Practical Tips for Keeping Your Metal Horse Barn Clean
You love your horses, and naturally, you
want to do your best to ensure their safety and security. Our metal horse barns are perfect for this. At Armstrong
Steel, we design metal equestrian buildings that meet your aesthetic and
functional requirements. You can count on us to use the best materials,
delivering long-lasting and reliable structures.
While metal horse barns are designed to
last a long time, there are things you yourself can do to keep yours in good
shape for decades. Read on as we share these practical tips to take the
guesswork out of maintaining your metal barn.
Cleaning tips for
your metal horse barn
Maintaining a clean environment is not
merely to keep your barn looking great. It will keep illnesses and infections
at bay and prevent foul smells and pest infestations. Here are helpful tips to
keep metal horse barns spotless,
sanitized, and functional.
Manage your
clutter
Before cleaning your barn, take the time to
organize the things you store in it. Decluttering allows you to sort your
things and equipment, ensuring the necessities stay while removing unnecessary
items. It’s also a chance to identify broken or malfunctioning items so you can
throw them out or send them for repairs or recycling.
Follow a regular
cleaning schedule.
Establish a consistent cleaning schedule to
maintain a clean metal horse barn. Be sure to do these tasks to maintain
cleanliness and hygiene:
·
Daily cleaning: Stables that
regularly keep horses must be cleaned every day. Replace soiled bedding, remove
manure, and check for spills and leaks daily.
·
Weekly clean-ups: Aim to sweep
the floors at least once a week. Likewise, clean the watering and feeding
equipment thoroughly every week. Metal horse barns
can withstand general wear and tear caused by equine movement, but you should
also check for any signs of damage.
·
Monthly cleaning: Deep-clean
your horse barn every month, focusing on the stalls and walls. This is also a
good time to power-wash the exterior to maintain an attractive metal building.
Must-have cleaning
tools for a metal horse barn
Your cleaning tools can impact your
cleaning process. Make sure you have the basics, such as:
·
Wheelbarrows: This will allow
you to bring bedding and manure out of your horse barn.
·
Manure fork: Shaving forks or
pitchforks are great for removing animal waste efficiently and quickly.
·
Buckets and scrubbing brushes:
Use these to deep-clean water vessels, feeders, and other surfaces.
·
Stable broom: Sweep dust and
hay out of your barn to keep it tidy.
·
Broad shovel: This will help
you deal with large amounts of manure, saving you effort and time.
·
Power washer: This can help you
clean the walls and floors quickly and efficiently.
Cleaning the horse
stalls
Cleaning the stalls in metal horse barns is key to keeping your horses
healthy and happy. Plus, it prevents unwanted odors, infections, and pests. Aim
to clean the stalls daily so you don’t have to spend too much time scrubbing
and cleaning weekly or monthly. Steel is non-porous, so it’s easy to maintain
and clean.
Manage your
horse’s bedding.
Well-maintained bedding will keep your
horses healthy. Whether you use sawdust, shavings, or straw, ensure it's not
soaked in urine. Otherwise, it releases ammonia that can harm equine lungs. Aim
to change soiled bedding regularly.
Clean metal
surfaces with a power washer
Dirt, debris, and grime will accumulate on metal horse barns if you don’t clean them regularly. If
you let them build up, they will damage the surfaces and increase the risk of
corrosion. The best way to avoid that is by power-washing the steel roof and
wall panels. We recommend cleaning the roof regularly for smoother snow and
rainwater runoff.
While cleaning metal surfaces, pay
attention to the joints and seams where dirt and debris can squeeze in.
Additionally, remove any debris or vegetation accumulating or growing around
the barn, in the gutters, and on the roof.
Manage horse
manure
Prioritize cleaning horse manure for a
clean and safe metal barn. Removing manure regularly also prevents unpleasant
odors and unhealthy fumes. Do it safely by:
Using a manure spreader for efficient waste
disposal.
Keeping manure storage areas out of the
barn to prevent flies and foul odors.
Having a dedicated manure composting
system.
Don’t forget to
clean the vents and windows.
Proper ventilation is essential for a
healthy horse barn. It allows fresh air to enter the space, reducing the risk
of equine respiratory diseases. This is why you must ensure that nothing is
blocking the windows and vents. If you have ceiling fans, take the time to
clean them, too. This will keep them in optimum condition and prevent moisture
and dust build-up. Plus, the fans help remove potentially harmful substances
from the air.
Clear entry points
Entry points like the doorways can collect
dust and debris that can cause respiratory diseases. Sweep them daily to
prevent mud build-up. Installing gravel paths and mud grids can prevent people
and horses from tracking dirt inside the bar. Rubber mats and doormats can also
minimize the dust you can drag inside through your shoes.
Don’t have a metal
horse barn yet?
Keep your horses safe and protected with
our prefabricated metal
horse barns. Contact us here at Armstrong
Steel for a price quote based on your design needs and location. You may also
call our building consultants at 1-866-938-5256 to learn more about our steel
buildings.
Source: https://armstrongsteel.com/practical-tips-for-keeping-your-metal-horse-barn-clean/
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