Wool is one of the oldest and most functional natural fibres there is. In equestrian sport, we prize its outstanding properties: it regulates moisture beautifully and reliably keeps a horse warm after training. The right care is essential if your Chevaux Nature blankets and saddle pads are to keep their shape and function for years to come. Yet there is often uncertainty about the best way to clean this fine material. Contrary to a lot of old advice, hand-washing is not the ideal way to clean your wool gear.
The Hand-Washing Misconception
Many riders still believe that washing by hand is gentler on delicate wool. In reality, it is usually quite the opposite. When you wash a heavy sweat rug or thick bandage pads in a tub of water, you unknowingly subject the material to enormous strain. Wool is extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress. Washing by hand, it is almost impossible to keep the water temperature exactly constant through both the wash and the rinse. What's more, the inevitable kneading, rubbing, and wringing of the wet, heavy fibres causes wool's scale layer to catch and lock together. The result is unsightly felting and shrinking of the material.
The Washing Machine: A Gentler Alternative
Modern washing machines come with dedicated wool cycles that are far kinder to the fibre than any hand wash. These cycles are designed specifically to cradle the wool in the water rather than move it around. The drum turns only minimally, and the temperature is strictly controlled and held constant throughout the entire cycle. When you wash your CHVX*N gear in the machine, be careful not to overload it. Choose the cold wool cycle and switch off the spin cycle, or set it to the lowest setting. This protects the structure of the natural fibre from excessive pressure and stretching.
Lanolin: The Secret to Elastic Fibres
Besides the right washing method, the detergent you use plays the leading role in wool care. Regular all-purpose detergents or fabric softeners damage the structure of wool, as they contain enzymes that attack the protein fibres. Instead, always use a specialised Wool Detergent that contains lanolin. Lanolin is the natural wool grease that protects sheep from wet and cold. Some of this grease survives the processing of the wool, but it is gradually lost through regular use and washing over time. A lanolin-based detergent replenishes this important grease in the fibre. It nourishes the wool from within, keeps it elastic, and helps it stay dirt-repellent. This way, your blankets keep their soft feel and functional properties for a long time. You can read more about how lanolin works in a dedicated article: The Importance of Lanolin for Wool Care in Equestrian Sport.
Drying Correctly After Washing
Once the wash cycle has finished, damp wool must never be put in the tumble dryer or dried on a radiator. Direct heat would irreversibly damage the fibres and cause them to shrink. Don't simply hang the wet blankets on a line either, as the weight of the water would pull the material out of shape. The best method is so-called flat drying. Spread a large, dry towel on the floor or over a clothes airer and lay your blanket flat on top of it. Gently ease it back into its original shape. Give the natural fibre the time it needs to dry in the open air, in the shade. Direct sunlight should be avoided during the drying process.
Our Wash and Care Service for the New Season
Sometimes everyday life simply doesn't leave the time, or the right washing machine, to properly clean large horse blankets. Especially around the change of seasons, when blankets need to be stored away or made ready again for the coming season, a thorough deep clean is well worth it. For this purpose, we offer you a professional solution straight from our Hamburg atelier.
Our Wash & Care Service — Natural Fibre Cleaning at the Hamburg Atelier was developed specifically for the gentle treatment of our products. We clean your gear professionally and replenish the fibres with the optimal amount of lanolin, so they are perfectly prepared for the next season. This service costs €70.00 and can be booked at any time. Unlike a product that is shipped to you, you book it here in the shop and then send us your blanket afterwards: enclose a note with your name and order number and send it to our atelier in Hamburg. As soon as your blanket arrives with us, we'll get in touch — about two weeks later, it will be back with you cleaned and cared for, with return shipping included in the price.
First-Class Gear for Your Horse
If you are looking for new equipment made from pure natural fibres, handcrafted in our Hamburg manufactory, we offer you a range of durable options. Our products stand for timeless design and the highest functionality.
For sweating off after training, our 100% Wool Sweat Rug is an excellent choice. It is made of wool, costs €490.00, and is available for immediate delivery. It offers your horse optimal comfort and ensures fast moisture transport.
If you prefer an even finer fibre, the 100% Merino Wool Sweat Rug is the ideal choice. This wool blanket costs €730.00. It sits especially softly against the horse's body and keeps it reliably warm — the product page shows you which sizes are currently in stock.
To protect your horse's legs as well, you can use our 100% Recycled Merino Wool Bandage Pads. These pads are made from recycled merino wool, cost between €40.00 and €80.00 depending on size and version, and are available for immediate delivery. They offer soft padding and support your horse's wellbeing during daily training.
With the right care and the right gear from us, you're making a conscious choice for lasting quality and your horse's wellbeing.
