1. Will your wash products ruin my blankets waterproofing?
No, it absolutely will not harm the waterproofing. We have made very careful decision with the equine wash products we use and only trust our clients items with Blanket Safe. Blanket Safe is one of the only veterinarian-backed wash products on the market and it will not cause negative reactions to your horses coat or skin and is free of harmful chemicals. Blanket Safe products are gentle to all fabrics and will not strip away the water protection. Blanket Safe is also proudly made in the USA.
2. How long does my blanket remain waterproof?
Most blanket manufacturers have a strong factory-applied waterproofing that should last between 3-5 years, depending on the brand. I recommend checking your blankets warranty information at time of purchase to determine their waterproofing coverage. Things that will remove your blankets waterproof efficiency over time are urine/manure, sunlight, heat, damage to fabrics such as rips and tears, and ultimately overall age and wear from time. We recommend a re-waterproofing once a year if your blanket is over the factory warranty. Please keep in mind that any products applied beyond the original factory applied waterproofing will only provide a light barrier for "showers" and will not keep your horse fully dry in a downpour or if they stand in rain for hours. These products are a water-repellant not a water-proofing and the effectiveness can be limited if the blanket does not have a tight weave, is extremely old and worn, and if the horse is in direct contact with the elements for extended time. If your blanket has any rips or tears, no matter how small, the horse will not stay dry even with a product applied. There comes a time to make a decision if a repellant product is the right choice or if its time to purchase a new blanket.
3. Why does my blanket need to be washed before a repair...its not that dirty and I don't want to pay for a wash...?
We do require that all items that need a repair be "fully clean" prior to the repair service. This is because our amazing and very talented seamstress works out of her home and does not need dirt, hay, shavings or horsehair inside her house. As horse owners...our interpretation of "its not that dirty" can be very different than non-horse peoples idea! We do have a discounted wash available for drop-off clients called a Basic Wash and this option will save you anywhere from $4 to $6 off of the standard price. The only exception to requiring a wash prior to repair is if the blanket is brand new and needs altering for fit.
4. Is there a way to get a discounted wash?
Yes, we do offer a discounted Wash that is for Drop-Off clients (not available for pick-up and delivery)
Make sure you ask for the "Basic Wash" when you leave your order and we will wash and air-dry for only $20 per blanket or sheet. Please be aware that for us to discount these orders, there is no additional hand cleaning or Velcro cleaning at the end of the wash cycle...what comes off in the machine wash is what comes off. If you prefer to have all of the "finishing treatments" as well as the free gift...please stick with the full price service.
5. Can I request an expedited order for my blankets?
We process all client blankets in the order that they are received. We will not be able to move your personal blankets ahead of any other order, and no...offering to pay more does not change our mind. Please plan accordingly as to when you drop off and how long our current turnaround time is. All blankets take a minimum of 1 day to wash and 4 days to fully air dry and receive the finishing touches before bagging. You MAY request to pick up your item early but it will not be discounted if they are not fully dry.
6. Can I just wash my blankets at home?
You can...as long as you have a heavy duty front load washer that is at least a 30 pound load machine. You also want to be OK with metal hardware and buckles potentially damaging your personal washer. I highly recommend taking your blankets to a professional equine laundry a minimum of once a year for a thorough cleaning as well as for any repairs and water repellant treatments you may need. What I do recommend to all of my clients is to use a hard brush regularly to remove any mud and hair from the blanket in between cleanings. You can also hose off your blankets with COLD water and NO DETERGENT (unless you are using a specific product designed for horse blankets). Make sure you air-dry and never put blankets in a dryer as heat with ruin the fabrics and remove waterproofing.
7. TIPS for maintaining and protecting your blankets...
Do NOT store your blankets "dirty"....what does this mean? I strongly recommend washing your blankets as soon as you no longer need them for the season. When you allow your blankets to remain dirty for extended periods of time before cleaning, the chemicals in horse urine and manure will start to degrade your fabrics, stitching and waterproofing. Fabrics may also "fade" and have permanent discoloration due to urine and manure. These discolorations seldom are reversible and your blankets may not regain their original coloring. Also, the summer heat and sunlight adds to the potential of damage to fabric. The other problem of not washing your blankets immediately is that if left damp and then bagged...the chance of mold and mildew is very likely and in some cases is very difficult to fully remove the stains and musty smell. My best advice....WASH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! With that said...if you do have to hold on to your dirty blankets longer than planned, DO NOT seal them in a closed bag if they are "wet or damp" as this will create mold and mildew which can be hard to fully remove. Leave bags open to allow items to "breathe" or keep blankets on racks or hanging hooks until its time to clean.