It's a lot of work to keep up horse duties. One of those duties is to maintain washing and waterproofing horse blankets. Quality horse blankets, like most horse gear, can cost some money so you want to do all you can to make them last as long as possible.
There are water repellent products you can spray on horse blankets but a thorough waterproofing procedure also includes a good wash. That is why you need to be prepared to get a spray, a good detergent specifically created for outdoor fabrics, and a waterproof concentrate.
Each has a purpose and you will likely use all three throughout the year. Eventually, you will prefer one over the others but all are needed over time.
How Do You Know When to Waterproof Horse Blankets?
All new blankets need to be waterproofed and washed. This gets rid of any chemicals that can hurt your horse. Your new blankets can undergo waterproofing once they are clean and dry. You can't waterproof once and expect to be done.
No waterproof spray lasts forever and blankets need to be re-waterproofed at times. There isn't a specific time frame to re-waterproof horse blankets. It depends on how much you use them and how many blankets you use.
The general rule is wetness along the croup and the midline of the horse's back is an indicator you need to re-waterproof your blankets.
Some people waterproof blankets seasonally as part of their regular maintenance of horse gear. Although that is a good way to remember to check and maintain blankets, your blankets may need more care than that. Pay more attention to your horse than the calendar.
Things to Look For In a Good Waterproof Product
Some general rules for finding a good waterproof product will help you pick one that works for you. You don't have to buy one specifically for horse blankets either. People use other types of waterproof products that work for other fabrics and find they work equally well for horse blankets. Products that are used for outdoor patio cushions or canvas tents may work well for blankets.
They may be cheaper too. Just look at the ingredients to make sure they don't have elements that would be harmful to horses. Make sure they are suitable for the type of material your horse blankets are made from. Different products are crafted for certain fabrics and will ruin others. Read the label to see what a product can be used for before buying it.
Other general rules include:
Best Products to Waterproof Horse Blankets
Some products are purely sprayed on but others are both waterproofing and cleaning solutions. Here are some choices of products.
Waterproofing Products
1. Dry Guy Waterproofing Concentrate
Features:
- ECO friendly water based waterproofing liquid concentrate
- Preserves the breathability of modern membrane textiles
- Concentrate MUST BE DILUTED 3 parts water to 1 part concentrate
This product is an eco-friendly liquid concentrate that is water-based. It works to preserve breathability in modern textiles. The bottle has enough concentrate for four large winter blankets.
2. Nikwax TX.Direct Wash In
Features:
- Restores water-repellency and revives breathability of all waterproof garments
- For use on all waterproof outerwear, such as rain and ski jackets, and synthetic sleeping bags
- Easy wash-in application; machine wash safe
This is a product that restores waterproofing and can be used on all sorts of things from horse blankets and outerwear like jackets as well as synthetic sleeping bags. It also helps improve the breathability of materials.
This product is water-based and biodegradable. It doesn't have any PFCs, VOCs, added scents, or brighteners.
Waterproofing Sprays
1. Dry Guy Waterproofing Spray
Features:
- Superior BREATHABLE fabric waterproofing concentrate specifically formulated for horse blankets
- Preserves the breathability of modern membrane textiles
- Resists water absorption due to flex & abrasion damage
This pack of four provides excellent fabric waterproofing that is breathable. It is a concentrate developed especially for horse blankets and other pet items including pet clothing, bedding, and protective gear. It is a water-based spray.
2. Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
Features:
- Waterproofing + UV & stain protection for all covers
- Does not change the breathabilty, color, or feel of fabric
- Great for use on new fabrics
This waterproofing spray not only makes fabrics water repellent but also offers stain and ultra-violet ray protection for all your items. It can be used on several outdoor items from boat covers to sails, backpacks, and patio covers as well as horse blankets.
This product doesn't change the color, breathability, or feel of fabrics and it can be used on acrylic, leather, and nylon. It is made in the USA.
You will also need some good detergent for washing horse blankets and rugs that won't destroy your waterproofing or add extra chemicals to the blankets. Here is one suggestion.
Waterproofing and Cleaning Solutions
1. Nikwax Rug Wash
Features:
- Safely cleans horse rugs and blankets without damaging water repellent finishes
- Doubles the life of Nikwax waterproofing treatments and revitalizes insulation
- Easy wash-in application; machine wash safe
This water-based, biodegradable liquid cleans horse blankets and rugs safely without damaging their waterproofing. This wash is safe for all synthetic, cotton. canvas and both lined and unlined horse rungs. It also doesn’t contain any optical brighteners or scents.
The Process of Waterproofing a Horse Blanket
It is easy to waterproof a horse blanket but you do have to both clean it, waterproof it, and then clean it again. The blanket should be clean before putting a water repellent on it. Let it dry before using a spray on it.
Waterproof Your Horse Blanket
Waterproofing and cleaning horse blankets isn't a difficult thing to do. Just be sure to use the right products. Good products that are designed for fabrics, such as those horse blankets are made of, will help protect your blankets and your horses.