Caring for Synthetic Waterproof Horse Rugs

We recommend you don't use detergents or any type of chemical on synthetic waterproof rugs as this can damage the waterproofing membrane. We suggest you hand wash them in cold water or wipe off with a damp cloth or sponge. (Never scrub).

To insure you get a long life from your waterproof denier, take a few precautions.

• Never spray a high pressure hose at your horse rug - you will damage the small pores in the membrane on the underside of the denier, allowing water to enter immediately. if needed wash down with a sponge.
  
• Never use a harsh bristled brush to scrub the outer denier, you can spike the membrane on the underside.
• Never wash your waterproof rugs in a hot wash - cold water wash only.
• Never put them in a dryer - they will melt. Drip dry outside.
• Never use additives like Tea Tree Oil or Eucalyptus oil etc on your rugs or in the wash - they can effect the membrane lining
• Never put a rug away damp or sweaty for long periods of time. Mould and mildew will eat away at the membrane over time.
• UV will eventually effect the lining over a long period of time. When rugs are not being used, avoid leaving them out on rails in direct sun for days or weeks at a time.
• Before storing your rug away, insure it is dry and at room temperature. Don't take directly from a warm sunny clothes line and seal away, as this can be detrimental to the waterproofing membrane. Allow the rug to cool down and air at room temperature for a few hours before packing away. The polymer membrane lining, which gives the rug its waterproofing, is similar to a rubber compound. It has an inherent moisture content which varies with environmental conditions like humidity etc. Waterproofing eventually fails in a rug when the lining ages and the polymer dries out and becomes brittle. Storing the rug away for long, extended periods, can accelerate the breakdown of the membrane. The rug needs to be aired from time to time to allow it to 'breath' & insure the polymer lining doesn't dry out excessively.

Canvas Horse Rug Care

To insure the long life and durability of your canvas rug - please follow these instructions:

1. Prior to using we suggest you thoroughly wet the canvas with a light hose and let the rug dry fully in the sun. This is necessary to allow the fabric to settle and stitching to swell. If you fail to do this you may find your rug absorbs excessive water in the initial exposure to rain. Store away only when completely dry - this will avoid disappointment when you next get your rug out again and find it very moldy! Do not use a high pressure nozzle to wet your rug as the high pressure could compromise the waterproofing.

2. Never scrub the canvas - to remove dirt use a damp cloth or try brushing the fabric with a soft brush when any dirt has dried. Do not use soaps, detergents or other liquid cleaners.

3. Remove any mildew as it appears, and allow the rug plenty of sun exposure afterwards.
   
   
4. No Canvas rug is 100% waterproof - the waterproofing process is designed to repel showers & light rain & wont stand up to heavy or prolonged weather, as water will slowly seep thru the fabric. The thickness and tight weave helps to slow the seeping process. With exposure to heavy or prolonged periods of rain - you will need to remove canvas regularly and allow to dry out completely.
   
   The waterproofing agent used on canvas breaks down with exposure and you may need to apply a waterproof coating every 6-12 months to insure the waterproofness of the canvas. Much depends on the weave and fabric composition.

PolyCotton Rugs

Poly Cotton Rugs can generally be washed just like clothing, avoid drying in a clothes dryer, has the high heat can melt or damage the polypropylene bindings and straps.