'll be pleased with it. I think it smells lovely.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top