HOW DIRTY CAN A BLANKET GET?

It's time to have dirty turnout blankets and sheets washed, repaired if needed and put away until
next winter.

I decided to wash my own this year instead of sending them to our local "blanket lady," which is something I haven't done in years because it's damn hard and dirty work.

Reading up on blanket/sheet washing, I learned that it's a big "no no" to use regular clothes-washing detergent on waterproofed horse blankets/sheets. The detergent removes the waterproofing.

I also read dire warnings that dirty blankets and sheets can ruin the washing machine, especially the top-loading variety like I have, but I forged on anyway. So far, there've been no disasters. Here is what I did:

*Buy horse blanket wash and be sure to get one that says it will not destroy the waterproofing.

*Throw the blanket/sheet over a fence and hose the heck out of it. If needed, rub while wet with a horse brush. (You can also give the outside of the blanket/sheet a good brushing before washing while it's on the horse, which is probably easier, but I read this tip too late.)

For top-loading machines, fold the blanket/sheet in half, lengthwise.

For large blankets/sheets, fold lengthwise again.

*Let the blanket/sheet dry so it won't be so heavy.


*If you have a top-loading washer, fold the blanket/sheet in half, inside out, lengthwise. Hook up belly straps (yes it can be done even when folded inside out). If the leg straps can be removed, put them in a lingerie bag for washing.

If it's a large blanket (about size 78 or larger), fold it in half, lengthwise, again, which will make it easier to get into the washing machine.


*Stuff the blanket/sheet into the washing machine. For a top-loading machine, be sure to tuck the blanket in so that the belly straps (and leg straps if any are attached) are away from the agitator, where they can get tangled up.

*If the blanket/sheet is moderately to severely dirty, run it through a rinse cycle first. Be generous with your water level!

*Now run the blanket/sheet through a wash cycle using your blanket-washing product.

*Remove from washer and refold the blanket/sheet lengthwise so the outside of the blanket/sheet is exposed this time, and wash it again with the blanket wash. In other words, wash both sides of the blanket; unless it's for a miniature or small pony, it will fit into a typical washer so tightly that it won't get clean unless you wash each side.

*Hang out to dry thoroughly before folding and putting away for next winter.

Notes:

If there's a lot of hair left in your washing machine, wipe it out with damp paper towels. I followup with a load of wash rags and bleach to clean and sterilize the washer.

If you have a sheet with a mesh lining and a very hairy horse, any hair you didn't get out with hosing or brushing will ball up under the lining. Our professional blanket lady opens the lining around the edge just enough to remove the hair, then sews the lining back up. I live with the hair that I can't get out...

If the waterproofing on your blanket/sheet is shot, it's probably best to send it out to a professional. We've found that store-bought waterproofing products don't work well; our blanket lady uses a commercial waterproofing product. Then again, by the time you pay for cleaning and waterproofing, you can probably get a new sheet or blanket on sale for just a bit more!