Remove horse smell
Alexander DurbanDo you know that feeling? You come home from the stables, happy and content – and before you even close the door behind you, that typical horse smell hits you. Your jacket, your riding pants, even your hair and your car have practically absorbed the stable smell. And as much as you love horses, sometimes it would be nice not to carry that scent with you everywhere. The good news: There are tried-and-tested methods you can use to freshen up your clothes, equipment, and even your car – without having to give up your beloved horsey life. Find out here which home remedies, washing methods, and tricks really help!
Removing horse smell from clothes: How to keep your riding clothes fresh
Horse odor in clothing is almost a given for us riders – but not everyone around us shares this enthusiasm. Whether it's riding jackets, gloves, or stable pants – the mixture of sweat, hay, and stable air settles deep into the fibers. But don't worry, with the right washing methods and household remedies, you can quickly get rid of the stubborn odor!
White vinegar as a natural odor killer
Vinegar is a true miracle cure when it comes to odors. Simply add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine – it will neutralize unpleasant odors and kill bacteria at the same time. Don't worry, the vinegar smell will disappear completely after washing!
Special detergent for functional clothing
Riding jackets, softshells, and weatherproof clothing require special care to maintain their breathable and water-repellent properties. Brands like Nikwax offer special detergents that not only clean your riding clothing but also waterproof it.
Baking soda or baking powder for particularly stubborn odors
If the odor has become truly ingrained, a simple household remedy can help: baking soda or baking powder ! Dissolve one or two tablespoons in lukewarm water and soak your clothes for a few hours. Then wash them normally in the washing machine – the result is fresh, odor-free riding clothes.
Wash gently – choose low temperatures
Particularly delicate materials like riding gloves or softshell jackets should be washed at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius and on a gentle cycle. Excessively high temperatures can damage the fibers and impair functionality.
Regular ventilation – ideally directly after riding
A simple but often underestimated trick: Air out your riding clothes immediately after wearing them ! Hang jackets, gloves, and pants out to fresh air before throwing them in the laundry basket. This prevents the smell from settling deep into the fibers. With these simple but effective tips, your riding clothes will stay fresher longer – and you can keep that horse smell where it belongs: in the stable!
Remove horse smell from shoes and boots
Riding boots and stable shoes don't have it easy—they have to endure a lot every day. Mud, horse sweat, stable odor, and moisture settle deep into the material and cause unpleasant odors. But with a few simple tricks, you can freshen up your shoes again!
Baking soda or activated carbon: natural odor absorbers
A proven home remedy for unpleasant odors is baking soda or activated charcoal . Both substances draw moisture and odors out of shoes. Simply add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your shoes or place small bags of activated charcoal inside overnight – your boots will smell noticeably fresher the next morning!
Shoe deodorants & antibacterial sprays against bacteria
An effective way to combat stubborn odors in riding boots and shoes is with special shoe deodorants or antibacterial sprays . This unpleasant odor is usually caused by bacteria that multiply in the moist environment of shoes and boots. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a suitable spray after each wear and allow the shoes to dry thoroughly.
A particularly innovative solution is offered by Charakterstark – a probiotic spray that not only neutralizes odors but also sustainably promotes a healthy shoe environment. Unlike conventional shoe deodorants, which often only work for a short time or mask unpleasant odors with strong fragrances, Charakterstark relies on highly dosed, effective microorganisms. These probiotics support the natural microbiome, eliminating odor-causing bacteria.
"Thanks to this product, I was able to effectively combat unpleasant odors in my helmet, shoes, and riding jacket. Sweaty, unpleasant odors are a thing of the past. I even encouraged my stablemates to try it – and they were just as enthusiastic. Even my fur boots were comfortable to wear again, without the usual musty smell when taking them off."
To the product testWhat's particularly practical is that the spray is suitable not only for shoes, but also for helmets, blankets, and other heavily used materials . Regular use can prevent unpleasant odors from developing, rather than just dealing with them after the fact. This is a particularly sustainable and skin-friendly solution, especially for riders who wear their boots and equipment every day—for long-lasting freshness without harsh chemicals.
Strong character - treatment of unpleasant odors
- Ideal for treating unpleasant odors such as feet, shoes, helmets, blankets and much more.
Regular airing & scented insoles
After a long day at the stable, don't just throw your riding boots or shoes away in the closet. Air them out regularly to allow moisture to escape. Scented insoles with lavender, cedarwood, or other natural fragrances also help—they provide a pleasant freshness boost.
Remove horse smell from the car: Fresh air despite everyday riding
If you regularly travel in your car with your riding clothes, horse blankets, or saddlery, you'll know the problem: That typical stable smell quickly lingers. Fabric upholstery and ventilation systems in particular are only too happy to absorb the mixture of sweat, leather, and hay. A simple but effective way to combat the smell is to use natural odor absorbers like coffee beans or cat litter . Simply place a small bowl of coffee beans or cat litter in your car—both materials absorb moisture and neutralize unpleasant odors. Cat litter, in particular, draws odor molecules from the air and helps freshen the interior of your vehicle after a long day at the stable.
Ventilation is also very helpful in reducing the horse smell in the car. After every trip, you should open the windows for a few minutes to prevent the smell from becoming permanently embedded in the upholstery and the ventilation system. Regular interior cleaning is also recommended, especially of the seats, floor mats, and trunk, as hair, dust, and other residues often accumulate there, which can intensify the smell.
How to remove unpleasant horse smell from living spaces
The easiest way to banish horse smells from your home: Store your riding clothes separately from your everyday clothes ! Ideally, store them in a separate room or a well-ventilated area, such as the laundry room or a hallway with a window.
Horse hair and dust quickly settle in sofas, pillows, and blankets. Wash them regularly at higher temperatures to get rid of the odor. An additional trick: Add half a cup of vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser—this helps eliminate odors permanently.
Do you have a riding dog and are looking for a way to remove unpleasant dog odors? Our guide will teach you the best methods for removing dog odors easily and effectively !
