How do I wash a rug properly and how often?

Wash a rug according to the care label, usually on a gentle cycle at a low temperature and without fabric softener, and let it air dry. The manufacturer Waldhausen advises you to brush off heavy dirt beforehand, hose down very dirty rugs in advance and fold in the buckles so that they do not damage the machine. For large rugs they recommend a machine with at least a 12 kg load capacity.

For daily use Waldhausen suggests a washing interval of 2 to 4 weeks, for occasional use 1 to 2 months and at the end of the season a thorough wash before storing. Turnout rugs often lose some waterproofness when washed and then need to be reproofed.

By Julia Lühr, Ahrens Reitsport in Tangstedt · Updated 18 October 2026

How do I prepare the rug for washing?

Before the rug goes into the machine, you should check it for damage and remove heavy dirt. The manufacturer Waldhausen recommends repairing holes before washing so that they do not get bigger in the machine.

Read the care label. It determines the temperature and whether handwashing or machine washing is better.
Remove hair and dirt with a stiff brush or a rubber curry comb.
Rinse very dirty rugs beforehand with the garden hose so that the machine does not get clogged.
Soak dried-on dirt in warm water.
Fold buckles and fastenings into the rug or cover them with socks.

Which washing programme is right?

The right programme is the one stated on the care label, for many rugs a gentle cycle at 30 °C. For its fleece cooler rug, for example, Kentucky Horsewear specifies 30 °C in the machine and advises against using a tumble dryer. Waldhausen recommends a machine with at least a 12 kg load capacity for large rugs and a programme with pre-wash, main wash and one or two additional rinse cycles.

You should avoid fabric softener. Waldhausen explains that its smell can be unpleasant for horses.

How do I dry a rug?

Dry the rug in the air, hung up flat and without creases. Hot air and tumble dryers can damage the material and its function. Only fold the rug up when it is completely dry, otherwise mould can form.

Do I need to reproof a turnout rug after washing?

Often yes, because washing reduces the waterproofness of many turnout rugs. Waldhausen mentions two options: a detergent with waterproofing agent directly in the wash, or a waterproofing spray applied to the fully dried rug. Rugs whose waterproofness comes from the material itself are an exception. According to Waldhausen these should not be reproofed, because this can clog the pores and reduce breathability. Always follow the instructions of the waterproofing product.