Cleaning halters?

Question

Good morning.. I have some halters that are still in great shape, that I want to use for two new horses coming in. The only thing is that they have been used, so they have some dried dirt and are really stiff. I am afraid to throw them in the wash, with them having the metal on them....

What do you use for washing them? Just a cloth and water?

This is pretty much what mine is...just not as clean!!

http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT722930%201BLU

Answer 1

I throw mine in the wash...but I put them in an old pillow case and tie a knot in the top.  Keeps the metal from clacking around.

Answer 2

I will admit that I do just throw them in the washer on 40 degrees and let it go for it. I also do girths and rugs in there and the only problem it's ever given me was that the filter got bunged up with horsehair.

If you don't think your washer is up to it I'd say throw them in a bucket with hot water and washing powder, let them soak a bit them give them a good scrub. Don't forget to give them a really good rinsing.

Answer 3

Try using plenty of saddle soap. This will clean and bring back life to the leather and make it flexible again. And in the future, keep using it to clean halters and tack (This is for leather)

Use water and a sponge, to help dry the horse, there is a item called a scrapper, it removes excess water

Here are some helpful hints

I worked at the racetracks for several years when I was young

Love the horse, and the horse will love you....

Answer 4

I had to do this a few days ago, because a gelding that boards with us dunked my mare's halter in water. >.<

What I did was get some fabric softener and some color guard detergent, and soaked the halters in the water. then i grabbed a soft brush (grooming brush) and scrubbed the inside and the outside of the halter, and it was good as new!

Make sure not to use bleach, or else you'll lose the color.

Answer 5

soak it in mild soapy water, scrub to help speed up cleansing, and dry thoroughly.

Answer 6

I put mine in the wash inside a pillow case and tie the end and they come out fine. But if you don't want to risk that I woul leave them to soak in a bucket of warm water with some detergant and then scrub with a soft brush.

Good luck with the new horses =)

Answer 7

Easy last week I washed my halters. Just get a 5 gallon bucket of soapy water. I used Suave because I was too lazy to go up to the house to get soap. Anyway, unhook all the buckles and put it in the bucket. put the bucket in the sun for about a 1/2 hour or longer, every once and a while, take the halter and swirl it around in the bucket. Just rinse it out with a hose and hang it out to dry in the sun.

Answer 8

I always washed my halters, just put in the wash with soap powder , they come out fine.

Answer 9

I soak mine in shampoo and wam water for a while to loosen everything and scrub them with a soft brush, rinse and air dry.

Answer 10

I have washed mine in the washing machine.  I just don't dry them in the dryer.

I have also tossed them in a bucket of betadine shampoo for disinfecting..soaking for half the day then rinsing and hang dry.

Answer 11

Although I do take the risk and throw mine in the wash sometimes, you can also just soak them overnight in a bucket of warm soapy water, then use a scrub brush to work off the loosened dirt.

Answer 12

If they are REALLY old and haven't been worn for over two or three years then let the halters soak in separate tubs of water for about two nights so it gets them not so stiff. Change the water everyday so that they get new water. Also use lukewarm water. Use water that is a little bit colder than you would in the shower. Put soap in the water, too. Then on the second day, keep the water in the tub, but take the halter out and get any dirt off that didn't come off before.

I hope that this helps!

Answer 13

I put mine in the washing machine, inside a pillowcase to stop them bashing up the drum.  They come out (almost) good as new.

Answer 14

I soak mine in a bucket of warm water and soap for about 15 mins, then scrub brush them the best I can and put them in the washer on gentle with a few rags and all is well and they are clean and line dry:)  Sun is great for killing any remaining bacteria.

Answer 15

I wait until I have a load or towels to wash, then throw the halters in too (If they are nylon), do them in a cold water cycle and they come out GREAT.  The towels keep the rattle to a minimum.