rug proofing

[ceej]

what works? how good is nikwax?

[scattymare]

Are you using a wash in one or spray? I've just always used a cheapy tent waterproofer or similar which seems to work OK but I don't have them machine washed - just use a broom and water to get the worst of the muck off.

[haffyfan]

New rug?
I never wash mine now, just brush them down. Always wound up buying new ones in the past after cleaning as they leaked like sieves after cleaning/reproofing however it's done (inc the proffesional service which was half way to a new one anyhow).

[spotti]

Wash a rug??! I think the only rugs I've washed were thin cotton stable sheets or Faith's fleecy p.j's . Generally we tend to be like Haffy and just use the rugs until they have snuffed it then I just buy a new one! (I don't buy expensive rugs anyway so when they die, that's it, it's dead and needs replacing).

[ceej]

nooo not new rug - old one that doesnt keep the water out anymore but its a good rug so wondered if it was worth re-proofing rather than having to get another one. I dont wash mine either - they get a bloody good brush when dry!

[solomon]

All mine get washed every year at saddlers. H has hers reproofed everytime too! I go every other year as long as they don't leak! Been lucky I guess, weatherbeeta, derby house and amigo rugs none of which have leaked yet!

[ceej]

this is amigo but it has lasted several years!

[bonnyben]

We use nikwax and it depends,. sometimes we add it to the final rinse but mostly we spray it on once the rug is partly dry.

The key is the tumble drying though, we give each rug 20 minutes at 40 or 45 degrees, the heat has the effect of "setting" the reproofer.

You can tell the difference once a rug has been proofed (well I would say that wouldn't I? ) but the fabric feels stiffer and more robust. We charge £4 for proofing but of course it has it has to be washed first.

We never proof rugs that have been washed less that twice, i.e. 3 years old is about right to start proofing. Well that's what we do..

From a washing/repairing point of view Shires rugs are very ggod, funnily enough, I say fuunily enough because I don't rate their other stuff. DH are cheap but they don't last, Fal are good but very pricey. Horseware are probably my fav followed by Weatherbeeta. Lots of makes I'd never even heard of have passed through our hands over the last 10 months, fascinating really.

I could bore you all witless...

[ceej]

Love it thanks Bonnyben which one do you spray on then? I have only been able to find a wash in one...I have bought him a new rug now but would still like to improve his other two lightweights - its only the lites I have this issue with i guess becasue once they start to lose it it goes straight through as no fill...will rarely needs anything more.