re-proofed rugs not very waterproof

popsicle

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 May 2008
Messages
1,341
Location
LINCOLNSHIRE UK
Visit site
Anyone else find that when they have their rugs washed and re-proofed that they are not nearly as waterproof as new?
mad.gif
I have also tried "painting" them with a tent waterproofer, but they still are not fully waterproof.
confused.gif
What do others think or do?
confused.gif
 
I have frankly given up having my rugs cleaned. I wash stable rugs at home (the ones that will go in my machine). But turnouts stay dirty! I hose off the worst of the mud and dirt on a dry day and hang them outside, and when they are dry I store them in plastic bags.
I, like you, have got fed up with paying a fortune to have my rugs returned 'proofed' and useless!
frown.gif
 
I wash and re-proof rugs and have had no problems with leaks since using Nikwax. I have only had 2 rugs returned to me that leaked and that was pre-Nikwax days. Its a fact that older rugs like our coats will only take a certain amount of washing and re-proofing before they give up. (the 2 that leaked were in fact older ones - this advice given to me by Nikwax. I return rugs in a condition that I would expect to receive them myself if I were the customer resulting in customers coming back year after year. My own horses rugs are fine and my Rambo Duo has gone through 3 winters and been washed and re-proofed with no problems. Dont know about tent re-proofer, the fabrics are different and it may well react with the product used to wash the rug. Domestic powders strip the rugs of proofing which they get at the factory when they are made so dont use any.

Its a shame you have been disappointed, I would have taken it up with the person who washed them. Incidentally I am not expensive as I have my own 4 legged friend and I know what it costs to keep her!!
 
[ QUOTE ]
I wash and re-proof rugs and have had no problems with leaks since using Nikwax. I have only had 2 rugs returned to me that leaked and that was pre-Nikwax days. Its a fact that older rugs like our coats will only take a certain amount of washing and re-proofing before they give up. (the 2 that leaked were in fact older ones - this advice given to me by Nikwax. I return rugs in a condition that I would expect to receive them myself if I were the customer resulting in customers coming back year after year. My own horses rugs are fine and my Rambo Duo has gone through 3 winters and
been washed and re-proofed with no problems. Dont know about tent re-proofer, the fabrics are different and it may well react with the product used to wash the rug. Domestic powders strip the rugs of proofing which they get at the factory when they are made so dont use any.

Its a shame you have been disappointed, I would have taken it up with the person who washed them. Incidentally I am not expensive as I have my own 4 legged friend and I know what it costs to keep her!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Not sure what type of proofer our local feed/tack shop uses, other than it being a wash in one, rather than an applied one, I did mention it to them, but they just said "They are never the same as new" These rugs were only 2 seasons old, but I am not going to bother having them washed there again. Pitty you weren't nearer
frown.gif
 
What make rugs were they? At 2 seasons old they ought to be ok, I only re-proof usually after the first time wash unless the customer says otherwise. I was a guinea pig for myself with the amigo liteweight summer turnout, (red) that everyone seems to be using. Didnt re-proof it last year and it hasnt leaked this year. Dont want to sound awful in case if offends anyone but cheaper rugs are not that good, wouldnt want to name any on here. Yes its a shame Im not closer to you, would have done them for free to see what happened! Most re-proofers are wash in these days, just depends on what brand is used as to its quality. I did some research and found that other places offered customers a choice and Nikwax was the most exensive option. I use it as standard along with their wash. NuuMed wash is what I use for stable rugs and fleeces and especially for our itchy scratchy friends! At the very least your local shop ought to offer you a couple of freebie washes for your stable rugs? as a good will gesture.

Best wishes
 
I've found they're not as good, so now just pressure wash the inside, leaving the outside dirty, but spray it with a proofer - Nikwash (is that right spelling - probably not) as mentioned is good. The horses don't care.
 
[ QUOTE ]
What make rugs were they? At 2 seasons old they ought to be ok, I only re-proof usually after the first time wash unless the customer says otherwise. I was a guinea pig for myself with the amigo liteweight summer turnout, (red) that everyone seems to be using. Didnt re-proof it last year and it hasnt leaked this year. Dont want to sound awful in case if offends anyone but cheaper rugs are not that good, wouldnt want to name any on here. Yes its a shame Im not closer to you, would have done them for free to see what happened! Most re-proofers are wash in these days, just depends on what brand is used as to its quality. I did some research and found that other places offered customers a choice and Nikwax was the most exensive option. I use it as standard along with their wash. NuuMed wash is what I use for stable rugs and fleeces and especially for our itchy scratchy friends! At the very least your local shop ought to offer you a couple of freebie washes for your stable rugs? as a good will gesture.

Best wishes

[/ QUOTE ]

They have all been the same and they vary from Masta to Riff Raff to Wetherbeeta. Middle of the road type prices really
smile.gif
 
Decent ones then, Ive done these brands with no problems though not particuarly Riff Raff. Weatherbeeta in particular over and over again with results fine. What s shame for you. As previously said, find out what they used and push for freebie washes. When I wash and re=proof I attach little tags so the customer knows that ive used Nikwax, just adds a bit more of a professional touch.

Good luck and dont let it put you off completely.
 
I sent a reasonably waterproof rug to be cleaned and reproofed and it came back unwaterproof. But I use it as a stable rug if i need to. I just clean them now with a pressure washer and no detergent.
 
Top