How to Clean and Store Your Stable Drapes and Accessories After Show Season
Your stable setup is part of your barn’s identity. From embroidered drapes and coordinating valances to trunk covers and stall plates, every detail contributes to a polished presentation.
Before packing everything away or preparing for the winter circuit, take time to clean, inspect and organize your pieces. Proper care helps preserve their appearance and makes your next setup easier.
Before You Begin
Photograph your setup before taking it down. This gives you a useful reference for next season, particularly when working with multiple panels, entrance pieces and valances.
Remove loose hooks, ties and hanging hardware, and place them in a labeled pouch. Empty organizers and storage bags, then gently brush away dust, shavings and loose dirt.
Work on a clean surface rather than directly on the barn floor. Test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area first, and follow any care instructions supplied with your finished pieces.
How to Clean Sunbrella® Stable Drapes
For routine cleaning of Sunbrella marine canvas:
- Brush away loose dirt and debris.
- Rinse the fabric with clean water.
- Apply a solution of mild soap and water.
- Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Allow the drapes to air dry completely before folding or storing. Do not tumble dry.
Treat spills promptly rather than leaving them until the end of the season.
Protect Embroidery and Trim
Cleaning instructions for the base fabric do not necessarily apply to every component of a finished drape.
Although Sunbrella permits diluted bleach treatments for certain stains on marine canvas, bleach may affect sewing thread and other materials. For embroidered drapes with coordinating trim, use mild soap and water and avoid bleach or strong stain treatments unless the finished-item care instructions specifically permit them.
Blot embroidered areas gently with a soft cloth or sponge rather than scrubbing.
Water-Repellent Treatments
After repeated thorough cleaning or extended use, Sunbrella fabric may benefit from a compatible water-repellent treatment. Use a product recommended for the specific fabric and follow its application instructions. Apply only after the fabric is clean and completely dry.
How to Clean Cordura® Stable Drapes
For urethane-coated Cordura fabric, use gentle hand cleaning:
- Remove loose dust, dirt and shavings.
- Wipe the surface with a soft sponge or cloth dampened with clean, warm water.
- Where more cleaning is needed, hand wash with warm water and a mild detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove cleaning residue.
- Hang to air dry completely before packing away.
Do not bleach, iron or dry clean urethane-coated Cordura.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, particularly around embroidery, piping and the coated backing. Do not assume that large finished drapes are machine washable simply because some Cordura products can be washed in a machine.
Cordura fabrics come in different constructions and finishes. Follow the care instructions for your finished item, as its coating, trim and construction may affect the appropriate cleaning method.
Cleaning Your Stable Accessories
Coordinating accessories deserve the same attention as your drapes. Always choose a cleaning method suited to their material and finish.
Trunk covers, name banners and fabric organizers: Empty pockets and remove loose debris. Follow the appropriate fabric-care instructions, paying attention to corners, seams and areas where dust collects. Allow pockets and layered sections to dry fully.
Stall plates and brackets: Wipe with a soft cloth, using only a cleaner suitable for the finish. Avoid abrasive pads and metal polish unless approved for that surface. Dry thoroughly and wrap plates individually to help prevent scratches.
Leather accessories: Use cleaning and conditioning products suitable for the leather’s finish. Avoid soaking, and allow pieces to dry naturally away from direct heat.
Hooks, straps and fasteners: Remove dirt and inspect for wear. Keep loose hardware separate from fabrics so it cannot snag embroidery or mark the material.
Dry Completely Before Packing
Never leave damp drapes or accessories packed away for the off-season. Check seams, straps, pockets and layered trim carefully, as these areas can take longer to dry.
If rain or a busy departure means packing items while damp, unpack them promptly when you return to the barn. Hang or spread them out in a well-ventilated space until completely dry.
This simple step helps prevent musty odors and mildew during storage.
Inspect the Details
Before folding, check for loose stitching, damaged hanging tabs, worn straps and zippers that need attention. Make a list of repairs and missing pieces while you still remember where everything belongs.
Secure hook-and-loop fasteners so they cannot catch on embroidery or neighboring fabrics. Place removable hooks and mounting supplies in labeled pouches.
Taking care of these details now helps avoid surprises at your next show.
Fold and Store with Care
Fold drapes loosely along natural seams where practical, avoiding tight creases across embroidered logos. Keep matching panels, valances and entrance pieces together, and label each bag by set or stall position.
Store fabric pieces in clean, breathable bags in a dry indoor space away from direct sunlight. If using sealed containers, make sure both the items and containers are completely dry.
Keep heavy hardware separate, and avoid stacking bulky equipment on top of embroidered pieces. Wrap stall plates individually and store their brackets and mounting supplies nearby.
Ready for Next Season
End-of-season packing is an ideal time to review your stable presentation. Note any missing pieces, repairs or additions while your setup is still fresh in your mind.
Whether your next stop is the winter circuit or the first show of spring, thoughtful cleaning and careful storage help keep your stable drapes and accessories ready for a polished return to the show grounds.