How to Clean and Reproof a Waterproof Turnout Blanket

A waterproof turnout blanket should be washed in cold water with a non-detergent cleaner made for technical fabrics, then treated with a spray-on or wash-in reproofing agent once it dries. Regular laundry detergent strips the factory coating, which is the number one reason blankets start leaking after just 1 or 2 seasons. Reproofing restores that barrier and should be done at least once a year, ideally before the fall rains hit.

Why Do Turnout Blankets Stop Being Waterproof?

Every turnout rug, whether it is a heavyweight TuffRider or a mid-weight Horsena, is treated at the factory with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. That coating breaks down from UV exposure, dirt buildup, and especially from washing with regular detergent. Once the coating wears off, water stops beading on the surface and instead soaks into the fabric, even if the underlying material is technically still waterproof. That is why an older blanket can start "wetting through" at the shoulders and rump even though there are no visible holes.

How Often Should You Clean a Turnout Blanket?

Most horses in Texas and Oklahoma wear their turnout rugs from October through March, sometimes longer if you are dealing with an ice storm or a wet spring around the Hill Country. A good rule is to clean the blanket once mid-season if the horse lives outside full time, and again at the end of the season before storage. Spot cleaning mud and manure as it happens will also extend the life of the coating between full washes.

What Is the Right Way to Wash a Waterproof Blanket?

1. Hose off loose dirt, hay, and mud before washing. Heavy debris left in the fabric during a wash cycle can clog the pores that let the material breathe.
2. Use a technical cleaner, not standard laundry detergent. Products designed for waterproof outerwear and turnout rugs will not strip the DWR coating the way regular soap does.
3. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle if using a machine rated for blankets, or hand wash in a large tub or trough.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Leftover soap residue is one of the most common reasons a blanket looks clean but still leaks.
5. Air dry completely out of direct sun. Heat and UV speed up coating breakdown, so a shaded barn aisle or covered porch works better than a driveway in July.

How Do You Reproof a Turnout Blanket?

Once the blanket is completely dry, apply a reproofing spray or wash-in treatment evenly across the outer shell, paying extra attention to high-wear areas like the withers, shoulders, and hindquarters. Spray-on products let you target specific spots and are useful for touch-ups between full treatments. Wash-in reproofers coat the entire garment evenly and are a good choice for a full-strip, full-restore job at the end of the season. After applying, let the blanket dry fully, and for some products a low warm-dryer cycle or hair dryer on low heat helps the coating cure and bond to the fabric.

If you are shopping for a replacement rather than restoring an old one, check the Blankets & Turnout Rugs selection for current denier ratings and fill weights suited to I-35 corridor winters, where temperatures can swing 40 degrees in a single day.

What Tools and Supplies Do You Need on Hand?

Keep a dedicated blanket-washing kit in the tack room: a soft bristle brush for pre-wash debris, a technical cleaner, a reproofing spray or wash-in treatment, and a stiff hook or blanket bar for drying. Many ranch owners also keep a basic detangler and coat conditioner nearby from their grooming and health care supplies, since a clean blanket paired with a clean coat underneath reduces rub marks and skin irritation over a long winter.

FAQ

Can I wash a turnout blanket in a regular home washing machine?

Only if the machine is large enough to handle the bulk without straining the motor or seams, and only on a cold, gentle cycle. Many owners prefer a large-capacity laundromat machine or a livestock trough and hand-washing method instead, especially for heavyweight blankets from brands like TuffRider or Supreme Products.

How do I know if my blanket needs reproofing?

Pour a cup of water on the outer shell. If it beads up and rolls off, the coating is still working. If it soaks in or darkens the fabric, it is time to reproof.

Can I use fabric softener on a turnout blanket?

No. Fabric softener leaves a residue that interferes with waterproofing and can clog the fabric's breathability, trapping moisture against the horse instead of letting it evaporate.

How long does a reproofing treatment last?

Most treatments last a full season with normal outdoor use, though horses turned out 24/7 in wet Texas or Oklahoma winters may need a mid-season touch-up spray on high-wear areas.

Should I reproof a new blanket right out of the package?

Not immediately. New blankets from brands like Lettia and Horsena come with the factory DWR coating intact. Save reproofing for after the first wash, once that original coating starts to wear down.

Keeping a reliable rotation of clean, properly proofed blankets, along with a backup from the Bundles & Sets collection for when one is in the wash, is one of the simplest ways to keep a horse dry and comfortable through an unpredictable Southern Plains winter.