Can I use Oxy-Clean?
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Why You Should NOT Use Oxy Clean on Horse Blankets
You pull your horse’s winter blanket out of the tack room, and the smell alone makes you take a step back. Mud, sweat, and who-knows-what else are caked into the fabric. You know it needs a serious wash, and as you scan your laundry supplies, that bright, cheerful container of Oxy Clean seems to practically call your name. After all, it promises to lift stains, brighten fabrics, and remove odors—exactly what you need, right?
Not so fast.
While Oxy Clean works wonders on your everyday laundry, using it on your horse’s blankets is like washing a waterproof jacket with dish soap—what seems like a good idea at first can end up ruining the very thing you’re trying to clean. The wrong cleaner can strip away waterproofing, weaken stitching, and leave behind residue that could irritate your horse’s skin.
As someone who’s spent years professionally washing and repairing horse blankets, I’ve seen it all—the stiff, crunchy fabrics, the once-waterproof sheets that now soak up rain like a sponge, and the desperate owners wondering why their once-reliable blankets aren’t holding up anymore. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly why Oxy Clean is a no-go and what to use instead to keep your blankets clean, safe, and long-lasting
1. The Science Behind Horse Blanket Materials & Why Oxy Clean is Harmful
Think of your horse’s blanket like a high-tech winter coat—built with layers of carefully engineered materials designed to keep moisture out while still letting the fabric breathe. Most turnout blankets have a waterproof outer shell, an insulating middle layer, and a soft inner lining. Each layer plays a role in protecting your horse from the elements while keeping them comfortable.
Now, imagine throwing that expensive winter coat into the wash with a cleaner that wasn’t designed for it. Harsh cleaning agents—like the ones in Oxy Clean—can break down the waterproof coating, leaving your horse’s blanket about as effective as a wet towel on a rainy day.
What Happens When Oxy Clean Meets Horse Blanket Fabric?
Breaks Down Waterproofing: Oxy Clean contains powerful oxygen-based bleach, which can strip away the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. Once that’s gone, water no longer beads off—it soaks in.
Weakens Fabric & Stitching: Those tough seams keeping the blanket together?
Harsh detergents can weaken them, leading to more rips, tears, and an overall shorter lifespan for your blanket.
Leaves Behind Residue:
Unlike human clothes, horse blankets are thick and absorbent. If not rinsed thoroughly, detergent residue can linger, potentially irritating your horse’s skin or causing allergic reactions.
I once had a customer who swore by Oxy Clean—until she noticed her horse’s previously waterproof turnout sheet was suddenly absorbing water. She thought maybe it was just getting old, but when she brought it to me, I could tell immediately what had happened. The waterproofing was gone, and when she mentioned using Oxy Clean, I wasn’t surprised. That blanket, once her go-to for wet weather, was now just another layer of fabric that did little to keep her horse dry.
2. How Oxy Clean Affects Horses' Skin & Health
Picture this: You just spent all day outside in the cold, bundled up in your favorite winter jacket. You finally come inside, peel it off, and—ugh—you realize your skin is itchy, red, and irritated. Turns out, the detergent you used last time left behind some residue, and now your skin is paying the price. Now imagine that happening to your horse.
Horses have sensitive skin—far more delicate than ours in many ways. When a blanket is washed with harsh cleaners like Oxy Clean, the residue doesn’t just disappear, even if you rinse thoroughly. The thick, layered fabric of horse blankets traps detergent deep in the fibers, meaning your horse could be exposed to chemical irritants every time they wear it.
The Hidden Risks of Residue on Horse Blankets
Skin Irritation & Hair Loss –
Horses can develop rashes, hives, or dry, flaky skin from prolonged contact with chemical residues. In severe cases, you may notice bald patches where the blanket rubs against sensitive areas like the shoulders or withers.
Respiratory Sensitivities –
Have you ever caught a whiff of strong detergent and felt your nose burn? Horses have a much stronger sense of smell than we do, and lingering detergent scents or chemical fumes can cause respiratory irritation, especially in horses prone to allergies or heaves.
Ingestion Risks –
Some horses love to nibble on their blankets (we all know that horse). If a blanket has residual Oxy Clean or other chemical detergents, your horse could accidentally ingest these substances, leading to potential digestive upset or toxicity concerns.
I once had a friend who washed her horse’s blankets with an everyday household detergent, thinking it was a harmless swap. A week later, she noticed her gelding rubbing his shoulders against the stall walls, scratching himself raw. After ruling out insect bites and allergies, she rewashed the blanket with a horse-safe detergent—and just like that, the itching stopped. That’s how quickly the wrong cleaner can turn into a real problem.
How Can You Tell If Your Blanket Still Has Residue?
If your horse is suddenly itchy after wearing a clean blanket, that’s a red flag.
- Rinse the blanket and see if suds still appear—if so, detergent is still trapped in the fabric.
- Smell test: If it still smells like detergent after drying, there’s likely residue left behind.
- Using the wrong cleaner doesn’t just impact your blanket—it affects your horse’s comfort, skin health, and even their ability to breathe easily. But don’t worry, there’s a better way. Up next, I’ll walk you through safer, more effective alternatives that will keep your blankets clean without the risk.
