Cleaning and Storing of Rugs
Use the warm days of Spring & Summer to clean and repair all those dirty rugs before they are needed for the following Winter.
Rugs that are cleaned each year will last longer and are much more comfortable for the horse to wear. By removing the mud, muck, hair and dead skin the horse will stay cleaner through the winter. Washing may also help to prevent any skin problems from recurring.
There are two ways of cleaning rugs. The first is to send them away to a professional outfit or the second way is to Do-It-Yourself!
It is not difficult, but you will need the following:
a large dustbin
a hose pipe
a clean free-draining surface
non-biological washing powder
a bass broom
an old dandy brush
protective waterproof clothing including wellies
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Allow one cup of washing powder for each rug and place in a bucket together with some hot water to allow the powder to dissolve.
Note: Some of the modern breathable fabrics can have their waterproofing removed by ordinary detergents. Check the rug's care instructions before starting.
Now tip into the clean dustbin and fill with cold water. Place rug(s) into dustbin and push down into the water and allow to soak overnight.
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About 30 minutes before cleaning the first rug tip the dustbin on its side and let the rug drain.
You will stay drier and the rug will not be so heavy to lift.
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Using a pressure washer makes the whole process easier. Simply soak as before and allow to drain before hanging on a large piece of plywood or brick wall.
Start at the top of the rug working your way down removing all dirt, hair and soap. Repeat on the other side and hang out to dry.
Be aware that use of a pressure washer could mark a rug or even rip the fabric on an old one.
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New Zealand / Jute rugs
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Lay out on a free draining surface and scrub off all the superficial dirt with an old Dandy brush. Using the broom and hose pipe sloosh the rug with water sweeping away all mud and muck.
Repeat this process on the other side and then continue to sweep and rinse on both sides until the water running from it is clean.
Hang up to dry.
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Stable rugs
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As before, allow to soak and then scrub off the dirt with a Dandy brush.
This time return rug to dustbin and rinse with hose pipe - climbing into the bin and standing on the rug will help to swill it.
Drain and repeat until water runs clear then hang out to dry.
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Before...
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After
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Rug Storage
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Rugs can be safely stored for the summer in vermin proof metal containers with a few moth balls.
Large quantities of rugs can be stored on racks with moth balls hung amongst them.
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