Last Updated: February 11, 2026
Target Keywords: clean slow feeder, hay net mold, disinfect hay feeder
Target Audience: Owners and barn managers who need repeatable feeder hygiene protocols
2-Minute Version (Read This First)
1) What is the real problem?
Feeder surfaces collect moisture, saliva, and organic residue that can harbor mold and bacteria.
2) Why does it matter?
Poor hygiene raises respiratory and digestive risk and shortens feeder lifespan.
3) What should you do next?
- Separate cleaning and disinfection into two steps every cycle.
- Adopt a routine based on feeder type and environment.
- Replace damaged or porous parts before contamination escalates.
Quick Action Plan (This Week)
| Day | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Set daily quick-clean checklist | Stop residue accumulation early |
| Day 2-3 | Complete one deep clean cycle | Remove embedded debris and biofilm |
| Day 4-5 | Apply approved disinfection routine | Lower pathogen load effectively |
| Day 6-7 | Audit wear points and drying process | Prevent reinfection from damp storage |
Introduction: Why Cleaning Your Slow Feeder Matters
Your slow feeder sits in a barn environment — surrounded by moisture, manure, and decomposing organic matter. Without regular cleaning, it becomes a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and fungi that can cause respiratory disease, digestive upset, and skin infections in your horse.
| Contamination Risk | Health Consequence |
|---|---|
| Mold spores | Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO / “heaves”) |
| Bacterial biofilm | Digestive infections, opportunistic illness |
| Fungi | Skin infections, respiratory irritation |
| Decomposing hay | Heat generation, toxin production |
| Saliva residue | Attracts bacteria growth |
“Cleaning to remove organic matter and then disinfecting to kill pathogens are two distinct, essential steps.” — Horse Illustrated
Cleaning Schedule: How Often?
| Feeder Type | Quick Clean | Deep Clean | Disinfect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hay net (indoor) | Remove old hay daily | Weekly wash | Monthly |
| Hay net (outdoor) | Remove old hay daily | Weekly wash | Biweekly |
| Hay bag | Shake out daily | Weekly wash | Monthly |
| Hard feeder (Porta-Grazer, OptiMizer) | Wipe out daily | Weekly scrub | Monthly |
| Round bale net | Check for decomposition weekly | Each bale change | Monthly |
| Soaking net (hay soak) | Rinse after each use | Every 3-4 uses | Weekly |
Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning a Hay Net
What You’ll Need
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large tub or wash basin | Soaking container |
| Mild detergent (no bleach initially) | Remove organic matter |
| Stiff brush | Scrub debris |
| Clean water (non-chlorinated if possible) | Rinsing |
| Vinegar (white) | Natural disinfectant/softener |
| Baking soda | Odor removal, softener |
| Laundry mesh bag (optional) | Machine washing protection |
Step 1: Remove All Hay
- Shake out thoroughly
- Pick out stubborn hay pieces embedded in knots
- Do not skip this step — disinfectants won’t penetrate organic matter
Step 2: Pre-Rinse
- Hose down the entire net with clean water
- Remove mud, manure, and loose debris
- Pay attention to corners and tie-off points
Step 3: Wash with Detergent
Hand wash method:
| Action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fill tub with warm water | Large enough to submerge the full net |
| Add mild detergent | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Submerge and agitate | Work suds through entire net |
| Scrub with brush | Focus on stained/dirty areas |
| Let soak | 15-30 minutes for stubborn grime |
Machine wash method:
| Action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Place net in mesh laundry bag | Prevents tangling inside machine |
| Use mild detergent | Standard amount |
| Cold or warm cycle | Avoid hot water (may damage netting) |
| Run empty hot cycle after | Cleans machine of hay residue |
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
- Remove all detergent residue
- Multiple rinse cycles if machine washing
- Detergent residue can irritate skin and mouth
Step 5: Disinfect (Choose One Method)
Method A: Vinegar & Baking Soda (Gentle, Recommended)
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fill tub with clean (non-chlorinated) water | Enough to submerge net |
| Add white vinegar | 1.5 cups for large nets; ¼ cup for small |
| Add baking soda | 1 cup for large nets; ½ cup for small |
| Soak | 1 hour |
| Rinse | Thoroughly with clean water |
Bonus: This method also softens stiff hay nets. Avoid chlorinated water, which can stiffen netting.