3. What to Use Instead: Safe & Effective Alternatives
So, if Oxy Clean is a no-go, what should you use instead? You need something tough on dirt and odors but gentle on waterproofing, stitching, and—most importantly—your horse’s skin. The good news? There are plenty of safe alternatives that will get your blankets clean without compromising their performance or your horse’s comfort.
1. Horse-Safe Laundry Soaps: Formulated for the Job
Just like you wouldn’t wash your leather saddle with dish soap, you shouldn’t wash horse blankets with just any detergent. Horse-safe detergent-free laundry soaps, like Blanket Safe Horse Blanket Wash (shameless plug, but seriously, it works!), are specifically designed to clean without stripping waterproofing or leaving behind irritating residues.
Why They Work:
✔ No Harsh Chemicals – Free from brighteners, bleaches, or fabric softeners that break down waterproofing.
✔ Rinse Cleanly – No lingering residue to irritate your horse’s skin.
✔ Designed for Heavy Fabrics – Breaks down dirt and odors without weakening fabric or stitching.
A customer once told me she had tried every “gentle” detergent she could find at the store, only to have her waterproof blankets start leaking by mid-season. After switching to a horse-safe detergent-free solution, her blankets lasted longer, smelled fresh, and—most importantly—kept her horse warm and dry.
2. Proper Washing Techniques: Protect Your Investment
Even with the right soaps, how you wash your blankets makes all the difference.
✔ Use Cold Water – Hot water can break down waterproof coatings faster.
✔ Gentle Cycle or Large-Capacity Washer – Avoid aggressive agitation that can weaken stitching.
✔ Double Rinse – Ensures no soapy residue remains.
✔ Air Dry Only – Never put horse blankets in the dryer; the heat damages the fabric and waterproofing.
If your washing machine isn’t large enough, a soak-and-scrub method in a tub or stock tank can work just as well. Some folks even swear by pressure washing, but be careful—too much force can push dirt deeper into the fabric rather than lifting it out.
4. Professional Blanket Cleaning Services: When to Call in the Pros
Sometimes, DIY just isn’t the best option—especially if you’re dealing with heavy-duty winter blankets, stubborn stains, or a blanket that desperately needs re-waterproofing. Professional horse blanket cleaning services (like mine!) use commercial-grade equipment and horse-safe laundry soaps to deep clean without damaging the fabric.
When should you consider professional cleaning?
✔ If your blanket is heavily soiled and needs a deep clean.
✔ If it’s lost waterproofing and needs re-treatment.
✔ If you want to extend the lifespan of an expensive turnout blanket.
Think of it like sending your nice winter coat to the dry cleaner instead of trying to wash it in your home machine—you’re protecting your investment!
Coming Up Next…
Now that we’ve covered what NOT to use and what works best, it’s time to wrap things up. In the next section, I’ll summarize everything we’ve covered and leave you with some key takeaways to keep your horse blankets in top shape all season long.
Conclusion: Keep Your Horse Blankets Clean & Functional the Right Way
At the end of the day, keeping your horse’s blankets clean isn’t just about getting rid of the dirt and smell—it’s about protecting your investment and, most importantly, your horse’s comfort and health. While it’s tempting to grab Oxy Clean or a household detergent for a deep clean, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Stripped waterproofing, weakened fabric, skin irritation—it’s just not worth it.
Instead, using a horse-safe laundry soap and the right washing techniques will keep your blankets performing like they should—keeping your horse warm, dry, and comfortable all season long. And when in doubt, professional blanket cleaning services are always a great option for extending the life of your blankets while saving you time and hassle.
Key Takeaways
✔ Avoid Oxy Clean and household detergents—they break down waterproofing, weaken stitching, and can irritate your horse’s skin.
✔ Use horse-safe detergent-free laundry soaps—they’re specifically designed to clean without damage or residue.
✔ Wash with care—cold water, gentle cycles, thorough rinsing, and air drying are essential to maintaining fabric integrity.
✔ Consider professional cleaning—for deep cleans, waterproofing re-treatments, and preserving your blanket’s lifespan.
Let’s Chat!
Have you ever had a blanket lose its waterproofing after washing? What’s your go-to method for keeping them clean? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked (or not worked!) for you!
If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to wash your horse blankets, check out Blanket Safe Horse Blanket Wash—trusted by equestrians who want their blankets clean without compromise.
Now, go enjoy a barn day without worrying about ruining your blankets in the wash—you’ve got this!
A Note from the Founder
Hey there, fellow horse lover!
If you’ve made it this far, I know you care about doing right by your horse—and I love that. When I first started washing horse blankets professionally, I saw so many well-intentioned owners accidentally ruining their blankets with the wrong detergents. It wasn’t their fault—there just wasn’t enough information out there about what actually works (and what really doesn’t).
That’s why I created Blanket Safe Horse Blanket Wash—a cleaner designed specifically for horse blankets, made to tackle dirt and odors without stripping waterproofing or leaving behind irritating residues. I wanted something that worked, kept blankets in top shape, and, most importantly, was safe for our horses.
So, if you’re tired of guessing and hoping your blankets will survive another wash, I’ve got you covered. Literally.
Happy washing,
Laura
Founder, Blanket Safe Horse Blanket Wash
