Most waterproof fabric sprays come in aerosol form and can be applied by spraying onto your horse’s blanket from about one meter away. This should be done outdoors or in a well ventilated area. Do not inhale the spray and avoid getting it onto your skin. Coat the whole surface with an even spray.
- For waterproof protection, some owners will layer a turnout sheet over their horse’s stable blanket when the horse is outside. Turnout Blankets – Turnout blankets combine the warmth of a stable blanket with the waterproofing of a turnout sheet.
How do you waterproof a horse blanket?
Steps to waterproof your horse blanket: Spray
- Clean your blanket thoroughly and let it dry.
- Read the instructions on the bottle.
- Find a well-ventilated area with little to no wind.
- Spray thoroughly and wipe away any droplets with a soft cloth.
- Let dry.
- Reapply for the best results.
How do I know if my horse blanket is waterproof?
Once your blankets are clean and dry, now is a good time to see if they are still waterproof. Take a cup of water, and pour over blanket. Water should bead up and roll off, if not, it is time to re-waterproof.
How long does waterproofing last on horse blankets?
A quality annual waterproof treatment should last one year, so essentially, you could retreat a turnout for several years and still save money.
Can you waterproof a stable blanket?
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can clean and waterproof your horse blankets at home, or by sending them off to a professional laundry service. We recommend Blanket Express, Hoofbeat Blankets, or Tracy’s Clothesline. Want to know more about Nikwax waterproofing products?
Can you waterproof a blanket?
You can waterproof a cotton or wool blanket by adding a protective backing of water-resistant fabric such as ripstop nylon or oilcloth, then safely lounge on damp grass. In the summer, a spontaneous picnic is always a nice option.
At what temperature does a horse need a blanket?
Here are some general guidelines: Body Clipped Horses: Start blanketing when the temperature gets below 60°F, or anytime it is rainy or windy. Moderate Hair Coat Horses: Start blanketing when the temperature goes below 40°F. Heavy Hair Coat Horses: Start blanketing when the temperatures go below 30°F.
When should you use a rain sheet on a horse?
As a general guide at Schneiders, we recommend using a waterproof turnout sheet with no insulation when the temperature is between 50°F – 65°F if your horse is clipped, or as needed if they have a full coat, to at least protect from the wind and rain during poor conditions. This will keep your horse dry and warm.
When to blanket a horse in the rain?
Most horses are very comfortable in brisk (but above freezing) temperatures as long as they are dry. If you’ve got precipitation such as rain, even a drizzle, or snow that could melt on their warm backs and they don’t have any way to avoid getting wet, consider a blanket.
Are canvas horse blankets waterproof?
The canvas horse blanket is water resistant and designed to repel water but is not waterproof. All canvas horse blankets are designed with limited seams to protect the integrity of the blanket and its ability to repel water.
Are horses water proof?
Horses coat has no waterproof quality whatsoever.
Can you wash waterproof horse rugs?
Hand wash at a cool temperature using a non-biological soap (washing in high temperatures can damage the waterproof nature of the fabric). Drip dry. Do not tumble dry. Always store in a cool, dry place.
Is a wool blanket waterproof?
Wool blankets keep you warm by trapping air between its fibers. Even when these blankets become wet they still have trapped air between the fibers. They don’t soak up moisture or water like some other materials. This makes it ideal for wet situations.
Can you make fleece waterproof?
Wash-in Waterproofing Nikwax Polar Proof is a milky white liquid that you add to water and wash into your fleece gloves and garments to waterproof them You can add it in a top or front loading washing machine or wash it in by hand. When finished, dry your garments by hanging them or or drying them in a drier.
How to Waterproof Horse Blankets
Skyline Equine, in collaboration with Susan Barron Jess Hallas-Kilcoyne contributed to this article. Q: In what manner should I waterproof my horse’s blankets, and how frequently should they need to be re-waterproofed? A: In the words of Susan Barron of Skyline Equine, a Canadian supplier for Bucas Ltd., “No blanket can ever be completely waterproof.” “After a few years of regular usage, the waterproofing will begin to wear away.” “Re-waterproof as often as necessary,” she says. If you observe dampness along the midline of the horse’s back and croup, it is time to re-saddle the animal.
