Is your horse rug leaking, or does it just need reproofing?

Two different problems

A rug that looks wet on the outside is not necessarily leaking. When the water-repellent finish wears off, water spreads across the face fabric instead of forming droplets. The rug may feel heavier and take longer to dry even when its inner protective construction is still working.

Check the inside

Let the rug dry, then inspect its inner lining, seams, closures and high-wear areas. Tears, worn fabric and damaged seams require repair. Reproofing is not a substitute for fixing a hole or failed construction.

When a wash-in treatment makes sense

If the rug is sound but its face fabric no longer sheds water, cleaning and reproofing may help. re:CLAIM Wash In combines washing with protection against water and dirt. The product information states that a drying cabinet is not needed to  activate it, which can simplify care at home or at a rug laundry.

When to use spray instead

A wash-in treatment reaches fabric in the washing bath. Certain lined or membrane garments are best treated on the outside only. Where the manufacturer specifies this, choose a suitable spray-on reproofing product.

Before the next rainy day

Remove mud, wash in line with the care label, reproof if appropriate and allow the rug to dry fully. Then assess how water behaves on the surface and, more importantly, whether the inside stays dry in use.