How to Wash Horse Rugs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping horse rugs clean is challenging, especially ones designed for outdoor use! While your rugs will never stay squeaky clean for long, and a bit of dirt is to be expected, there comes a point when they need some TLC. There are many ways to clean your horse rugs. Some people opt for a professional laundry service, while others tackle it themselves. 

We’ll walk you through the proper way to clean your rugs at home, ensuring your washing machine stays safe and, crucially, preserving the valuable waterproofing on your turnout gear.

TL;DR

To safely wash your horse rugs at home, first remove all hair and loose dirt. Never use standard household detergent (it destroys waterproofing). Hand-washing is safest for heavy rugs, but if machine-washing, strictly adhere to your machine’s weight limits and always use a specialist rug wash. Ensure the rug is completely dry before use or storage.

Contents 

Quick Checklist: Before You Start

Here’s what you need and what you must check before starting your rug laundry.

Task	Detail	Why it’s Crucial
Pre-Cleaning	Stiff brush, vacuum, or rubber mitt for hair removal.	Prevents drain clogs and machine damage.
Detergent	Specialist Horse Rug Wash (e.g., Nikwax, Gold Label).	Standard detergent strips the waterproofing.
Reproofing	Waterproofing Rinse/Conditioner (for turnout rugs).	Restores weather-resistance after washing.
Machine Check	Check your washing machine’s maximum weight limit (usually in the user manual).	Wet rugs are extremely heavy and can break domestic drums.
Rug Prep	Secure or remove all straps, buckles, and clips. Use a wash bag if machine washing.	Prevents damage to the rug and the washing machine drum.

How often should horse rugs be cleaned?

You should thoroughly clean your horse rugs once per season before storage. However, this depends on the type of rug and how frequently it is used. 

• Turnout Rugs: Once per season is usually sufficient, combined with spot-cleaning.
• Stable Rugs/Fleece: May need more frequent washing, especially if the horse is in more often or is clipped.
• Coolers/Sheets: Wash as needed, particularly after exercise or travel.

Between big cleans, we strongly recommend:

• Wiping the insides of all rugs regularly with a damp cloth to prevent grease buildup.
• Spot-cleaning visible stains on the exterior.

How to hand-wash a horse rug

If you don’t have access to a professional service and your washing machine isn’t big enough, you can wash horse rugs by hand. While this will take much more elbow grease, the result is just as good as a machine wash. Handwashing is suitable for all rugs, but the bigger and thicker they are, the longer it will take. If you will be drying your rug outside, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast to ensure it will be dry. 

What do you wash a horse rug with?

To hand-wash a horse rug, you will need:

• Brushes of varying degrees of hardness
• Rug wash
• Waterproofing conditioner
• Spare parts for any repairs you may need to make 
• A drying rack or suitable drying space
• Large bucket or tub
• A hose or showerhead

Step-by-Step Hand-Wash Guide

1. Prep the Rug: Using a stiff brush, carefully remove all coarse, caked-on mud and dirt. Follow up with a lint roller, rubber curry mitt, or vacuum to remove as much horse hair as possible.
2. Soak & Wash: Place the rug in a large bucket, clean wheelbarrow, or designated tub. Submerge it in cool water (never hot, as hot water can damage materials) and add your specialist rug wash.
3. Agitate & Scrub: Agitate the water, then gently scrub any remaining dirt with a soft brush or sponge.
4. First Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the rug with a hose or showerhead until the water runs clear.
5. Reproofing (Turnout Rugs Only): If the rug is a turnout or needs waterproofing, put it in a fresh tub of cool water with a waterproofing rinse. Allow the product to soak in as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Dry: Wring out as much excess water as possible. Hang the rug to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

Caution: Never tumble dry a horse rug, as the heat can melt or significantly damage the technical fabrics and coatings. Drying in direct sunlight can also cause colour fading and prematurely age the fabric and waterproofing.

What size washing machine do you need to wash horse rugs?

If you’d prefer to machine wash your rug, check that it will fit in your machine. Then, compare your machine’s specifications to the rug’s weight. The largest, heaviest rugs require an industrial-sized washing machine to wash effectively. Do not force a large, heavy rug into a domestic machine. The weight of a wet, thick turnout rug can exceed 20kg and break your drum suspension.

