Clean feed and water buckets can help prevent bacteria growth, fly infestations, and even illness. Aim to clean your buckets at least every couple of weeks, especially in hot weather, or daily if sharing them between horses.
Start by emptying any leftover feed or water. If the buckets are especially dirty or crusted, give them a quick rinse first to loosen debris. You’ll need a stiff brush, a hose or water source, and some mild dish soap and maybe a horse-safe disinfectant.
Scrub the inside of the bucket with soap and warm water. The stiff brush will help you get into all those little nooks and crannies where feed can get stuck. Rinse the bucket well to remove soap residue. Otherwise, your horse might refuse to eat or drink from it.
It’s a good idea to disinfect shared or very dirty buckets to kill any remaining bacteria or mold. You can use a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to 10 parts water) or Nolvasan, following the instructions on the label. Let the buckets dry completely before refilling. This helps prevent bacteria and algae growth—especially in warm weather.
Related Reading: When, Why, and How to Clean Horse Feed Buckets
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