Do rugs damage washing machines?

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LittleGinger

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Quick question as above really!

Having just been quoted £83 to get my boy's rugs washed (and that's before they reproof the turnouts and do a few small repairs) I've decided to just bung them in my washing machine.

I've got one of those horsiewash bag things that I have washed headcollars, saddle cloths, fleece rugs and bandages etc. in before with no probs, so will put the rugs in there to catch any hair or bits of hay.

Will have to do them one at a time though - this could be a stupid, 'undomestic goddess' question, but will all the mucky water that comes off them damage the washing machine somehow? E.g. if it's greasy, could it harm the pipes if it builds up after several rugs? Or am I worrying over nothing and that's what washing machines are for?!! :p
I imagine one or two rugs wouldn't do any harm, but since I'm doing a whole load... Don't want to get into OH's bad books :o
 
It certainly won't do it a lot of good :D

Main concern would be the weight though - how big are the rugs in question? Most domestic machines are only designed to cope with 7kg load or thereabouts. If you exceed that you risk burning out the bearings.

Best to tootle off to the local laundrette and use the commerical machine (check first though as some have a no horse rugs policy).
 
Oh, pants!! :(:rolleyes:

Thank you both for your replies.. Just had a Google for local laundry services and can't find any that are 'do it yourself' so to speak, so might have to cough up after all. Still, his underrug is in the machine currently so at least it'll only be £73 now... :p
 
where in the country are you?

A domestic washing machine will only be able to wash up to 5'6'' 6' if they are thin rugs. even if you can squeeze them in the machine they wont agitate enough to clean.

also dont use detergent on turnout rugs as this can cause dmage to the water proof membrane.

My 18 kilo washer i only put one rug in at a time if they are over 6'' other wise they have no room to move and the dirt come out, also have had loose bukles nd clips come looose and block the machine, and bend the heating eliments!
 
Yup it does. Just had to fork out for a new washing machine and I only go as far as fleeces in my machine AND I regularly put proper washing machine cleaner through

Will prob see if I can pay to put all horse stuff I'm the yard machine in future. There are no laundrettes where I live or I would do that!
 
Thank you all for saving me a lot of money, I was about to throw a big rug in :eek:

I have to say that I am very impressed that you have OHs that have noticed a broken washing machine, mine doesn't know where the washing machine lives, let alone how to turn it on/tell if it still works!
 
LJN said:
Thank you all for saving me a lot of money, I was about to throw a big rug in :eek:

I have to say that I am very impressed that you have OHs that have noticed a broken washing machine, mine doesn't know where the washing machine lives, let alone how to turn it on/tell if it still works!
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My OH has had to repair mine so many times thats why he has now banned me from rug washing!
 
What is it that breaks the machines? I know the obvious ones like loose buckles and pure weight but does the hair and mud cause problems too etc? If it's a small well looked after rug would that be a problem?
 
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