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.

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