The products referenced throughout this guide, all in stock now.
Horse blankets take on plenty of mud, hair, sweat, and grime throughout the season. Regular cleaning and care can help protect the fabric, hardware, insulation, and waterproofing so your blankets stay ready to use season after season.
The key is knowing how to wash a horse blanket without damaging it.
In this guide, we'll cover how to wash horse blankets, how to dry them, when to re-waterproof turnout blankets, and simple ways to extend the life of your horse's blankets.
How Do You Wash a Horse Blanket?
Always start by checking the blanket's care label. Washing instructions can vary depending on the fabric, fill, and waterproofing.
In general, follow these steps:
- Remove loose mud, dirt, and horse hair.
- Secure straps, buckles, and hook-and-loop closures.
- Wash according to the manufacturer's care instructions.
- Use a detergent designed for horse blankets or waterproof fabrics.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove detergent residue.
- Allow the blanket to air-dry completely.
Avoid fabric softeners and harsh detergents unless specifically allowed by the manufacturer, as they may affect technical fabrics and waterproofing.
Before Washing: Remove Dirt and Hair
A little prep work can make cleaning much easier.
Before washing your horse blanket:
- Shake out loose dirt and bedding.
- Brush away dried mud.
- Remove as much horse hair as possible.
- Secure buckles and straps.
- Close hook-and-loop fasteners.
- Check for tears or damaged hardware.
Removing excess hair and mud also helps protect your washing machine if the blanket is machine washable.
Can You Wash a Horse Blanket in a Washing Machine?
Some horse blankets can be machine washed, but always check the care label first.
Lightweight sheets, coolers, and some blankets may be suitable for a large-capacity washing machine.
Bulky medium- and heavyweight blankets may be too large for a standard household washer. Overloading the machine can prevent the blanket from getting thoroughly cleaned and may damage the machine.
If you machine wash a horse blanket:
- Remove as much dirt and hair as possible.
- Secure all straps and closures.
- Use a large-capacity machine.
- Follow the temperature and cycle instructions on the care label.
- Use a horse blanket wash or detergent suitable for technical fabrics.
- Run an extra rinse cycle if needed to remove detergent residue.
A commercial machine or professional horse blanket cleaning service may be a better option for particularly large or heavily soiled blankets.
How to Hand Wash a Horse Blanket
Hand washing is another option when machine washing isn't recommended.
Start by brushing away loose dirt and hair. Then use water and an appropriate horse blanket wash to gently clean dirty areas.
Pay extra attention to:
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Belly area
- Tail flap
- Leg straps
- Inside lining
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and no detergent remains.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing that could damage the outer fabric or waterproof coating.
How Often Should You Wash Horse Blankets?
Horse blankets don't necessarily need to be fully washed every time they get dirty.
During blanket season, regularly brush away dried mud, hair, and debris. Spot cleaning can take care of smaller messes without putting the entire blanket through a wash cycle.
A deeper cleaning is useful when the blanket becomes heavily soiled or before putting it into long-term storage.
Washing more often than necessary can add wear to fabrics and waterproof finishes, so follow the manufacturer's care recommendations.
What Should You Use to Wash Horse Blankets?
Choose a detergent designed for horse blankets, waterproof outerwear, or technical fabrics.
A dedicated horse blanket wash is designed to remove dirt and grime without leaving unnecessary residue behind.
Avoid using:
- Fabric softener
- Bleach unless specifically permitted
- Harsh household cleaners
- Strong detergents not recommended for waterproof fabrics
Always follow both the blanket manufacturer's instructions and the directions on your cleaning product.
How to Dry a Horse Blanket
After washing, allow the blanket to air-dry completely according to its care instructions.
Hang the blanket somewhere with good airflow and give thicker blankets plenty of time to dry. Pay attention to areas that can hold moisture longer, including:
- Seams
- Bindings
- Straps
- Padding
- Thick insulation
Never store a horse blanket while it is damp.
Can You Put a Horse Blanket in the Dryer?
