Animal coats are essential for keeping your livestock warm, dry, and healthy—especially in colder months. Farmers are seeing the benefits of fitting a calf blanket to their herd when the weather is colder or the animal is sick. Whether you’re outfitting calves, sheep, goats, horses, or alpacas, proper care and storage of their coats is key to making them last season after season.
From frigid winters to rainy springs, these garments play a crucial role in supporting the overall wellbeing of your animals. Not only do they help regulate body temperature, but they also reduce the animal’s energy expenditure to stay warm—allowing for better weight gain and improved immune function. That’s why coat maintenance is just as important as choosing the right fit.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning and storing your animal coats to maximize their lifespan and maintain performance.
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Brush Off Dirt and Debris First
Before washing, remove any excess dirt, hay, or dried mud using a stiff-bristle brush. This prevents debris from clogging your washer and allows for a more thorough clean.
This is especially important for animals that are regularly turned out in muddy or wet pastures. Build-up of grime can also cause unnecessary wear on the fabric and reduce the effectiveness of waterproof linings over time.
Quick Tip:
● Let mud dry before brushing—it comes off easier.
● Check for manure buildup, especially around leg straps or belly bands.
For wool-based or fleece-lined coats, use a gentler brush to avoid pulling fibers out. A vacuum attachment may also help with finer debris.
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Check for Damage
Inspect each coat for rips, broken buckles, or fraying straps. Minor repairs can be handled with fabric patches or replacement hardware. Addressing damage early prevents small issues from becoming irreparable.
Take special care to check the stitching near high-stress areas like shoulder gussets, belly straps, and leg straps. If the fabric is excessively worn or frayed, reinforce it with strong thread or consider a professional repair service.
Keeping a basic repair kit on hand can make quick fixes easy, especially if you spot damage right after removing the coat from the animal.
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Choose the Right Cleaning Method
Machine Washing (If Applicable):
Most quality animal coats are machine-washable. Use a front-load washer or a commercial machine with cold or warm water and mild, non-biological detergent.
Before washing, close all buckles and velcro to prevent snagging. If your coat has a removable liner, wash it separately to ensure both components are cleaned effectively.
Avoid:
● Harsh chemicals
● Fabric softeners
● Bleach (can damage waterproof coatings)
Hand Washing:
For delicate or non-machine-friendly coats, soak them in a tub with mild detergent. Gently scrub problem areas and rinse thoroughly.
Use a soft brush or sponge to lift stubborn stains, especially around the belly or chest where most soiling occurs. You can also add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove lingering odors and act as a natural fabric softener.
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Dry Thoroughly
Always air-dry the coats—preferably in the sun for natural disinfecting power. Avoid tumble dryers, as high heat can degrade waterproofing and elastic.
The drying stage is just as critical as the washing process. Even slightly damp fabric can invite mold and bacteria growth, which not only damages the coat but may also irritate your animal’s skin.
Tips:
● Hang coats over a fence or sturdy line.
● Ensure coats are 100% dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew.
Rotate the coat occasionally while drying to ensure all areas receive proper airflow. Sunlight also helps eliminate lingering odors and can act as a natural antibacterial agent.
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Re-Waterproof (If Needed)
Over time, waterproof coatings can fade. If water no longer beads on the surface, consider applying a spray-on waterproofing treatment designed for fabric gear or animal wear.
Be sure to clean the coat thoroughly before applying any treatment, as dirt can interfere with the bonding process. Follow product instructions carefully, and test a small patch if you’re using it for the first time.
For high-exposure animals like outdoor horses or alpacas, reapplying waterproofing at least once per year—ideally before winter—can help ensure optimal performance.
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Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Once clean and dry, fold coats neatly and store them in breathable containers (like cotton bags or pillowcases). Avoid airtight plastic bins unless you’re sure the coats are bone dry.
Consider rotating stored coats once every few months to check for any hidden dampness or pest activity. Proper air circulation is essential for preventing moisture buildup and maintaining fabric integrity.
Best Practices:
● Keep coats off the ground to avoid moisture.
● Add lavender sachets or cedar chips to deter pests naturally.
If you live in a humid area, consider adding moisture-absorbing packets to your storage containers. These can help regulate the environment and prevent unwanted mildew.
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Label and Organize by Size or Animal
Keep your storage organized by labeling each coat or bag by size or the animal it belongs to. This makes gearing up for the next season much faster and more efficient.
Use waterproof labels or fabric tags to avoid confusion later. You can also color-code your storage system—for example, red for foals, blue for adult horses, green for goats, and so on.
Having an inventory sheet can also be helpful for tracking what needs replacing or repairing before the next season starts.
Final Thoughts
Investing a little time after each season to properly clean, repair, and store your animal coats can dramatically extend their life—and save you money in the long run. At Animac Wear, we design our coats for durability, but even the toughest gear performs best with a little TLC.
A few extra minutes of maintenance after each use—especially during muddy or wet spells—can go a long way in keeping your coats in top condition. Proper storage and care also contribute to your animals’ comfort and health, helping them perform and thrive no matter the weather.
By implementing these best practices, you ensure your investment in quality gear pays off year after year—giving your livestock the protection they deserve.
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