General Washing Instructions.

All Caribu rugs are heat treated and will not suffer from shrinkage. However bindings on all horse rugs are polypropylene (like plastic) and can suffer damage in hot water (we suggest avoid using water above 40c to be safe)

• We suggest only ever use a cold water wash. Avoid hot or warm water, as some machines will use a very hot cycle, (some up to 90c+ )- excessive hot water will damage the polypropylene binding, which will melt/change shape, it tends to shrink and cause the binding to bunch up.
• Never use a clothes dryer, as the high heat will melt or damage the fabric and polypropylene bindings and straps causing shrinkage and distortion of shape.

All our rugs are labeled for Cold Water Wash only – warm water is usually  fine (less than 40c - except for Waterproof Deniers - Cold Water Only).  Most newer hot water systems are limited at 55c - However problems can arise because older hot water systems will heat water to 80C+. Additionally  most machines use thermostats to heat to their own water to pre-determined temperatures. No two machines will heat the water consistently,  most machines  can heat water up to temps over  90C+. We recommend only using Cold Water for washing rugs.

Specific Rug Care Details:

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.
   
   
5. Our Canvas is 100% Cotton - please insure before storing your rug away it is 100% dry - as any moisture in the fabric will cause mildew and deteriorate the canvas during storage.
   
   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.
   

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). Avoid using washing machines, especially top loaders which, with high agitation, can damage the waterproof membrane linings.

• Cold Water Only
• Line dry only - never use a tumble dryer.

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 allowing water to enter immediately.
  
• Never use a harsh bristled brush to scrub the outer denier, you can spike the membrane
• Never wash your waterproof rugs in a hot wash - cold water wash only.
• 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. Rugs that get used infrequently are usually the ones that have the shortest membrane life because they either dry out or grow mould.
• Some horses perspiration can be more acidic than others, depending on diet & this will shorten the membranes life.

PolyCotton Horse Rugs

Poly Cotton Rugs can generally be washed just like clothing, however please follow these points:

• We suggest only ever use a cold water wash. Avoid hot or warm water as some machines will use a very hot cycle - excessive hot water will damage the polypropylene binding, which will melt/change shape, it tends to shrink and cause the binding to bunch up.
• Avoid drying in a clothes dryer, has the high heat can melt or damage the polypropylene bindings and straps again causing the binding to shrink.

Fly Mesh Horse Rugs

Fly Mesh Rugs are 100% Polyester, they can generally be washed just like clothing, however please follow these points:

• We suggest only ever use a cold water wash. Avoid hot or warm water, as some machines will use a very hot cycle - excessive hot water will damage the polypropylene binding, which will melt/change shape, it tends to shrink and cause the binding to bunch up.
• Never use a clothes dryer, as the high heat will melt or damage the fabric and polypropylene bindings and straps causing shrinkage and distortion of shape.

Wool Horse Rugs

Our Wool rugs have been subjected to heat treatment, so you wont experience shrinkage in cold water washes, however please follow these guidelines:

• We suggest only ever use a cold water wash. Avoid hot or warm water with wool fabric (especially as some machines will use a very hot cycle - excessive hot water will damage the wool as well as the polypropylene binding, which will melt/change shape, it tends to shrink and cause the binding to bunch up.
• Avoid drying in a clothes dryer, has the high heat will effect the wool can melt or damage the polypropylene bindings and straps again causing the binding to shrink.
• Wool is a natural fibre and will 'shed' loose fibers, especially after the first wash which will bring them to the surface, if excessive, just brush the rug off and any further shedding will be minimal over its life.