Cleaning Horse Boots Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide
February 17, 2025 by Maggie Carty
Brush away excess dirt from horse boots. For deeper cleaning, use water and mild soap for neoprene or synthetic boots and leather cleaner for leather boots. Scrub gently with a sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Allow the boots to air dry completely before storing or using them again. Regular cleaning prevents wear and extends their lifespan.
Why It’s Important to Clean Horse Boots:
Dirty horse boots can irritate horses’ legs and cause skin problems, directly contradicting their purpose of protecting and supporting horses’ legs.
Additionally, built-up mud, dirt, and sweat can weaken stitching and erode materials, shortening the boots’ lifespan and impeding their effectiveness.
Regular cleaning maintains durability and hygiene, prevents skin infections and chafing, and saves you from the expense of buying replacement boots.
Key Benefits of Cleaning Horse Boots:
– Prevents bacteria and fungus buildup
– Extends the lifespan of neoprene, leather, and rubber boots
– Maintains Velcro and strap functionality
– Supplies Needed for Cleaning Horse Boots
– Depending on the type of boots you have, listed below are items that are helpful to keep on hand.
Cleaning Supplies:
– Stiff brush – for brushing away excess dirt, dust, and hair
– Face Cloth or Towel – dampen to wipe off sweat and grime
– Mild soap, sponge, and water – for scrubbing stubborn stains and rinsing
– Leather conditioner – Prevents cracking
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Horse Boots
1. Preparation Gather supplies: stiff brush, bucket, hose, mild soap, and a drying rack.
2. Remove dirt Brush off mud, dust, and hair using a stiff bristle brush.
3. Pre-soak (if very dirty) Soak boots in warm water with mild soap for 10 minutes.
4. Material-specific cleaning Mesh boots: Hose off and hang to dry. Neoprene boots: Scrub with a damp sponge and mild soap. For leather boots, use saddle soap and a soft brush. PVC boots: Machine wash on a gentle cycle. Fleece-lined boots: Machine wash with cold water and a mild detergent.
5. Scrub Use a scrubber sponge or brush to clean straps and Velcro fasteners. Apply elbow grease to remove stubborn dirt effectively.
6. Rinse thoroughly Remove all soap residue with clean water.
7. Air dry Hang boots in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
8. Conditionleather Apply leather conditioner to prevent cracking if
How to Clean Velcro Straps:
Velcro straps collect dust, dirt, and horse hair, making them lose their stickiness.
– Use a stiff toothbrush to remove the stuck crud.
– Wipe with a damp cloth.
– Avoid soaking the Velcro, as water weakens the adhesive.
– Let the straps air dry before reusing.
Proper care extends the Velcro’s lifespan and ensures secure fastening.
Best Practices for Drying and Storing Horse Boots:
Improper drying can lead to mildew, odor, and material damage.
How to Dry Horse Boots:
– Place them in a well-ventilated area.
– Avoid direct sunlight to prevent cracking.
– Hang boots on a drying rack or lay flat to maintain shape.
– Looking For Horse Boots That Are Easy Keepers?
Like any equipment used in the care or training of horses, prolonging its usefulness always involves upkeep simply due to the nature of horse keeping. Anyone who’s been around horses for any length knows these beautiful creatures can be harsh on their gear!
For this reason, it goes without saying that horse boots will need regular cleaning. However, you can minimize cleaning time by choosing low-maintenance boots made with quality materials that are easy to clean, effective, and resilient.