How do I clean my hay net?

Regularly maintain your hay net by cleaning it and washing it with clean water to prolong its lifespan. Also try to protect it from friction, dirt, and bad weather.

Discover all our tips for a clean net for your animals and to make your hay nets last longer.

Protecting the net

Although the hay net is made of textile fiber that is resistant to rain and sunlight and can be washed, like any material or equipment, it is clear that the more it is protected, the longer its lifespan will be.

In the stable, you can place the hay net in a sheltered spot away from the rain.
Ideally, hang the net if it is in the shape of a pouch or bag. If it doesn't drag on the ground, it will be less exposed to hoof friction, moisture, dust, etc.

If you install a rectangular net on a feeder or rack, make sure to cover the feeder: this is good practice anyway to protect the forage from rain and prevent the hay from molding.

In the pasture, if you opt for a round bale net, it is also possible to shelter the hay bale in a covered rack; this will depend on your equipment.

Cleaning the net

If you place your net directly on the ground, or if your horses tend to eat like pigs, remember to roughly and regularly clean the net.

Remove small branches, roots, or brambles that could get caught in the mesh.
Also remove any possible pebbles or stones that would increase friction: the abrasive effect damages the fibers.

Washing with water

When the net starts to get too dirty, full of dust and small plant debris, wash it with clean water.

Submerge your hay net in a large tub or tank of cold water. Rainwater or well water can be perfectly suitable.
Let it soak and clean it by hand.

If it's really very dirty, you can add a little Marseille soap or black soap.

Above all, do not use laundry detergent, fabric softener, or any other detergent. On the one hand, this will weaken the net's fibers, and on the other hand, you certainly don't want to expose your horse to these chemicals (remember that the net is in direct contact with its food).

Repairing torn mesh

It can happen that the mesh tears, especially during the acclimatization phase, as long as the horse is not yet used to eating calmly and if it gets annoyed with the hay net.

Made of textile fibers, it is therefore entirely possible to repair it with a little DIY.
Note that the rope is still thick and resistant (5 mm in diameter): it will therefore require more than a small needle and a small sewing kit.

For these small repair jobs, we recommend our sewing needles.
They are perfectly suited for repairs on a sailboat, so they will be suitable for a resistant net.

For the thread, you can choose our extra-strong polyester thread or our extra-strong polyamide thread. These are also used to repair sails, ropes, and nets in all circumstances.

Another solution for repairing torn mesh is to use a lashing: this small marine rope is very strong and easy to use. With this, your knots will be foolproof.