Stable matting provides a lot of benefits for horses. Traditional straw bedding can absorb moisture and damp bedding is terrible for bacteria and mould build up, it can also be costly in the long run. A rubber stable mat offers a more cost-effective and hygienic solution.
What’s the best way to clean stable matting?
When cleaning mats for stables, it’s important to remove organic buildup (manure, urine, bacteria), and thoroughly dry the matting so that any fresh bedding can be placed without becoming damp.
Here is a simple guide to cleaning your horse stall mats:
Step 1: Clear the stable area of bedding and debris
Remove all bedding and debris from on top of the stable mats with a brush and shovel. If you can, briefly lift the sides of the mats to encourage any standing urine to travel down the mat’s drainage grooves.
Step 2: Dry scrape
Use a shovel or stiff brush to scrape off manure, hay, and compacted dirt from the stable mats. It’s important to remove as much as possible before using water so that you don’t get left dealing with a sludgy mess.
Be careful not to use any sharp tools during this process, to avoid damaging the surface of the mat.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly
Use a hose or jet washer to clean off any of the remaining dirt. Avoid extremely high pressure that might gouge the rubber matting.
Step 4: Scrub with a suitable cleaner
You will need a cleaner that is safe to use around horses and that won’t degrade the rubber stable matting. The first option is a mild detergent mixed with warm water. This is a good option for regular cleaning. The second option is a stable-safe equine disinfectant. This is essential for deep cleaning for killing bacteria and deodorising the surface. It is important to check that the cleaners are compatible with rubber before cleaning your matting.
Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove the last of the dirt and grime, paying special attention to corners and places the horses typically stand. For deeper cleans, lift the stable mats to clean the undersides and floor underneath as well.
Step 5: Rinse
Use the hose or pressure washer to do a final rinse of the stable mats. Make sure there is no soap or residue left as this could make the mats slippery and be unsafe for horses.
Step 6: Dry and reset
Let the mats air dry fully before laying down fresh bedding. Good ventilation and a dry environment will help to prevent mould and bad odours.
How often should I clean stable matting?
The British Horse Society recommends mucking out the stable and performing a full clean every day. A full clean out of the stable is the best option for your horses health, however the BHS also acknowledges that this isn’t always possible.
The next best thing is to perform a daily “Deep Litter”. This is where you remove any droppings and add fresh bedding on top. Then once a week remove all bedding and perform a full clean.
To ensure good maintenance of any rubber stable mats, you should also perform a monthly deep clean to clean the undersides of the mats.
Can I use stable mats in wash bays and grooming areas?
Yes, they are excellent to use as washdown stable mats. They feature a non-slip surface and the grooved undersides for drainage prevent a build up of standing water. The extra grip is not just helpful, it’s necessary in an environment where there are live animals and a lot of soapy water.
Cleaning rubber stable mats in these areas is even more straight forward as there is no bedding to remove.
