Bestsellers
Hey Sport Rug Wash & Care | Emmers Equestrian
Hey Sport makes the specialist detergents and waterproofing treatments that keep technical rugs and turnout gear performing the way they're supposed to. Ordinary laundry detergent and fabric softener coat and clog the fibers that make a rug breathable or waterproof, which is why a turnout rug that's been through a normal wash often stops repelling rain properly even though it looks clean.
Hey Sport's range is built specifically to clean those technical fabrics without breaking down their coating and to restore water-repellency afterwards. The range covers two separate jobs: washing and reproofing. Rug Wash is a straightforward cleaner for removing dirt, hair, and odor. Rug Impra Wash-In does both at once; it cleans and reapplies a water-repellent finish in the same cycle, which is the simpler option if your rug just needs routine care. If you want to reproof a rug on its own, without a full wash, a separate impregnating spray does that job. Several of Hey Sport's newer formulas are fluorine-free, which is worth knowing if you're trying to avoid the older PFC-based waterproofing chemicals that are being phased out across the EU.
Tips for Choosing
- Pick Rug Impra Wash-In for routine turnout rug care, since it washes and reproofs in one step. Choose a plain rug Wash only if the rug doesn't need rewaterproofing or you're reproofing separately.
- Use a dedicated impregnating spray between full washes if a rug's water-repellency is fading, but it isn't actually dirty enough to need a clean.
- Always follow your rug's own care label alongside the product instructions; fill weights, linings, and membranes vary enough between brands that one rug may need gentler handling than another.
- Wash at the temperature stated on the product (typically a cool, specialist cycle) and skip fabric softener entirely, since it's one of the main causes of a turnout rug losing its breathability and waterproofing over time.
- Air-dry rather than tumble-dry technical rugs, and let any impregnating treatment cure fully before the rug goes back out in the rain.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my rug leak after I wash it, even though it looked fine before?
Ordinary detergent and fabric softener leave residue that clogs the rug's breathable, waterproof coating; a specialist wash like Hey Sport's is formulated to clean without damaging that layer.
What's the difference between Rug Wash and Rug Impra Wash-In?
Rug Wash just cleans; Rug Impra Wash-In cleans and reapplies water-repellency in the same wash, so it's the better choice for routine turnout rug maintenance.
Can I reproof my rug without washing it?
Yes, a standalone impregnating spray lets you top up water repellency between full washes if the rug is still clean but starting to let water through.
Can I use normal laundry detergent instead?
It's best avoided for turnout and technical rugs; normal detergent and softener are the most common reason a rug's waterproofing fails early.
Is fluorine-free impregnation as effective as the older type?
Fluorine-free formulas are designed to perform comparably while avoiding the older PFC-based chemicals being phased out under EU regulation, making them a sensible default going forward.
Does this work on more than just turnout rugs?
Yes, the range also covers fleece, down, and other technical fabrics, so it's useful beyond rugs for anything with a similar breathable or water-repellent finish.
You'll find Hey Sport rug wash and care products at Emmers Equestrian.