Method B: Bleach Solution (Strong Disinfection)
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ensure net is free of all organic matter | Bleach doesn’t work in presence of dirt |
| Dilute bleach | Follow label (typically 1:10 ratio) |
| Soak | 15-30 minutes |
| Rinse thoroughly | Multiple rinses; no bleach residue |
Caution: Bleach can weaken netting fibers over time. Use sparingly — vinegar method preferred for routine maintenance.
Method C: Commercial Equine Disinfectant
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Choose product | Equine-safe, follow label directions |
| Apply | Spray or soak as directed |
| Dwell time | 10-15 minutes (surface must stay wet) |
| Rinse | Thoroughly |
Step 6: Dry Completely
| Action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hang to air dry | In a well-ventilated area |
| Avoid direct sunlight | UV degrades nylon over time |
| Ensure completely dry before use | Damp nets encourage mold regrowth |
Cleaning Hard Feeders (Porta-Grazer, OptiMizer, Tubs)
Weekly Cleaning Protocol
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove all hay and debris |
| 2 | Rinse interior with hose |
| 3 | Scrub with brush + mild detergent |
| 4 | Pay special attention to corners, drain holes, and under lips |
| 5 | Rinse thoroughly |
| 6 | Wipe/spray with vinegar solution |
| 7 | Let air dry or towel dry |
Monthly Deep Clean
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Disassemble all removable parts |
| 2 | Soak components in detergent solution (30 min) |
| 3 | Scrub with stiff brush |
| 4 | Disinfect with equine-safe disinfectant |
| 5 | Rinse completely |
| 6 | Inspect for cracks, sharp edges, worn parts |
| 7 | Allow to dry fully before reassembly |
Dealing with Mold
Identifying Mold on Your Slow Feeder
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Visible growth | Green, black, or white fuzzy patches |
| Musty smell | Noticeable even after hay removal |
| Discoloration | Dark staining that doesn’t wash off |
| Slippery texture | Biofilm on hard surfaces |
Mold Removal Protocol
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wear gloves and mask during cleaning |
| 2 | Remove all hay — dispose of moldy hay (do not feed) |
| 3 | Scrub affected areas with stiff brush + detergent |
| 4 | Apply undiluted white vinegar to moldy areas |
| 5 | Let sit 30 minutes |
| 6 | Scrub again |
| 7 | Rinse thoroughly |
| 8 | If mold persists, use bleach solution (1:10) |
| 9 | Dry completely before refilling |
Preventing Mold
| Prevention Strategy | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Remove old hay daily | Decomposing hay generates heat and moisture |
| Drainage | Ensure outdoor feeders have drain holes |
| Airflow | Don’t store filled nets in sealed bags |
| Dry area | Position feeder in well-drained location |
| Complete refills | Don’t pile new hay on top of old |
| Rotation | Alternate between two nets — one in use, one drying |
Special Cleaning Scenarios
Hay Soaking Nets
If you soak hay before feeding (for metabolic or dust reasons), the soaking net requires extra attention:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Gunk buildup | Hot water soak + scrub after every 3-4 uses |
| Foul odor | Vinegar soak (1 hour); scrub thoroughly |
| Bacterial growth | Rinse net immediately after each soak session |
| Stiffening | Vinegar + baking soda soak restores flexibility |
“Overnight soaking can increase bacteria count in hay. Flash soaking for 10 minutes reduces dust without increasing bacteria.” — American Farriers Journal
Outdoor/All-Weather Feeders
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Bird/wildlife contamination | Clean and disinfect more frequently |
| Rainwater pooling | Ensure drainage; empty standing water |
| UV degradation | Position under shelter when possible |
| Mud contamination | Elevate feeder or place on gravel pad |
