Rambo sweet itch rugs: do they shrink in the wash over time?

MiJodsR2BlinkinTite

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As title really.

I've always used either Rambo SI hoody rugs or the Premier Equine ones for my sweet itchy cob.

He's 19 now, so hardly likely to grow any more! and hasn't put on any more weight, I've made sure of that.

I'm scratching my head basically, because on TWO separate occasions recently, Rambo SI hoody rugs that I've put on him, in his correct size, have been very obviously too small! I have had these rugs for a while, they've been washed several times, been mended, stored away for the winter, and then brought out now in the Spring/Summer.

I can't understand it!

The only thing I can think is that perhaps these rugs shrink after washing?

I usually wash rugs on a 60C cycle, sometimes with Bio liquid, sometimes not, sometimes I add some stain remover depending on how mucky the rug is - maybe these detergents are too harsh and are causing shrinkage??, or maybe the wash cycle is too hot??

I've just bought a SI Rambo hoody on e-bay in the next size up!!! The two that I've tried on him - and are very obviously too small - aren't any use to me anymore! It is very strange....

Has anyone else had this happen??? It's truly baffling TBH.
 
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I was mine every 2-3 weeks on a 60 degree wash because she's greasy and horrible and it's shrunk a tiny bit but still fits, just a tad tight on the shoulders but she needs it washing that often and on that temp to keep her clean!
 
As it is made of a synthetic material it should be washed at a low temperature and it is always safer to use non-bio washing agents for an animal in case of a skin reaction. No experience of shrinking with this method.
 
I always wash them at 60 with bio powder and I've found a little bit of shrinkage but not enough that it's caused me a problem. Washing on a cooler wash doesn't seem to get all the grease and residues from sweet itch products out as well. They go through enough rinse cycles to get rid of anything from the powder.
 
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I have used them for a few years and haven't had any of them shrink but I do wash at 40 degrees once a week.

I am a huge fan of the Rambo hoodies but have been given a shires SI rug and I am really pleased with it. It fits my welsh cob very well and the large tummy flap has really helped him. I was pleasantly surprised.
 
I've had my Rambo hoodies for 4 years and it gets washed probably twice a month(if not maybe more) and mine has shrunk. Admittedly he has gained weight and muscle but it has definitely shrunk. So I wont be washing it at 60 degrees anymore
 
I've heard they come up quite small in the first place which doesn't help! I've just bought a 6'3 one for my usually 6ft horse. Will take heed of everyone's washing advice!
 
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