Spring-cleaning doesn’t just apply to your home; it’s also good for you to know how to clean your horse barn. A fresh barn for the summer can make quite the difference in the health and happiness for your horses and handlers! It’s time to stow away all of your winter equipment and get organized for warm weather riding. Here are a few ways you can get your spring-cleaning started.
Clear Out
Before you start sweeping away, don’t forget to clear out your space first. While your working on the interior of the barn, turn your horses out to pasture. Not only do your horses tend to get in the way while you clean out the stalls, but the dust you kick up while cleaning is also bad for their health. Removing hay, mats, and equipment to create an empty space before you start helps to create an efficient cleaning process. Once that’s done, the real work begins.
Hay Room
Once you’ve removed your hay, thoroughly sweep the area and check for any wet spots. A wet spot could mean a leak in the roof that you need to repair to prevent moldy bales of hay. Remove cobwebs as you find them; this not only gives a fresh appearance but it also reduces a fire hazard in your barn. Once you’ve given the room a good cleaning, you can bring back the hay; it will be easier to stack the bales now that the floor is clear.
Stalls
Stalls are often left unkempt in the wintertime, so they can always use a good cleaning by spring. Scrub your stalls with a non-toxic solution to help kill pathogens and break down any organic matter. Don’t forget to sanitize the mats as well and allow them to dry in the sun. Once you’ve done a thorough job of cleaning the stall, replace the bedding along with any supplies your horses will need when they return.
Tack Room
You can make extra space by sorting through your supplies in the tack room to identify gear you no longer use. You can always donate unwanted supplies to a local horse rescue. Once you’ve made some room, it’s time to polish your hardware and clean and oil any leather. You’ll also want to wash and organize your riding blankets. If you are looking to invest in a new blanket rack, give us a call, we’d be happy to build a custom rack for your tack room. Once you have everything organized it’s a good idea to do a final dusting and sweep of the room.
Aisles
The aisles in a horse barn can quickly turn into storage areas. Spring is the perfect time to de-clutter and organize your equipment not only for cleaning purposes, but to also prevent fire hazards. Determine a new space in the barn where you can store your many tools and supplies, and organize it in a convenient way. This makes it easier for you to follow through with returning those items to their designated space.
Safety
While you are cleaning your barn, it’s a good idea to check your safety equipment. Make sure your fire extinguishers have been serviced and are in an easy-to-find location. Restock your first aid kit, and replace any expired items. Clean all fans in your barn, and get the wiring checked by an electrician.
Water Spots
Don’t forget to also give your troughs, tubs, and buckets a thorough scrubbing. While you usually clean these throughout the year, now’s a great time to put a little elbow grease into it. If you haven’t done so already, check your gutters and downspouts for any debris or buildup. Clearing these out will help rainfall flow through easier and prevent future leaks.
While we know that cleaning may not be your favorite topic, we hope these tips will help you kick off a successful and clean season. Now that your barn is organized and clean, give us a call for some custom accessory pieces that will help you to stay organized throughout the year. View examples of our work here. Happy cleaning!