There are, however, other alternatives.
“KIWI Camp Dry® is another excellent option.” Before applying a water repellent to your blanket, make sure it is completely clean.
In Barron’s opinion, “a lot of folks have to have their blankets re-waterproofed because they’re not washing them correctly.” Related: How to Wrap a Horse with a Blanket During Cold Weather When you re-waterproof a blanket, harsh chemicals and high temperatures can ruin the waterproofing and harm the material itself, making it less likely that a water repellent will cling correctly to the blanket when you do so.
- The blankets should be washed on the gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, according to Barron.
- The protective coating can be damaged by common household detergents.
- If you clean your carpets in this manner, you should not have to re-waterproof them for many years.” Please don’t dry clean your rugs.
- Clipping 101 is a related article.
- Photographic representation of the main image: Make sure to thoroughly clean your horse’s blanket before waterproofing it, and wash it appropriately to ensure that the water resistant coating on the blanket’s outside is not damaged.
Re-waterproof Your Horse Blankets
- Generally speaking, whenever your horse goes outside, he should be wrapped with a horse blanket that is both waterproof and windproof. Just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse! Instead of purchasing new horse blankets, it may be more cost-effective to cure the ones you already have on hand.
- For those that utilize a horse blanket cleaning service, they may be able to apply waterproofing on your behalf
- According to the path you choose, you will also need the ability to undertake some touch-up work on the fly at certain points over the season. Touch-up waterproofing may be completed in the barn, eliminating the need to ship your blankets and rugs out for minor repairs.
Should you re-waterproof your blankets in the spring or the fall?
- Yes, that is my response to your question. Do it as soon as you can, but don’t get caught in a cold snap with no clean blankets on hand
- If you are washing and waterproofing your blankets in the spring, it is simple to keep them until the fall season arrives. If you still have your original bags, they are a great alternative. Without a lot of effort, I’ve never been able to get them back in without a fight.
- Another alternative is to use vacuum-sucking storage bags, which allow you to remove all of the air from the bags. Bins are also effective.
- No matter whatever storage solution you pick, be certain that it is rat, mud dauber, and spider-proof.
- You may re-waterproof your blankets at any time of the year using the products of your choosing. Using clean blankets as a canvas is ideal.
My very old and faded horse blanket, which has been re-waterproofed and is ready to be used again this winter.
When I hand them on gates, fences, or railings, I prefer to spray them with a substance that will cover them. Stand up and face the wind!
What do you use to waterproof a horse blanket?
- Fabric protectors should be sought after. Consider the use of ScotchguardTM or another type of fabric waterproofing solution.
- Some of the items are sprays, while others are wash-ins. The majority of them are for cotton, some are for nylon, and others are for leather (such as your paddock boots!). Some of them are breathable, while others are not. The sprays that are breathable are my favorites. In addition to Nikwax blanket wash and Nikwax Rug Proof waterproofing, the company also manufactures a full line of blanket care products.
- Following the selection of your waterproof product, make certain that your blanket is completely free of dirt and grime. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the most effective cleaning methods and the best type of laundry detergent to use. Alternatively, toss off all of that drivel about “following directions” and start again! Wash your horse’s blankets by hand, instead of using a machine! Alternatively, if you have access to a big front-loading washer, you may machine-wash your horse blankets.
Found at the local sporting goods shop! Some blanket producers also provide a spray version of their product.
How to use horse blanket waterproofing sprays
- The outdoor store was where I discovered it! The same may be said for certain blanket makers that make a spray.
- Many regrets arose as a result of not wearing gloves and not protecting my face the first time I attempted to do this. I protect myself with disposable gloves and a mask. Occasionally, the sprays condense and drop around the nozzle, covering your hands with a sticky film. The amount of soap required to remove the odor is considerable.
