5 Common Blanket Storage Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Stop the Mildew. Stop the Mess.
Protect Your Investment with Smarter Blanket Organization
Horse blankets are one of the most important — and expensive — pieces of gear in your barn. Yet even the highest-quality rugs can be ruined in a single season if they aren’t stored correctly. Most damage happens between uses, not in the field.
Below are the top five blanket-storage mistakes horse owners make — and how to fix them forever.
Throwing Blankets Over Stall Doors
Why It’s a Problem
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Dust and debris grind into the fabric
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Moisture trapped between layers breeds mildew
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Horses pull, chew, and step on blankets
The Fix
Use a fold-down Rug Rack so every blanket hangs with airflow on all sides.
✔ Keeps aisles clear
✔ Prevents dirt, moisture, and damage
Storing Wet or Damp Blankets
Why It’s a Problem
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Damp liners = mold + bacteria growth
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Odors embed deeply into fibers
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Stitching weakens over time
The Fix
Dry blankets fully before storage.
Mount a Rug Rack near your wash area so blankets drip-dry evenly.
In winter, add a fan or dehumidifier for safer drying.
Overloading Hooks and Rails
Why It’s a Problem
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Bent rails and cracked walls
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Torn straps from uneven weight
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A cluttered, unsafe work area
The Fix
Install heavy-duty steel Rug Racks rated for multiple blankets.
Each arm holds 20–25 lbs and folds flat when not in use — keeping your tack room functional and neat.
Stacking or Folding Too Tightly
Why It’s a Problem
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Zero airflow = mildew risk
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Waterproof coatings degrade faster
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Deep creases cause long-term wear
The Fix
Hang blankets partially open, not tightly folded.
Use breathable covers (like the Rug Rack Cover) for long-term storage.
Avoid plastic bins that trap moisture.
Losing Track of Whose Blanket Is Whose
Why It’s a Problem
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Time wasted searching
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Easy mix-ups during busy mornings or shows
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Accidental duplicate purchases
The Fix
Label Rug Rack arms with engraved tags or color-coded clips.
Organize by:
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Horse
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Season
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Type of blanket
When everything has a home → nothing gets lost.
Bonus: The Rug Rack Advantage
The Rug Rack by System Equine solves every problem above:
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✔ Promotes airflow and faster drying
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✔ Heavy-duty, powder-coated North American steel
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✔ Space-saving fold-down design
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✔ Built in Canada and trusted across North America
Stop losing money to mildew and mess.
Start saving time, space, and sanity.
Key Takeaways (Quick Reference)
| Problem | Effect | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mildew & odor | Moisture trapped in folded rugs | Use fold-down Rug Rack for airflow |
| Damage from overload | Bent rails, torn straps | Heavy-duty powder-coated steel racks |
| Lost blankets | Poor labeling, mixing items | Label arms by horse or season |
| Clutter | Inefficient wall use | Fold-up racks free aisle space |
| Shorter blanket lifespan | Poor drying / tight storage | Dry fully, condition, and hang properly |