A sparkling clean stable block is sure to put a smile on your face!

© ABC Sheds

As many equestrians prepare to spend the majority of their time at home for the foreseeable future, it’s a great opportunity to delve into those tasks we rarely have time for. A thorough deep clean of your property’s equine facilities is one such task! A sparkling clean barn will not only lift the spirits, the process of cleaning is also a good opportunity to check for signs of wear and tear, and think about any future modifications or additions that may be possible.

Here are 5 tips to help ensure your stables are cleaned to perfection:

1) Be prepared! Firstly, dress for success: Tie your hair back and perhaps consider donning a shower cap and goggles along with safe footwear and comfortable clothes, as you’re likely to end up shrouded in dirt! Secondly, make sure you have all the tools you need. Have a ladder, wheelbarrow, broom, dustpan, buckets, disinfectant, and a hose or pressure washer at the ready. Thirdly, empty out everything you can and open all door and windows: remove bedding and rubber mats from stables, and empty the tack room and feed room. This is a great chance to air out rugs, and sort through any gear that you either don’t need, or need to have repaired.

2) Start high and work your way down: Give the roof area and trusses a thorough clean to remove dust and cobwebs – a broom may suffice, however a leaf blower or vacuum cleaner can also come in handy! While you’re up on the ladder, you may find yourself contemplating how the design of your facility contributes to its cleanliness or lack thereof.

If you’re planning on adding new stables or sheds in the future, one tip from ABC Sheds’ Director Jonny Hornsey is to hang all purlins upside down on the walls do that dust doesn’t collect. “Another design tip is to pour your slab after the shed has been built, therefore the slab will form around the profile of the sheeting, eliminating the dust and dirt trap there” Jonny explains.

 When dust builds up against purlins it can be challenging to clean - ensure you have a dustpan at the ready!

© ABC Sheds

3) Inspect, clean and check all structures and fittings: You’ll be amazed at how bright the lights shine after they’re cleaned! Check the hardware on stable doors, feeders, waterers and the like, making sure there are no loose nails or sharp edges that require repair, and check for rust on any steel structures or fittings.

4) Sweep all floors thoroughly, ensuring sure you get into all the corners - use a dustpan and brush for those fiddly areas. Depending on the floor’s surface, you may choose to hose down and disinfect it.  If you do apply water, allow plenty of time for surfaces to dry after you’ve hosed them down.

On the topic of water, ABC Sheds’ Jonny Hornsey provides more advice for those thinking of future stable block design: “If you are regularly using water in your stable block, to clean it down or in your wash bay or other wet areas, you want something that is rust proof – hence the importance of a fully galvanised frame! It’s not going to rust!”

5) Finish by cleaning out feedbins and automatic waterers, if these are installed. It’s likely that they’ve collected a fair layer of dust as you’ve worked your magic!

It’s likely that a thorough clean of your stable block will occupy a full day, however it’s time well spent and there’s no doubt that you – and your horses – will enjoy the spruced up, healthy environment you’ve created!

If you’re planning to add new stables in 2020, and want to ensure that you choose a design that will wear well and be easy to maintain, talk to the team at ABC Sheds! They have an excellent reputation for innovative design, outstanding customer service and quality projects.
 
 

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