- Multiple applications of your waterproofing spray are recommended! In my experience, several thin coatings are more effective than a single heavy one. Allow at least 24 hours between coatings.
- Some things can be dried in the sun, while others must be dried in the shade. As a side note, the fragrance dissipates as the materials dry.
- Pour some water on your blanket to see how it holds up! While you’re doing this, keep the blanket flat. Water should bead up as it hits the surface. Allow this to settle for a minute or two and see if it sinks in any more. If this is the case, it is time to apply another coat.
Excellent water-repelling properties!
How to use waterproofing wash-ins for your horse’s clothes.
- For the application of several types of wash-in waterproofing, there are two choices available:
- By hand, you may apply the solution to clean blankets, starting with the cleanest. Apply the product in a uniform layer using a sponge. In certain cases, depending on the manufacturer, you may require many coatings.
- You may also wash your clothes in your washing machine. After completing a wash cycle, repeat the process. Generally speaking, a warm wash cycle on the synthetic option is the most effective. It may be necessary to rinse it before hanging it to dry or using a tumble dryer. It is necessary to read the label
- The time has come for you to get another season’s use out of your horse’s blanket.
There are a plethora of possibilities available, and I’ve listed some of my personal favorites. As an Amazon Associate, I receive commissions on qualifying purchases made by you at no additional cost to you. I will be forever thankful for your assistance! Start with a fresh horse blanket to get things going. This version of the waterproofing goodness is applied using a spray gun. Here’s an example of the wash-in variety. To make use of these storage bags, get the vacuum out of the closet! Another spray-on alternative, this one intended for tents and other outdoor equipment.
The product that kicked off everything.
Blanket Repair And Waterproofing
Your clipped horses and you rely on waterproof-breathable blankets to keep them warm and dry when the weather is cold and damp. It’s critical to clean and repair them, of course, but you also want to ensure that the waterproofing remains intact. When it comes to maintaining waterproof-breathable blankets clean and watertight, gentle washing is essential. They should be hand washed in cold water and then dried on a clothesline. Putting the blankets in the dryer will cause the waterproofing to become damaged and weak.
- Waterproofing is accomplished by the application of a coating.
- Rambo, Nikwax, Saddler’s, EQyss, and Nature’s Blend are just a few of the companies that produce cleaners designed exclusively for horse blankets.
- Natural Blend (Tanner 800/826-6373) was shown to be the most cost-effective, mild, and least likely to cause damage to waterproofing in the study’s findings.
- If required, repeat the rinsing process two or three times to completely eliminate the soap residue.
- Even mild home detergents will not produce the same results as chemicals designed specifically for waterproofing blankets.
- This blanket should not be taken to the dry cleaners since the waterproofing layer will be removed during the cleaning process.
- All but the most durable blankets will eventually require repainting due to water damage.
In addition, numerous outdoor firms provide waterproofers that protect the waterproof-breathable fabric from the elements.
Cleaning and maintaining waterproofing are not the only aspects of maintenance that must be performed.
If you need to mend your blankets, choose fabric that is comparable to the material of the blanket.
Once you’ve mended the blanket, the only thing that may leak are the tiny holes created by sewing the patch in place.
People who aren’t familiar with stitching may want to send the blanket out and pay for it to be mended instead.
Kathleen Conklin, a blanket repairer, suggests that clients label each blanket with a tag listing the faults with it as well as requesting that the repairer solve any other issues that they may have identified.
Then you’ll be able to reap the benefits of their knowledge while also receiving a blanket that is in better shape than what you started with.