Unless the care label specifically says otherwise, avoid putting horse blankets in a heated dryer. High heat can potentially damage waterproof coatings, synthetic materials, hardware, and other components. Air drying is generally the safest option.
How to Keep Horse Blankets Waterproof
Turnout blankets depend on their waterproof outer fabric to protect your horse from rain and snow.
Over time, dirt, wear, and repeated washing can affect how well the outer fabric repels water.
One simple way to check is to watch what happens when water hits the clean outer fabric. If water no longer beads appropriately or the blanket is allowing moisture through, it may be time to evaluate its waterproofing.
A horse blanket reproofer can help restore water repellency when appropriate.
Always clean the blanket first and follow the reproofer manufacturer's application instructions.
How Often Should You Re-Waterproof a Horse Blanket?
There isn't one schedule that applies to every turnout blanket.
How often a blanket needs re-waterproofing depends on:
- How frequently it is used
- How often it is washed
- Wear and abrasion
- The blanket's material and construction
- How well it continues to repel water
Rather than automatically re-waterproofing on a fixed schedule, monitor the blanket's performance and reproof it when needed.
Inspect and Repair Horse Blankets Regularly
Cleaning is a great opportunity to inspect your blanket for damage.
Look for:
- Small tears
- Loose stitching
- Broken buckles
- Damaged surcingles
- Worn leg straps
- Missing hardware
- Damage around the tail flap
- Excessive wear at the shoulders or withers
Fixing a small problem early can prevent it from becoming a much larger repair.
Blanket repair tape can be useful for some minor tears, while replacement straps and hardware can extend the useful life of an otherwise good blanket.
How to Store Clean Horse Blankets
Before storing a blanket for the season, make sure it is clean and completely dry.
Fold the blanket neatly, tuck straps and hardware inside, and store it somewhere that is:
- Clean
- Dry
- Protected from pests
- Away from moisture
- Protected from sharp equipment
Horse blanket storage bags and totes can help keep blankets clean and organized between seasons.
For complete folding instructions, see our How to Fold and Store Horse Blankets guide.
Horse Blanket Care Checklist
Brush off dirt, mud, and hair regularly.
Check the care label before washing.
Secure straps and closures.
Use a horse blanket wash or appropriate detergent.
Avoid fabric softener and harsh cleaning products.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air-dry completely.
Check turnout blankets for waterproof performance.
Re-waterproof when needed.
Repair small tears and damaged hardware.
Store blankets clean and completely dry.
Keep Your Horse Blankets Ready for Every Season
Proper horse blanket care doesn't have to be complicated.
Following the manufacturer's care instructions and giving your blankets a little regular maintenance can help protect their fabric, fit, waterproofing, and overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Horse Blankets
Can you wash horse blankets in a washing machine?
Some horse blankets can be machine washed, particularly lightweight blankets, sheets, and coolers. Always check the care label first and make sure the washing machine is large enough for the blanket to move freely.
What detergent should you use to wash horse blankets?
Use a horse blanket wash or detergent recommended for waterproof and technical fabrics. Avoid fabric softeners and harsh detergents that may interfere with the blanket's performance.
Can you pressure wash a horse blanket?
Some owners use pressure washers to remove stubborn mud, but high pressure can potentially damage fabric, seams, or waterproof coatings. Follow the blanket manufacturer's cleaning recommendations and use gentler cleaning methods when possible.
Can horse blankets go in the dryer?
Check the care label. Unless the manufacturer specifically allows machine drying, air drying is generally the safer option because high heat can damage technical fabrics and waterproof components.
How often should you wash horse blankets?
Wash blankets when they become heavily soiled and before long-term storage. During the season, brushing and spot cleaning can help reduce the need for frequent full washes.
How do you know when a horse blanket needs to be re-waterproofed?
If a clean turnout blanket no longer repels water effectively or begins allowing moisture through the outer material, it may be time to re-waterproof it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
What You Need to Keep Blankets Going
The products referenced throughout this guide, all in stock now.
Not sure what your horse needs?
Talk to a real person. We have been making and fitting horse blankets in Chagrin Falls, Ohio since 1948, and our team can walk you through weight, fit, and sizing.
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