Horse Blanket Care & Maintenance: Keep ‘Em Clean, Comfy, and Long-Lasting
Whether you’re gearing up for winter or wrapping up a cold season, proper blanket care pays off with warmer, happier horses and gear that lasts for years. From rugged turnout blankets to cozy stable blankets and handy accessories, here’s your complete guide to maintenance that keeps both you and your equine happy.
1. Daily Upkeep: Brush & Spot Clean
Before a deep wash, make blanket maintenance a regular habit:
- Brush off dirt, hair, and debris daily with a stiff brush. This prevents buildup that can degrade fabric and irritate your horse’s skin.
- For minor messes (like manure or mud), spot clean right away with a sponge and mild water mixture to keep stains from setting.
Quick cleanups mean less work at season’s end!
2. Washing Blankets: Do It Right
Blankets get dirty — that’s a given. But washing them the right way protects waterproofing, insulation, and fit.
Turnout Blankets
Turnout blankets are built with durable, waterproof shells to keep horses warm and dry outside. Before washing:
- Shake or brush off loose dirt and hair.
- Use mild soap or a blanket-specific wash — avoid regular detergents that strip waterproof coatings.
- Machine wash on a gentle, cold water cycle if your machine can handle the blanket’s size; otherwise, consider a professional blanket washing service.
- Always air-dry — tumblers and heat can damage coatings and shrink fabric.
Pro Tip: If your turnout blanket’s water repellency starts to fade, re-proof it with a spray-on or wash-in waterproofing product made for horse gear.
Stable Blankets
Stable blankets are generally lighter and don’t need waterproofing, but they still benefit from care:
- Many stable blankets can be machine-washed; use cold water and mild soap.
- Avoid fabric softeners — they leave residues that trap odors.
- Air dry — even though stable blankets don't have a waterproof coating, tumblers and heat can still cause damage and potentially shrink fabric.
Pro Tip: Some stable blankets work great as a warm liner under a turnout sheet. If you prefer less straps to deal with, consider our blanket liner. It has no extra fasteners, just slots in the back to slide your existing blanket leg straps through, and a closed front for an ideal and comfortable fit under another blanket.
3. Check Hardware & Repair Early
Blanket hardware — buckles, leg straps, surcingles — takes a beating:
- Before and after washing, inspect all closures and straps for wear or damage.
- Loose threads, small tears, or broken buckles are easier (and cheaper) to fix early.
- For turnout blankets with waterproof shells, avoid sewing holes directly — stitching can compromise waterproofing. Instead, use patches or seek professional repair when needed.
4. Accessorizing & Enhancing Care
Accessories like neck covers, liners, and storage bags can make blanket care easier and more effective:
- Neck covers and detachable hoods add extra warmth and help keep your horse clean.
- Chest protectors and lycra hoods help prevent rubs on sensitive horses while also keeping the coat smooth. Full neck lycra hoods offer protection for the mane too. We even offer a unique therapeutic shoulder guard by Back on Track with removable padding in the chest and shoulders.
- Underlayers and liners can reduce direct wear on the blanket and make changing layers easier when temps fluctuate.
- Proper storage bags or racks keep blankets clean and dry in the off-season (preventing mold, mildew, and pests).
5. Off-Season Storage Tips
Blankets stored improperly are more likely to degrade:
- Only store blankets that are clean and completely dry. Moisture leads to mildew and odors.
- Hang blankets or fold them neatly in breathable containers — plastic tubs with cedar chips or lavender sachets help deter pests.
- Keep stable and turnout blankets in separate storage if possible to avoid transferring lingering dirt or odors between them.
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Large Gear Bag NylonOut of stock
Final Thoughts
Good blanket care isn’t just cleaning — it’s a routine that protects your investment and your horse’s comfort. From regular brushing to careful washing, inspection, and smart storage, taking the time to maintain turnout blankets, stable blankets, and their accessories helps you save money and keeps your horse warmer throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should blankets be washed?
1-2 times per season should do it for most blankets and rainsheets. You may need to wash more often depending on mud buildup or if your horse's skin is getting irritated. Spot cleaning inbetween washes is best for the life of your blanket. Lighter blankets or coolers that potentially collect more sweat may need washed every 4-8 weeks depending on how heavily they are used.
Can blankets be washed in a home washing machine?
Yes, in most cases. It is best If your washer is large-capacity (ideally 3.5-4.5 cu ft+) especially for heavier blankets. Be sure to remove any heavily caked grime with a stiff brush or hose. Be sure to clean out your washing machine afterwards to remove any hair or residue. For ultra heavyweight or oversized blankets it is best to hand wash in your wash rack or take to a commercial laudromat or a blanket washing service.
Can blankets be put in the dryer?
This is not reccomended as it can reduce the life of your blanket. Air drying is best.
What kind of soap should be used to wash blankets?
Gentle cleansers like Blanket Safe Ultra Wash & Deodorizer also available in Fresh Linen Scent. These are fomulated to work with cold water washing. They are antibacterial, detergent-free, low-sudsing and will not deteriorate waterproofing or cause issues for horses with sensitive skin.
Can turnout blankets be re-waterpoofed?
Over time, and with the best care, even the highest quality turnout can lose some of its waterproofing capability. Applying a re-waterproofing spray between seasons (and after washing/drying) is a great way to keep your blanket fully waterproof. Blanket Safe Spray on Water Repellent is an effective option for this and it does not inhibit the breathability of your turnout. Starting out with a higher denier (1000+) will help ensure this spray works well with your blanket. It is water based, wax and silicone free, and will not leave any odor or residue to irritate your horse.
How should blankets be stored in the off season & what causes mold or mildew on blankets?
This could be casued by storing your blanket in a damp dark area, putting a blanket away for the season without washing and drying it, or folding it up without letting it fully dry. If you are planning on storing your blanket in a tack trunk, locker, or storage bag the blanket must be cleaned thoroughly and allowed to fully dry. Blankets can also be stored on hanging blanket racks that allow better airflow and help prevent mold from developing, but just make sure your rack is high enough so your blankets are not touching the ground, and it is in an area that gets fresh air rather than a closed dark room or office.
Why is my horse getting shoulder rubs?
Sometimes this can be caused by poor fit or poor blanket design. Blankets with shoulder gussets and smooth nylon linings are best to prevent this. If you are sure your blanket is the correct size and your horse is still getting rubbed, you may need to add a shoulder guard. The shoulder is the area that receives the highest amount of friction as your horse walks, runs around or rolls in the pasture. Lycra or nylon shoulder guards add an extra layer of protection and reduce friction on the hair and skin. Inspect your horse under their blanket regularly. Once a shoulder rub starts, it can take a long time to grow back, so adding a shoulder guard and the very first sign of irritation is ideal.
Can blankets be repaird or patched?
Absolutely! It is ideal if you can catch blanket damage early so the repair will be easier. For turnout blankets, adding a repair patch that doesn't involve poking a needle into the blanket is the best way to keep the integrity of the waterproofing. The Tought 1 Blanket and Sheet Repair Kit is the best way to do that. There are also blanket repair services that specialize in patching high quality blankets. If your horse quickly and easily tears their blankets, investing in a higher denier is usually the best way to go. Our Performance 2000D Therma Reflective Turnout offers an extremely tough shell that holds up to even the most destrictive horses.