They may also prefer to work on clean blankets, so make sure yours is clean before sending it, or expect to pay a cleaning fee if yours is not. The price for this service, of course, varies greatly. Also Read This ArticleClick here to read “Blanket Cleaning.” Also Read This Article
How to Clean and Waterproof Horse Blankets
BLANKETS FOR CARING FOR HORSESTurnout sheets and blankets are vital when it comes to keeping your horse dry and comfortable when out in the pasture. The materials repel water while while being breathable, which allows your horse to adapt to temperature variations. Particular care must be taken during the Spring (mud season!) to ensure that your turnout blankets and sheets are well maintained. It is these extra efforts that will assure the optimum performance and the longest possible lifespan.
- It is possible that dirt and muck on the surface of a turnout sheet could cause it to absorb water, which will make your horse feel chilly and clammy.
- Your sheets and blankets will remain in excellent shape if you clean them on a regular basis.
- In addition to the infrequent cases of extreme dirtiness, an end-of-season wash is usually the best option.
- It is critical to use the proper cleaning products and practices.
- Conventional detergents leave behind residues that reduce the water-repellency of the garments they clean.
- Some blanket makers recommend that you use a wash bag (mesh, etc.) to avoid the breakage of any straps, pockets, or buckles that are attached to the blanket during the washing process.
- Water-repellency does not last indefinitely.
- You won’t have to throw away your linens and blankets if this happens!
- It’s critical to utilize a waterproofing solution that also allows for ventilation so that your horse can keep a stable body temperature as the weather changes.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: You may clean and waterproof your horse blankets at yourself or by sending them to a professional laundry service for cleaning and waterproofing.
Are you interested in learning more about Nikwax waterproofing products? What products are available for leather tack? What products do you have for apparel? What products are available for boots? Take a look at one of our product catalogs by clicking HERE.
How to waterproof horse blankets
The wet and rainy season is approaching, and there’s nothing worse than gently blanketing your horse only to discover him shivering and chilly after a few hours of blanketing. You tried your hardest, but things didn’t go as planned. The specifics of how to waterproof your horse blankets will be covered in full, allowing you to avoid the whole unpleasant problem. The answer does not consist in purchasing a new blanket! As a horse parent to three horses and owner of a hobby farm, I am well aware of how expensive it can be to replace blankets.
Yes, you can waterproof your horse’s old, faded, and well-loved blanket if you have the right supplies.
The result is that you must re-waterproof your horse’s blanket on a frequent basis.
How to choose the right waterproofing
The various waterproofing products are divided into two categories: sprays and washes. Sprays are the most common form of waterproofing product. Sprays are simple to use and adaptable when compared to washes that necessitate the use of the family laundry machine (you can choose whether or not to notify your husband!) or enormous washing machines.
4 things to look for in a waterproofing product
- Obviously, pets are welcome in the home
- We all know that animals have sensitive noses, thus there should be little to no odor. Water-based formulations are healthier for the environment and our horses’ health. Breathability is important since your horse’s perspiration must still be able to drain.
Avoid using silicone sprays since they are harmful to your horse’s paddock companions if they consume them (or your blanket destroyer if you have one). Now that you’ve discovered your product, it’s time to get creative!
Steps to waterproof your horse blanket: Spray
- Clean your blanket completely and allow it to air dry
- Pay attention to the directions on the bottle. Seek for a well-ventilated location where there is little to no wind
- Spray well and gently wipe away any droplets with a soft cloth after each application. Allow to dry
- Resubmit your application for the best results.
Steps to waterproof your horse blanket: Wash
- Clean your blanket completely and allow it to air dry
- Pay attention to the directions on the bottle. Hand wash or machine wash your horse blanket, being sure you use the appropriate amount of product. To safeguard your washing machine, tie the buckles together and cover the buckles with an old pair of socks
- If you wash your clothes by hand, use an old pair of socks. Use the delicate cycle and cold water settings to wash your clothes
- Remove the item as soon as possible and allow it to dry
And you’re finished! Your horse’s blanket is prepared for yet another season of rain and snowfall.
Related
- Before blanketing your horse, there are three things you should look for. Horse BlanketPet Apparel Waterproofing Spray
- Outdoor Gear Waterproofing Spray
- Saddle Pad and Blanket Wash
- Horse BlanketPet Apparel Waterproofing Spray What is the best way to clean horse blankets?
