# Winter Blanket Storage - **URL:** https://piaffehorse.com/storing-winter-blankets/ ## Storing Winter Blankets: Clean, Dry, Repaired, Then Packed Away The frosty breath of winter fades, the sun starts to warm the air, and every horse owner faces the same familiar chore of putting the cozy winter blankets away. It’s tempting to say, “I’ll just fold them up and toss them in the corner.” Please don’t. How you store your horse’s winter blankets decides how long they last, how clean they stay and how well they keep your horse warm when the cold returns. Your tack room stays tidier, too, but that’s only a bonus. You wouldn’t shove your favorite winter coat into a heap and expect it to look fresh next year, and a blanket deserves the same treatment if you want it working its magic season after season. Good storage habits save time, effort and money. Picture reaching for a blanket next winter and finding it covered in mold, chewed by mice or stiff with old mud. That’s a rotten surprise, and it happens more often than you’d think. A little extra time now prevents all of it and guarantees your horse a comfortable, well-protected blanket. Here are the best ways to get those blankets ready for their long summer nap. ### Clean Every Blanket First, Because Dirt Causes Most Storage Problems Every blanket needs a good cleaning before it goes anywhere, and this is probably the most important step in the whole process. Dirt, sweat and horsehair cause trouble when they sit on fabric for months. Mice and insects love to nibble on dirty material, and the same grime creates a perfect home for mold and mildew. Those make the blankets smelly and can harm your horse’s skin. #### Remove Loose Dirt and Hair Start by shaking out as much dirt, mud and hair as you can. A stiff brush or a special grooming vacuum does the job nicely. A winter blanket collects a surprising amount of hair, so don’t be shocked by the pile. Give extra attention to the underside, where sweat and skin oils build up. Once the loose material is gone, washing is quicker and more effective. #### Wash the Blankets Properly Washing a horse blanket is nothing like washing your clothes. These blankets are big and heavy, and many have special waterproof coatings that you’ll want to protect. Check the label for the maker’s washing instructions first. These general tips help too: - Use a large washing machine: A commercial-sized washer at a laundromat or a heavy-duty washer at home usually works best. Small machines may not get the blanket clean, and the weight can even damage them. - Cold water and gentle cycle: This protects the fabric and any special coatings. - Special detergents: Pick a detergent made for waterproof fabrics, or a mild, non-biological one. Skip fabric softeners, because they can block the “breathable” pores of waterproof blankets. You may already know some gentle cleansing products for general horse care. To keep your horse’s coat and body sparkling clean, browse our [Coat & Body Care collection](/product-category/coat-body-care/), where products like [Reluminate Shampoo](/product/reluminate-shampoo/) and [Revive Shampoo](/product/revive-shampoorevive-shampoo/) are designed to be gentle yet effective. - Hand washing (if needed): Very delicate or heavily soiled areas may need hand washing with a soft brush and suitable soap. Rinse the blanket thoroughly afterward. Leftover soap residue can irritate your horse’s skin or attract dirt later. #### Dry Thoroughly Don’t rush this step. A blanket that’s even a little damp invites mold and mildew to throw a party. Hang it in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors on a sunny day, and make sure every part is bone-dry before you think about folding it. Thicker blankets can take a day or two, so be patient and check the seams and straps, where moisture hides longest. ### Repair Wear and Tear Now, Before Small Problems Grow Your blankets are clean and dry, which makes this the perfect time for a thorough inspection. Winter is tough on blankets, thanks to all the rolling, playing and general horse antics. You may find small rips, tears, loose straps or missing buckles. Fixing these minor issues now beats discovering a huge problem next winter while you’re rushing to cover a shivering horse. #### Check for Damage Lay each blanket out flat and look over every inch. Watch for these problems: - Small tears or holes: They grow much larger if nobody repairs them. - Loose stitching: Check especially around seams, buckles and straps. - Damaged buckles or clips: Make sure they open and close easily and aren’t bent or broken. - Worn elastic or leg straps: Both lose their stretch over time. #### Mend What You Can Many minor repairs are easy at home with a sewing kit, strong thread and a patching kit made for horse blankets. Bigger tears and specialized jobs, like re-waterproofing patches, are better sent to a professional blanket repair service, which gives your blanket a little spa treatment to keep it in tip-top shape. Our horses sometimes need extra attention as well. For specialized care products that help protect and maintain your horse, explore our [Specialized Care & Protection](/product-category/specialized-care-protection/) range. The reason to repair now is simple. A small tear today can become a massive, unfixable hole tomorrow. Blankets that are mended in advance are ready the moment cold weather arrives, and that spares you stress and surprise repair bills. ### Store Blankets in a Cool, Dry, Dark Spot That Pests Can’t Reach Where you store your blankets matters almost as much as how you prepare them. Look for a place that’s safe from pests, moisture and extreme temperatures, a nice, cozy, dry cave where the blankets can hibernate. #### Cool, Dry, and Dark - Cool: Extreme heat can damage some blanket materials and coatings over time. - Dry: Dryness prevents mold and mildew, so a damp basement or a leaky shed is out of the question. - Dark: Over long periods, sunlight fades colors and weakens fabric. #### Away from Pests Mice, rats and insects such as moths or silverfish love to nest in horse blankets or nibble on them, especially when the blankets weren’t