How to clean horse rugs in the washing machine

1. Pre-Clean Thoroughly: Before it comes near your machine, the rug must be free of hair and most of the mud (use the same prep as for hand-washing).
2. Protect Your Machine: Place the pre-cleaned rug inside a specialist wash bag. This prevents hooks, straps, and stray hairs from damaging the drum, dispenser, and seals.
3. Use the Right Detergent: Crucially, flush out any residue of standard household detergent from the dispenser. Use only a specialist rug wash.
4. Select Cycle: Choose a cool, gentle cycle (e.g., delicates or wool) with a low spin setting to minimise stress on the rug and machine.
5. Reproofing (Turnout Rugs): If reproofing in the machine, follow the rug wash with a separate cycle using a wash-in waterproofing solution, strictly according to the product directions.
6. Dry: Hang the rug to dry on a line or drying rack in a dry, shaded area. Ensure it is 100% dry before use or storage.

Hand Wash vs. Machine Wash vs. Professional

Choosing the right method often depends on the type of rug and your willingness to commit time or money.

Feature	Hand Wash	Domestic Machine Wash	Professional Laundry
Cost	Low (cost of wash/proofer)	Low (cost of wash/proofer)	High (£15 – £25 per rug)
Time	High (lots of effort + long drying)	Medium (quick wash cycle + long drying)	Low (drop-off/pickup)
Risk to Rug	Very Low (most gentle)	Medium (risk of stripping proofer or material stress)	Very Low (specialist equipment)
Risk to Machine	N/A	High (risk of breaking the drum/drains)	N/A
Recommended For	Heavy Turnouts, all rugs.	Sheets, fleeces, medium stable rugs.	Heavy Turnouts, winter rugs.

Day-to-day horse rug care

Deep cleaning keeps them smelling fresh, but good day-to-day care is what truly makes a rug last for several years.

• Check for Damage: Regularly check your rugs for small tears, especially around the shoulders and fastenings. Repairing a small hole immediately prevents it from becoming a large, unfixable tear.
• Inspect Straps: Ensure all straps and fastenings are clean, working correctly, and comfortable for your horse.
• Prevent Grease: Wipe the inside of your rugs regularly with a damp cloth or sponge. Too much grease can rub the hair or irritate the skin.
• Proper Storage: When storing rugs between seasons, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve their waterproofing and colour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use my normal laundry detergent to clean a horse rug(e.g., Persil, Ariel)?

Never use normal laundry detergent to clean a horse rug. Household laundry detergents contain strong cleaning agents and optical brighteners that strip the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on your turnout rugs, rendering them non-waterproof. Always use a specialist rug wash.

Do stable rugs need to be washed differently from turnout rugs?

Stable rugs typically do not have a waterproof coating, meaning they can be washed slightly more frequently. However, you should still use a dedicated rug wash to protect the lining materials and your machine. They do not require a waterproofing rinse.

How long will it take for my horse rug to dry?

A thick, heavy winter turnout rug can take up to 48 hours to fully air-dry, depending on the thickness and the ambient temperature/humidity. A fleece or lightweight sheet may dry in 6-12 hours. Ensure it is completely dry before putting it back on your horse or storing it to prevent mildew.

How often should I re-proof my turnout rug?

We recommend reproofing after every wash to ensure maximum performance. If the rug is heavily used or starts wetting out in the rain, reproofing mid-season is also advisable.

Why does my horse rug leak after cleaning? (Troubleshooting)

This almost always means the waterproofing was stripped.

1. Did you use normal detergent? If yes, you must now reproof it.
2. Is the rug completely dry? Damp patches can look like leaks.
3. Is the rug very old? Even with the best care, the fabric’s integrity will eventually fail.

Oakfield has an extensive range of horse rugs from leading equestrian brands. Find horse rugs for every season, including fleeces, coolers, and exercise sheets, to heavy turnout rugs. We also stock all the essential care products to keep them in top condition.

• Rug Wash: Shop our range of specialist rug washes from Nikwax and Gold Label.
• Reproofing: Find effective wash-in and spray-on waterproofing solutions.
• Wash Bags: Protect your machine with a heavy-duty rug wash bag.

Read next

Horse rug guide: Everything you need to know about horse rugs

How to set up an electric fence for horses

Taking the reins: Our comprehensive horse bridle guide