What size washing machine you actually need Why domestic machines wont do the job How many rugs per load? Real capacities you can plan around Essential washer features for equestrian laundry Drying and proofing: fast, safe and waterproof Setting up at your yard or starting a rugwash service Seasonal strategy for UK yards: what to wash and when Hygiene and biosecurity: stop disease spread Updated:1769528163 Muddy UK winters and bulky turnout rugs turning laundry into a slog? Learn why stepping up to a commercial 1023kg washerideally a 20kg drumplus a matching dryer gives cleaner, properly proofed rugs, faster turnaround, and healthier skin for your horse, while protecting your kit and avoiding domestic-machine breakdowns. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways at a glance. Area: Machine Size What To Do: Choose a commercial washer with a 1023kg drum; 20kg gives the most consistent results on rugs. Why It Matters: Adequate drum space lets water and detergent move through heavy fibres for a true clean. Common Mistake: Using 710kg for heavy turnouts. Area: Domestic vs Commercial What To Do: Use commercial equipment for rugs and keep domestic machines for human kit and small yard textiles. Why It Matters: Domestic units cant agitate, rinse, or proof bulky rugs and are prone to damage. Common Mistake: Forcing winter rugs into household washers. Area: Load Planning What To Do: Schedule loads by real capacitiese.g., 1 winter rug or 2 summer sheets in 1013kg machines. Why It Matters: Correct loading protects the machine and keeps throughput predictable. Common Mistake: Overfilling or mixing bulky with light. Area: Essential Features What To Do: Pick equine programs (3060C), a proofing cycle, wide doors, high spin, and strong hair/fluff filtration. Why It Matters: Purpose-built features handle mud and hair, speed drying, and maintain waterproofing. Common Mistake: Skipping filtration/proofing capability. Area: Drying & Proofing What To Do: Pair the washer with a commercial tumble dryer and reproof turnout rugs after every wash. Why It Matters: Drying sets pace in UK weather, and proofing restores water repellency and breathability. Common Mistake: Skipping proofing or line-drying only. Area: Prep & Handling What To Do: Prebrush mud, remove necks/straps, sleeve buckles, weigh rugs, and sort by fabric/soiling. Why It Matters: Reduces damage, protects seals/filters, and improves wash results. Common Mistake: Washing with loose hardware attached. Area: Hygiene & Biosecurity What To Do: Disinfect each load, separate by horse/yard, clean filters/seals between cycles, and dry fully before bagging. Why It Matters: Cuts crosscontamination risks and prevents odour and bacterial regrowth. Common Mistake: Neglecting filter and basket cleaning. Area: Setup & Scale What To Do: Start with reconditioned 10kg plus dryer or step straight to 20kg; design a oneway flow and check licensing. Why It Matters: Right capacity, layout, and compliance keep operations efficient and safe. Common Mistake: No dryer or risk assessment. In This Guide Shop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Grooming KitShop Fly RugsShop Boots & Bandages Muddy UK winters and busy show seasons make clean, waterproof rugs nonnegotiable. The right washing machine turns a slog into a system that protects your horses skin, your rugs, and your time.Heres the short answer: you need a commercial washer with a 1023kg drum for horse rugs, with 20kg giving the best allround results. Domestic machines wont clean or proof properly, and pairing your washer with a tumble dryer is essential in the UKs damp climate.What size washing machine you actually needFor horse rugs, choose a commercial washer with a 1023kg drum; 20kg is ideal for consistent, highquality results. Smaller 710kg machines suit saddle cloths and small items only.Equestrian laundry specialists recommend drum sizes in the 1023kg range specifically for rugs, with businesses often starting at 10kg and scaling up as volumes grow. A 20kg machine is widely recommended for best quality results on bulky turnout rugs, liners and stable rugs, giving space for water and detergent to move through heavy fibres properly. References: Laundry Machines; MAG Laundry Equipment.Weigh rugs before loading, and never exceed the machines stated dry weight capacity:710kg: numnahs, saddle cloths, boots, light exercise sheets1015kg: summer sheets, fly rugs, light stable rugs1523kg: medium/heavy stable rugs and turnout rugs (especially with necks or liners)Always remove detachable necks, leg straps and fillet strings, and protect buckles to avoid tearing the rug or the machines drum. Proof waterproof rugs immediately postwash to restore their barrier (more on this below).Why domestic machines wont do the jobDomestic machines cant agitate, rinse or proof bulky rugs effectively and are at risk of damage; use commercial equipment to protect both rugs and hygiene.Specialist suppliers are clear that horse rugs are demanding to clean and require the right kit. As Allsop & Francis put it, Washing blankets in a simple domestic machine will not achieve the desired result; it is a specialist job. Source. Disease control is another reason to go commercial: systems such as JLAs OTEX ozone can eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria per cycle, reducing risks like strangles when rugs and tack are shared between horses. Source.Horse rugs are a product that can be very demanding to clean and its very important that the correct machines are used. Caroline Edmondson, Owner, Gee Up Equine Laundry (source)At Just Horse Riders, we recommend you reserve domestic machines for human kit and small, light yard