top of page

Blanket Storage Tips for the Off-Season

When blanket season ends, proper storage is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment and keeping your blankets ready for next year.

Too often, blankets are tossed into tack rooms, trailers, feed rooms, or barn corners while still dirty or damp. Unfortunately, improper storage can lead to mold, mildew, odors, rodent damage, and premature fabric deterioration long before the next cold front arrives.

With a few simple steps, you can help extend the life of your horse blankets and keep them performing properly season after season.

 

Always Clean Blankets Before Storage

One of the biggest mistakes horse owners make is storing blankets without cleaning them first.

Even if a blanket “doesn’t look too dirty,” it may still contain:

  • Sweat and body oils

  • Dirt and mud

  • Hair and dander

  • Bacteria and odor buildup

  • Moisture trapped in fabric layers

Over time, these materials slowly break down fibers, damage waterproof coatings, and create unpleasant odors during storage.

Dirty blankets stored for months are also more likely to attract rodents and insects.

Professional cleaning helps remove debris safely while preserving fabric integrity and waterproof performance.

 

Make Sure Blankets Are Completely Dry

Never store a damp blanket.

Even slight moisture trapped inside folded fabric can lead to:

  • Mold and mildew

  • Musty odors

  • Fabric weakening

  • Rusted hardware

After cleaning, blankets should be fully dried before folding or sealing for storage.

This is especially important in humid environments where moisture can linger unnoticed.

 

Inspect for Damage Before Putting Blankets Away

The end of blanket season is the ideal time to inspect for:

  • Small tears

  • Loose stitching

  • Broken buckles

  • Worn straps

  • Damaged surcingles

  • Failing waterproofing

Small issues often become much worse if left untreated until the following season.

Having repairs completed before storage ensures blankets are clean, repaired, and ready when colder weather returns.

 

Avoid Storing Blankets on Barn Floors

Barn floors, sheds, and tack room corners often expose blankets to:

  • Moisture

  • Rodents

  • Dust

  • Insects

  • Temperature swings

Instead, store blankets:

  • Off the ground

  • In a dry environment

  • Away from feed and hay

  • In sealed or protective storage bags

Proper storage helps blankets stay cleaner and reduces the chance of unwanted damage during the off-season.

 

Fold Blankets Properly

Neatly folded blankets are easier to organize and less likely to develop unnecessary creases or stress on straps and buckles.

A simple folding method works best:

  1. Fasten straps and buckles

  2. Fold sides inward

  3. Fold lengthwise

  4. Roll or fold compactly for storage

Keeping hardware secured also helps prevent snagging and fabric tears while stored.

 

Protect Waterproofing Performance

Improper detergents, excessive heat, or poor storage conditions can reduce a blanket’s waterproof effectiveness over time.

Professional blanket care helps preserve:

  • Waterproof coatings

  • Breathability

  • Insulation performance

  • Fabric flexibility

Regular maintenance keeps blankets functioning properly when your horse needs them most.

 

Make Next Season Easier

One of the best feelings during the first cold snap is knowing your blankets are already:

  • Clean

  • Dry

  • Repaired

  • Organized

  • Ready to use

No scrambling to wash muddy blankets or discover broken straps when temperatures suddenly drop.

 

Let Canter Cleaners Handle the Storage for You

At Canter Cleaners, blankets are professionally cleaned, repaired if needed, and vacuum-packed to help keep them clean, dry, and protected until blanket season returns.

Vacuum-packed storage helps reduce:

  • Dust exposure

  • Moisture concerns

  • Odors

  • Space usage in tack rooms and barns

Canter Cleaners also offers blanket storage services for customers who prefer convenient off-season care and organization.

Your blankets stay protected, organized, and ready for the next season — without the mess or hassle of storing them yourself.

bottom of page