Do you have any questions? Please share them in the comments section.
Waterproof Your Horse’s Blankets
Equine TLC Blanket Cleaning owner Yvonne Mulgrew explains the ins and outs of waterproofing winter horse blankets in this video. Q: An older horse blanket that is still in good condition, but is no longer waterproof, is available for donation. Investing money in having it waterproofed is a worthwhile investment. How can I know whether the treatment is going to be effective? —Name concealed at the request of the subject A: This is a subject I am regularly asked by clients who have turnout blankets that are in good physical shape but have lost their water repellency due to age or wear.
- However, don’t be too fast to throw your old outfit without first considering your alternatives.
- A high-quality yearly waterproof treatment should last one year, which means you may effectively delay a turnout for several years and still save money on the treatment.
- It is possible that I have tried up to 17 various types of treatments obtained from camping and hardware stores, as well as marine supply companies (for use on boat sails).
- In addition, several sail therapies were unsuccessful.
- Most treatments will initially bead, but it is how well they hold up against a prolonged downpour that matters.
- Furthermore, for all chemicals, such as silicone and fluoropolymer, the delivery system—the chemical mixture and quality—is a critical aspect.
- For the normal horse owner, this is a challenging task, and I do not advocate drying your turnout in a home dryer owing to probable shrinkage and damage to the membrane under the shell that absorbs the water.
The product I use has a high fluoropolymer content and has a great delivery method, which is important.
Recently, I worked with a lab that was developing a therapy that might be made available to the general public in the near future.
Seals tough textiles and is capable of waterproofing a shell that had previously been deemed unwaterproof in the majority of circumstances.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate a spray-and-dry remedy that is readily available to the general public that is effective for more than a few hours after a rainstorm.
Because of this, I collaborated with the laboratory to create the wax-based therapy.
In order to test for water repellency, locate anything that can be used to replicate the shape of the horse’s barrel.
In a wheelbarrel, place the garbage can on its side, with flattened brown paper bags covering the top region of the trash can, so that if the turnout leaks, you may see distinct watermarks on the trash can’s surface.
It is unlikely that the brown paper bags will have any water stains on them if the turnout is completely waterproof.
When she was confronted with her own horse-blanket-repair concerns, she became interested in this line of work. She has been a long-time horsewoman and expert seamstress (equinetlccare.com).
How to Waterproof Horse Blankets
Consider the following questions: how do you waterproof horse blankets and how do you determine how frequently you need re-waterproof your horse blankets? No blanket can be guaranteed to be waterproof indefinitely, and after a few years of heavy usage, the waterproofing will begin to fade. When you observe dampness down the midline of the horse’s back and the croup, you’ll know it’s time to halter him. On average, a wet horse loses body heat 20 times quicker than a dry horse, which is a significant difference in performance.
In order to pick a waterproofing product that is breathable, good for the environment, and safe for your horse, it is vital to educate yourself on the many waterproofing options available.
Taking care of a waterproof blanket properly is essential to ensuring that its waterproof coating on the blanket outer is not damaged during washing.
It is critical to wash blankets on a gentle cycle at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees Celsius.
Using a Dry Guy Waterproofingcoating on your blankets after they have been cleaned will help to guarantee that moisture cannot infiltrate through the outer of your blanket while still enabling the blanket to BREATHE from the inside.
Avoid using items that include harsh chemical bases, such as polyurethane or ethylene glycol, because they will prevent the garment from breathing properly.
Please share your thoughts and recommendations on how to waterproof horse blankets with us; we would really appreciate hearing from you!
Dry Guy Fabric Tech Wash cleans and restores the technical features of performance textiles, such as water repellency, breathability, and moisture-wicking, to their original condition.
Since 2010, we’ve been restoring the performance of high-tech textiles such as Gore-Tex®, Nylon, Polyester, down, insulation, microfibers, acrylic, and mixes, among other materials.