After Illness (Strangles, Flu, EHV, etc.)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Isolate contaminated feeder immediately |
| 2 | Remove all hay; dispose safely |
| 3 | Scrub with detergent; rinse |
| 4 | Disinfect with bleach solution (1:10) or veterinary-grade disinfectant |
| 5 | Soak for 30+ minutes |
| 6 | Rinse thoroughly |
| 7 | Air dry completely in sunlight (UV provides additional disinfection) |
| 8 | Consider replacement for porous or heavily contaminated nets |
Inspection Checklist: When to Replace
| Issue | Repair or Replace? |
|---|---|
| Small holes in netting | Repair with net repair kit |
| Fraying edges | Repair if minor; replace if widespread |
| Large tears | Replace — hoof entanglement risk |
| Persistent odor after cleaning | Replace |
| Stiffening beyond recovery | Replace |
| Cracked hard feeder | Replace — sharp edges can injure |
| Rusted metal components | Replace immediately |
| Weak/broken attachment points | Replace — safety hazard |
Product-Specific Care Guide
| Product | Material | Cleaning Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hay Chix | Nylon | Machine washable in mesh bag; avoid bleach |
| Texas Haynet | Polypropylene | Hand wash; vinegar soak for softening |
| Hay Pillow | 1000D Cordura + nylon netting | Hose off; scrub Cordura shell; air dry |
| Porta-Grazer | HDPE plastic | Scrub with brush; dishwasher-safe components |
| OptiMizer | LLDPE shell + UltraNet | Hose; scrub shell; machine wash net |
| GutzBusta | Polyethylene netting | Hand wash; vinegar soak |
Summary: The Cleaning Protocol
| Frequency | Action |
|---|---|
| Daily | Remove old hay; shake out debris |
| Weekly | Hand or machine wash with mild detergent |
| Monthly | Full disinfection (vinegar or bleach method) |
| Each bale change | Clean round bale feeders before refilling |
| After illness | Veterinary-grade disinfection or replacement |
| Every 6 months | Full inspection; repair or replace as needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my hay net in the washing machine?
Yes, most nylon and polyester nets can be machine washed. Place in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling. Use mild detergent, cold or warm cycle. Run an empty hot cycle afterward to clean the machine.
How do I get rid of the smell from my soaking hay net?
Vinegar soak. Fill a tub with water, add 1.5 cups white vinegar and 1 cup baking soda. Soak the net for 1 hour, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. Repeat if needed.
Should I throw away a moldy hay net?
Not necessarily. Most mold can be removed with vinegar or bleach treatment. However, if the net has persistent mold that returns after cleaning, deep-set odor, or structural damage from the mold, replace it.
What about bleach — is it safe for my horse?
Bleach is safe when rinsed thoroughly. The key is multiple rinse cycles after bleach disinfection. Never put a bleach-treated net on hay without thorough rinsing and drying first.
Next Steps
- Check your feeders today — remove old hay and inspect for mold
- Schedule a deep clean this weekend
- Set a calendar reminder for monthly disinfection
- Browse our product guides for durable, easy-to-clean feeders
Related Articles
- Best Slow Feeders for Horses 2026
- Top 5 Slow Feeder Brands Reviewed
- Slow Feeder Troubleshooting Guide
Sources
- Horse Illustrated. How to Clean and Disinfect Horse Equipment. horseillustrated.com
- NagBags. Hay Net Care and Cleaning. nagbags.ca
- American Farriers Journal. Hay Soaking and Mold Research. americanfarriers.com
- Horse & Hound. Cleaning Hay Nets. horseandhound.co.uk
- Horse Forum. Community Cleaning Tips. horseforum.com
Disclaimer: This guide provides general cleaning recommendations. For feeders used by horses with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems, consult your veterinarian for enhanced hygiene protocols.