Leaking Turnouts - have they had it?

[Gorgeous George]

As above really, I’m really upset that my 100g lightweight Mark Todd rug (and neck) and my Weatherbeeta Taka 220g are both leaking . They are both just starting their 4th winter and have been washed (never reproofed) 3 times by the local equine rug wash company – do you think this is the end of their useful life, or would it be worth having them washed and reproofed (bearing it mind it will cost at least £20 per rug to have this done and they’ve only just been washed).

George is my first horse and the rugs in question are the ones I bought when I got him so I’ve never had to deal with the leaking rug problem, or had any knowledge of how long a rug should last , so any help or opinions gratefully received.

Thanks

 

[flying solo]

get nik wax online and re-proof them yourself, its the cheap and easy way to do it

 

[honetpot]

A pony that I loaned out came back with beautifully cleaned rugs but they leaked. Nixwaxed them, no leaks now.

 

[TicTac]

Personally I always get my rugs re-proofed when I have them washed and can honestly say that I have never had a leaky rug. Not even my lightweights. Might be worth considering. Some of my rugs are 8 or 9 years old . To help you out now though you could buy a spray on waterproofer and see if that helps.

 

[noblesteed]

I think the waterproofing chemicals on rugs come out after so many washes so they prob just need redoing. My Amigo turnout leaked like that after washing and I reproofed it and it's been fine. So defo Nikwax them. I tend to reproof mine every time I wash, and I always wash them in Nikwax washing liquid.

 

[Dizzydancer]

Use nik wax its fab i have an old rug (7yrs) that is a MW for when the other doesnt dry in time that i have always reproffed myself with it and its fab, i also reproof other TOs with it, never pay 20quid to have it done!! all you need is a brush and a dry spot!!

 

[spotty_pony]

Same as TicTac, I always get mine reproofed when they are sent away to be cleaned and I've never had any problems. Is there anywhere you could send it away to to get it reproofed?

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Get it washed and reproofed. Mine are done every year and never leak - they are 9/10 years old do your have years left.

 

[monkeybum13]

As others have said get a bottle of nikwax and they will be fine

 

[Izzwizz]

Get them washed and re-proofed again using Nikwax. Unfortunately you will need to have them washed so that the Nikwax re-proofer can do its job properly. It is excellent stuff! Unfortunately some rugwash companies used cheaper products and give washing and re-proofing a bad name! When its been done the fabric of the rug should be fairly crisp feeling, if it has a "floppy" feel to it then its probably not going to be waterproof and may have to be retired for non-rainy days.

 

[Gorgeous George]

Thanks for your replies, sounds like all is not lost then

Another question, if I get the rugs in question washed can I then paint on the nikwax stuff myself? I don't mind if it takes a bit of time, but it would probably be cheaper to do myself and also I'll know its been done properly

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

A proper cleaning service will dry your rugs in temperature controlled room which means the reproofing bonds properly to your rugs.

 

[soulfull]

I had a WB reproofed 3 times and it still leaked, so I think it depends on if it is just a little patch or so, anymore and forget it

 

[Bovril]

Deffo try the Nik wax have never used it on rugs before but it totally works on jackets and is cheaper than sending them back to the rug man. Should be able to get it for your local horsey shop.

 

[Cahill]

my rugs never get washed except when they are on the horse and it rains.
some are 5+ yo`s and still going strong.
i have bought some 2nd hand rugs in the past that have been washed pre-sale and they are not as water tight as my unwashed ones.

 

[9tails]

Another top tip is brick sealer from your local DIY store. Works just as well as Nikwax IME.

 

[flyingfeet]

Another question, if I get the rugs in question washed can I then paint on the nikwax stuff myself? I don't mind if it takes a bit of time, but it would probably be cheaper to do myself and also I'll know its been done properly

Well depending on how big they are if lightweight and will fit a domestic washing machine you can add nikwax to the wash

Otherwise by the spray and simply give them a good coating.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=nikwax&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=