Product Review: HORSE TALK, Volume 15/issue 1 January/February 2007

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Quality Equine Laundry

Now that it is the dead of winter, not many of us are worried about blanket cleaning unless your horse has rolled in the mud or torn his blanket so badly that it must be washed and repaired. Whether the blankets come off now or when spring arrives, you have to decide the best way to clean and repair them.

We have found an amazing company in Massachusetts called Quality Equine Laundry that prides itself in excellent repairing and cleaning of every type of horse blanket. This company has thought of every way to take the drudgery out of blanket care. They will send you a “laundry bag,” along with the postage-paid return label, via DHL. About a week after you call and set up a time for DHL to pick up the blankets at your home or barn, they are returned in a breathable, ready-to-store garment bag with your name on it.

Each blanket is carefully washed in the manner that is appropriate for the type of blanket. Jim Collentro, the owner of Quality Equine laundry, has over 53 years of experience in the dry cleaning business; he knows how to get horse blankets clean without ruining them. He explained to us a few tips that most horse owners who launder their own blankets do not know. For example, a Baker blanket is not washed the same as a Rambo or a cooler. Also, if you dry a blanket in a dryer, the dryer will make the water repellant ineffective.

As part of the cleaning service, all broken or warn buckles are replaced, and all the Velcro® is cleaned at no extra charge. Any blanket can be repaired, and the company will even match up the color or texture of your blanket. Repair costs start at $5. You can also have water repellant put on your blankets for $15. Prices for cleaning range from $17 for fly sheets and scrims up to $40 for New Zealand Rugs. There is a price list available on their web site.

I could not believe how nice my blankets looked. My Weatherbeeta blanket is at least 4 years old, and I had never really had it washed. I would hose it off in the spring, hang it to dry, and put it away. After sending my blanket to Quality Equine Laundry, it returned looking brand new. The colors were bright, it did not smell like horses, and it was folded nicely in the garment bag with tissue paper in between the folds. They had repaired the rips and replaced the worn buckles
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Jim Collentro has developed a wonderful business which covers the East Coast. Many barns in New England can even drop off their blankets at selected tack shops. The company will also clean English and Western saddle pads, dog blankets and beds.

Check out Quality Equine Laundry’s Web site at www.QualityEquineLaundry.com, or send Jim an E-mail at jpcollentro@mindspring.com. I highly recommend this service. You will not be disappointed.

“I saw some blankets at Rowley Harness and assumed they were new. They were bright, clean, well-packaged, and had no smell. When the owner told me they were blankets that Quality Equine Laundry had dropped off I was amazed....and I immediately signed up for their service. The work has been great, and quite reasonable. The weekly service is a dream come true!”

Lynn O’Connell, Owner
Wadsworth Farm,
Danvers, MA

"Just want you to know that I was in VT last week with two of my horses. They were out 24/7 with run in that they did not use once. I had a green sheet on top of the Blue Rambo for the entire time. Got one hour ride in between the storms. THEY WERE COMPLETELY DRY the entire week. Your system really works."

Joe Gitterman
Woodgate Farm

"Jim, I am absolutely thrilled with your service. Everything has been returned on time and SUPER CLEAN! Not only do they look great but they smell FRESH and it has been great to store them in a nice blanket bag which does not allow mold to build."

Donna White
White Haven Farm

We really do love your blankets!