textiles. Keep rugs in their own commercial system to maintain waterproofing, avoid fungal skin issues from inadequate rinsing, and prevent costly breakdowns.How many rugs per load? Real capacities you can plan aroundA typical professional 1013kg washer handles 1 winter blanket, 2 summer sheets, or up to 7 saddle cloths per cycle. Plan throughput around these realworld figures.Miele Professional washerextractors used in equestrian centres (e.g., the PW6107) quote these capacities across multiple suppliers, giving you a reliable baseline for scheduling. References: Millers UK; Allsop & Francis. Entrylevel professional setups often pair a PW6107 with a PT8253 tumble dryer, letting you process one winter rug (or equivalent) per load through wash and dry without bottlenecks.If you go bigger (1523kg), you gain margin for heavy turnout rugs with necks, multiple liners, or a stack of saddle cloths. The extra drum volume improves rinse quality and reduces creasingimportant if youre proofing or finishing rugs for competition use.Essential washer features for equestrian laundryChoose washers with equine programmes at 3060C, proofing cycles, wide doors, high spin speeds, and robust hair/fluff filtration to avoid blockages.Equestrianspecific controls matter because horsehair and mud are very different to domestic loads. Look for:Dedicated programmes: 30C and 40C for delicates and fly rugs; 60C where fabric allows for deeper hygiene; and a proofing cycle for waterproof turnout rugs. References: Allsop & Francis.Wide doors and strong hinges: to load bulky winter rugs without snagging.High spin extraction: to cut drying time without aggressive mechanical action that can crease or stress fibres.Fluff filters/dirt traps: designed to cope with horsehair and arena grit so drains dont clog. References: Laundry Machines.Hygiene technology: ozone systems (e.g., JLA OTEX) kill up to 99.99% of bacteria per cycle and reduce crosscontamination risks in shared yards. References: JLA.Modern equestrianready washerextractors from brands such as Miele offer capacities from 832kg, so you can match drum size and programme range to your yards volume. References: Allsop & Francis.Quick tip: Pregroom rugs with a stiff brush and pick off dried mud before loading. It saves your filters and improves wash performance. If youre due an upgrade, browse our grooming tools for efficient dehairing before the wash.Drying and proofing: fast, safe and waterproofPair your washer with a tumble dryer (electric, gas, or LPG) and use a proofing cycle to restore waterproofing after every wash of turnout rugs.Drying is the real pacesetter in UK yards where sunshine is unreliable eight months of the year. Professional suppliers pair equineready washers with matching tumble dryers to finish bulky loads quickly and evenly. Gas and LPG models need installation by a Corgiregistered engineer; electric dryers offer simpler installs but may be slower depending on capacity. References: Laundry Machines; Millers UK.Proofing is essential for turnout rugs used in prolonged wet weather. Use the machines proofing programme with an appropriate reproofing product to rebond the waterrepellent finish after washing. Without it, rugs wet out faster, get heavier on the horse, and lose thermal efficiencyexactly what you dont want in a sleety Yorkshire week.Consider finishing equipment (rotary irons or simple finishing tables) if you prep rugs for competition stables. Its not about making rugs pretty; its about laying fibres flat so proofing sets evenly and straps sit correctly for a smart, safe fit. References: Allsop & Francis.Pro tip: Dont overdry. Stop when the outer is dry and the core is just warmresidual heat will finish the job on the rack while preserving fabric elasticity and tape seals.Setting up at your yard or starting a rugwash serviceStart with a reconditioned 10kg washer and a dryer to prove demand, or step straight to a 20kg drum for best results; complete risk assessments and, if operating commercially alongside riding instruction or livery, check UK licensing requirements.Plenty of successful UK rugwash businesses began with a reconditioned 10kg machine before adding capacity and a dryer as word spread. Suppliers report strong support networks and service agreements for small operators. References: Laundry Machines; MAG Laundry Equipment.For a simple, safe setup at a yard:Weigh and triage: separate by weight, fabric, and soiling. Keep turnout rugs and fleece/fabric items in separate loads.Prep the rug: remove detachable parts, protect buckles in sleeves, and use wash bags for straps and small items.Select the right cycle: 3040C for delicates and fly rugs; 60C only where the fabric label allows; finish with proofing for waterproof turnout rugs.Dry appropriately: match load size to dryer capacity and avoid overdrying.Finish and repair: check binding, straps and tapes; quick repairs reduce future damage. Keep a stock of horse boots and bandages clean and rotated while youre at it.If youre operating commercially within or alongside a livery or riding instruction business, the UKs animal activities licensing framework may apply. Expect to complete risk assessments for machinery, maintain hygienic facilities (hot/cold water and handwashing), use nonslip floors, and ensure appropriate drainage (1:80 gradient is commonly cited in yard standards). References: GOV.UK.Coinoperated options can be a neat revenue stream at busy livery yards, letting clients wash saddle cloths and coolers during peak muddy months. If you choose gas or LPG dryers, schedule installation with a Corgiregistered engineer and keep certificates on file. References: Millers UK; Laundry Machines.Quick