cleaned properly. Keep these visitors out with sealed containers or bags. If pests are a problem in your storage area, natural deterrents such as cedar blocks or peppermint oil can help, as long as they never touch the blankets directly. A clean storage area is your first line of defense. #### Good Airflow Even dry blankets benefit from some airflow. Breathable storage bags solve that problem nicely. Without them, make sure the storage area isn’t completely sealed off, and give it enough ventilation to prevent stuffiness. ### Pack Blankets Away by Folding or Rolling Them into Bags or Bins Your blankets are clean, dry and repaired, so now you can pack them up. Several methods work, and the best choice depends on your space and the type of blankets you own. #### Folding vs. Rolling - Folding: Folding keeps blankets neat and easy to stack. Fold them carefully to avoid hard creases, which can weaken the fabric over time. - Rolling: Rolling prevents sharp creases and saves space, especially with vacuum-sealed bags. It also avoids pressure points that could compress the blanket’s fill in one spot. Whichever you choose, make the blankets as compact as possible without damaging them. #### Storage Bags and Containers These are the protective summer homes for your blankets: - Breathable blanket bags: Many blankets arrive with their own storage bags, often made of breathable fabric. They keep out dust and some pests while allowing a bit of air circulation. - Plastic totes or bins: Heavy-duty totes with tight-fitting lids keep out moisture, dust and all sorts of pests. They stack well and last. Make sure the blankets are 100% dry before you seal them in. - Vacuum-sealed bags: These save a huge amount of space, because a bulky blanket shrinks to a fraction of its size. Don’t over-compress heavily insulated blankets, since that can flatten the fill permanently. This method protects very well against pests and moisture. #### Labeling Label every container. A simple tag reading “Winter Blankets – Horse’s Name – Size” saves a lot of guessing and digging next fall. You can also jot down whether a blanket needs special attention or repair next season, in case you missed something. These steps protect your blankets through their off-season rest. ### Table: Do’s and Don’ts for Storing Winter Blankets This quick summary helps you remember the most important points: DO DON’T DO clean all blankets thoroughly. DON’T store dirty or soiled blankets. DO make sure blankets are completely dry before storing. DON’T put away blankets that are even slightly damp. DO repair any rips, tears or broken straps. DON’T leave minor damage unaddressed. DO store in a cool, dry, dark place. DON’T store in damp basements, leaky sheds or direct sunlight. DO use pest-proof containers (sealed bins, vacuum bags). DON’T leave blankets exposed to pests like mice or insects. DO label containers so you can identify them easily. DON’T forget what’s in which container. DO check the storage area periodically for issues. DON’T forget about the blankets until next winter. ### Proper Storage Pays Off in Longer Blanket Life and a Healthier Horse You may think, “Wow, that’s a lot of work!” Trust us, the benefits of proper winter blanket storage far outweigh the effort. It’s an investment in your horse’s comfort and your own peace of mind. #### It Extends the Life of Your Blankets Caring for your favorite boots makes them last longer, and cleaning and storing horse blankets properly prevents wear and tear in the same way. Dirt, moisture and pests degrade fabrics and waterproof coatings quickly. Protect your blankets and they stay strong and functional for many winters to come, so you buy new ones less often. #### It Saves Time and Money Think of next fall, when you open a bin and pull out clean, fresh, ready-to-use blankets. No last-minute washing, no frantic repairs, no unexpected trip to the tack store because a blanket was ruined in storage. You save valuable time when the cold weather suddenly hits, and you save money by delaying the replacement of expensive blankets. #### It’s Healthier for Your Horse Stored properly, blankets are also healthier for your horse. Clean blankets reduce the risk of skin irritations, rubs and skin conditions caused by dirt, bacteria, mold or mildew. A fresh, well-maintained blanket adds to your horse’s overall well-being and comfort, which is what every horse owner wants. ### Looking Ahead to Next Winter With every winter blanket safely tucked away, you can relax, because you’ve prepared well for the future. You’re ready for whatever next winter brings, at least where keeping your horse cozy is concerned. Now is also a good moment to review other horse care needs for the coming seasons. Whether you want grooming supplies, specialized treatments or simply new essentials, everything your horse needs to stay happy and healthy is in our [shop](/shop-2/) and across our [full range of products](/product-category/all-products/). Keeping your horse well groomed and protected year-round never really ends. You might check out some great mane and tail products, such as our [Reluxe M&T Shampoo](/product/reluxe-maintail-shampoo/) or a wonderful conditioner like [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner/). A healthy coat starts with great products, and caring for your horse’s mane and tail is part of that year-round routine. Even while the blankets are away for the season, [Repel Oil Shampoo](/product/repel-oil-shampoo/) keeps the coat in good health, and [Refresh M&T Cream](/product/refresh-maintail-cream/) keeps manes and tails looking their best. ### Conclusion Storing your horse’s winter blankets correctly is an essential part of responsible horse ownership. It’s about more than tidiness. It’s a commitment to longevity, efficiency and your horse’s health. Clean the blankets, repair them, choose the right storage spot and use smart storage methods, and they’ll be in perfect condition, ready to provide warmth and comfort the moment the first snowflake falls again. Take the time now and enjoy a stress-free transition into next winter, knowing your horse’s wardrobe is perfectly prepared.