Care & Cleaning of your 5 Star Pad

Shedding winter hair can begin to build up on the underside of your 5 Star pad. Over time, if not removed regularly, this thick mat of hair will restrict the ability of the pad to wick away sweat.
To avoid this buildup a 5 Star sponge or rubber curry comb should be used as often as possible. Taking only a few minutes before you saddle each day can ensure this buildup will not occur.

A shop vacuum can also be a useful tool to clean your pad of winter hair and grime build up.

When do I need to wash my 5 Star Pad?

How do I wash my 100% pure wool pad to maximize the benefits of the wool fibers?

What cleaner is safe for the all-natural wool fibers?

The best rule of thumb is to wash your pad when areas begin to get hard and crusted over. When brushing will not bring the surface to a soft flexible condition, it’s time to wash your pad.  It doesn’t matter if you have ridden it 50 hours or 150 hours; if the pad gets hard to the touch, wash your pad.

Water: Use Luke warm water 30°C / 86° F

 

Do not use water hotter than this because it will damage the wool’s natural elasticity.

Soap: 5 Star Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak is PH7 – neutral or an alkaline based shampoo. Do not use soap that is acidic based, because it will damage the wool’s natural elasticity.

Procedure: Wash with a water hose from the center of your 5 Star pad to the edges.  Wash your pad at an angle. Never spray directly into the pad body. Soak with warm (86° F) water up to the salt line then apply
5 Star Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak. Let your pad soak 15-20 minutes then rinse the soap out of your pad. Make sure that you rinse the soap completely out of your 5 Star Pad, because leaving any soap residue could
irritate your horse’s skin. Always rotate the pad during rinsing to ensure dirty, soapy water flows outward to the edges of the pad rather than soaking into it.

If your pad is extremely dirty and long overdue for a cleaning, you can soak your pad in a tub of water and 5 Star Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak overnight and then rinse your pad thoroughly until the water runs clear.

Drying and Storing your 5 Star Pad

Hang to dry in a warm dry area with plenty of airflow. The 5 Star pad may take a few days to dry. Never store your pad on top of or underneath another pad or saddle. 5 Star pad’s wool fibers need room to breathe!

Customize your 5 Star Pad today and give your horse the best protection for its back!