Natural Recipe for Maintaining Grooming Tools

How often to you clean your grooming tools? It's not a task that most horse owners think about much; it's easy to just toss them back into your grooming tote.

Unfortunately, dirty brushes won't last as long and are not as effective as clean tools. After all, if your tools aren't clean, how clean can you get your horse? Here's a quick natural recipe to keep your tools clean and working properly:

1. Remove hair, dirt and debris (with a comb or cloth) from each tool.

2. Add one-half cup baking soda and one-half cup white vinegar to a gallon of warm water in a container with a lid. It'll bubble like crazy! Shake lightly.

3. Immerse each tool in the mixture; let soak for 10-15 minutes.

4. Remove each tool, scrub lightly with a wire brush, then rinse.

5. Dry with a towel, then air dry in direct sun.

6. Make sure the tools are totally dry before you store them to prevent rust.

If you have a natural fiber brush or leather or wood handles it is best not to soak them. Instead, dunk them in the soapy water, rinse and dry right away with a clean towel. Be sure you dry them with the bristles down so water doesn't soak into the handle.

And as a bonus, you'll save you money by extending the life of your brushes.