tip: A tidy flow matters. Set up a dirty in to clean out pathway with clear signage, sealed hair traps, and lined bins for strap offcuts and broken hardware. It speeds the day and keeps biosecurity tight.Seasonal strategy for UK yards: what to wash and whenWash and proof turnout rugs at the end of autumn and midwinter; rotate stable rugs routinely; and deepclean fly rugs, numnahs and boots in spring/summer.UK demand spikes in wet autumn/winter when turnout rug use soars. Plan two key proofing cycles for waterproofsone prewinter and one midseasonso rugs stay breathable and shed water rather than soaking. Have a spare set of winter turnout rugs ready while one set is in the wash; its a simple way to keep horses dry and warm during weather swings.Stable rugs pick up dust and ammonia; frequent lighter washes keep skin healthier than one heavy scrub. Through spring and summer, swing your attention to fly protection and work gearclean your fly rugs, coolers, and especially saddle cloths to avoid sweat buildup under the saddle. For new kit, premium brands like WeatherBeeta are popular with our customers for reliable waterproofing and robust hardware that stand up to repeated cleaning.Dont forget the human side. Darker afternoons and roadside hacks call for hivis for riders, and show prep is smoother when competition pieces are clean and ready. If you compete, build time into your wash rota for jackets, stock ties and show shirtsour range of competition clothing holds its shape best when laundered routinely and stored dry.Finally, use seasonal reviews to retire threadbare rugs and replace them before the next weather change. If a rug has lost loft or lamination, it wont insulate or repel water properlybetter to upgrade than overwash a tired piece. Browse fresh stable rugs for winter stabling, then rotate to turnoutweight layers as the forecast shifts.Hygiene and biosecurity: stop disease spreadDisinfect every load, separate equipment by horse or yard where possible, and maintain filters and drums to remove hair and bacteria after each cycle.Crosscontamination is a real risk in shared UK yards, particularly with diseases like strangles. Ozone disinfection systems such as JLAs OTEX eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria per cycle, while correct temperature selection and thorough rinsing reduce fungal and bacterial load even without ozone. References: JLA.Practical steps that work:Bag and label loads by horse or yard, and keep washing/drying baskets separate.Clean fluff filters and door seals between loads; hair traps reduce plumbing issues and bioload.Dry completely before bagging to prevent musty odours and bacterial regrowth.Store clean rugs off the floor, away from feed rooms and muck bays.Our customers often pair laundry days with tack and kit checksboots, bandages and brushing boots benefit from routine washes to reduce skin irritation. Build a rotation using our horse boots and bandages so youve always got a clean set ready.Quick tip: A quick prewash rinse knocks mud out before the main cycle, boosting detergent performance and protecting machine seals.FAQsWhat size washing machine do I need for horse rugs?Choose a commercial machine between 1023kg; a 20kg drum gives the best allround results for winter turnouts and layered rugs. Smaller 710kg machines are fine for saddle cloths and light sheets but wont move water through heavy insulation effectively. References: Laundry Machines; MAG Laundry Equipment.Can I wash horse rugs in a domestic machine?No. Domestic machines struggle with bulk, cant rinse or proof properly, and risk damage. Specialists advise commercial equipment for proper cleaning and finish, especially for competition standards and biosecurity. References: Allsop & Francis; JLA.How many rugs fit in one load?As a rule of thumb in professional 1013kg machines: 1 winter rug, 2 summer rugs, or up to 7 saddle cloths per cycle. Larger drums (1523kg) handle heavier turnouts with necks or multiple liners more comfortably. References: Millers UK; Allsop & Francis.Do I need special cycles for equine laundry?Yes. Look for equine/delicate cycles at 3040C, 60C where labels allow, and a proofing programme for waterproof turnouts. Robust hair/fluff filtration and a wide door are also important to handle mud and buckles safely. References: Allsop & Francis.What dryer should I use for rugs?Pair your washer with a commercial tumble dryerelectric, gas or LPG. Gas/LPG models must be installed by a Corgiregistered engineer and typically dry faster; electric can be simpler to install. In the UKs damp climate, a dryer is essential for reliable turnaround. References: Laundry Machines.When should I wash and proof turnout rugs in the UK?Plan a full wash and proof at the start of autumn and again midwinter, with spot cleaning in between. Rotate sets so your horse always has a dry, waterproof rug ready. If you need a spare, see our current winter turnout rugs.Do I need a licence to run a rugwashing service at my yard?If its part of or alongside a commercial livery or riding instruction operation, you may fall under the UK animal activities licensing framework. Expect risk assessments for equipment and clear hygiene facilities. Check the latest guidance here: GOV.UK.Ready to streamline your winter routine? Build a simple rotation, keep proofing on schedule, and stock a spare set of stable rugs and turnouts so youre never caught short on a wet week. For reliable performance season after season, our customers rate WeatherBeeta rugs, and dont forget to stay visible on winter hacks with our hivis for riders. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Grooming KitShop Fly RugsShop Boots & Bandages