Now that the calendar is about to flip to May, I think it is safe to put away the winter blankets. You just never know around here! I clean mine with a car brush on the garden hose and some soapy water in a bucket. We also just got a power washer and it does a great job on saddle pads, so I'll be trying it on the winter blankets too.

There are also blanket cleaning services that will clean and repair your outdoor rugs and blankets. Some folks like to store them with moth balls and that's not a bad idea if mice or insects might chew holes in the fabric. If you're the d-i-y type like me and have minor rips and tears to look after here's a step-by-step to hand sewing tough fabrics. And when you're done, fold them up so they are ready when the first flakes fall next winter.

More Equipment Care

• Clean Your Leather Saddle
• Making and Altering Riding Clothes