A Guide to Horse Rug Care

Canvas Rug Care

Unlike other rugs - canvas needs a little TLC before using for the first time. 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 the disappointment you will have when you next get your rug out 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. All Canvas rugs are not 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.

Synthetic Waterproof 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).

Avoid hosing down your synthetic waterproof rugs with a high pressure hose. The waterproof membrane is on the underside of the denier. If you hold the rug up to the sun and look up from the underside – you will see the thousands of little pins holes of light – these are the waterproof pores in the fabric that give the rug its breathability. The waterproof membrane insures the holes are smaller than a water molecule – so water cant enter the rug. Our rugs have a 3000mm water proof rating, which is the amount of pressure the fabric will take before the water gets forced thru the denier. Unfortunately when you use a high pressure hose on synthetic rugs you can “blow” open the membrane – after which water will pass thru these wholes as they are no longer smaller than a molecule of water.

Refer to care labels on individual rugs, if available.

When finished washing, the rug should be hung out to dry in a well-ventilated area with the outer coating facing up. (Don’t use a dryer) Even waterproof rugs get damp in extended heavy rain, and we suggest you remove and dry out when possible.

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.