The Ultimate Care Guide: How to Get Your White Equestrian Competition Clothing Sparkle-Clean

If you’ve ever watched a child walk into their first competition wearing crisp, bright, perfectly white riding gear… you already know it’s one of those heart-melting moments you don’t forget. And if you’ve ever tried to wash that same white outfit after a long day around horses, dust, grass, and who-knows-what-else well, that’s a moment you don’t forget either, but for very different reasons.

White equestrian clothing has a magical ability to attract every stain within a 100-metre radius. Grass, arena dust, slobbery pony kisses, boot polish, food from the canteen, it somehow finds a way onto the fabric. And since many families in Australia rely on classic whites for events, keeping them truly clean can feel like a never-ending mission.

But don’t stress. With the right steps and a bit of patience, you can keep those bright whites looking competition-ready week after week.

Here’s the ultimate guide to making your child’s Equestrian competition clothing in Australia sparkle-clean again (and again… and again).

Step 1: Treat the Stains Before They Set In

Stains are easiest to remove before they dry. As soon as your little rider hops off the horse:

• Check elbows, cuffs, shirt fronts, inner thighs and the seat area, the “high-risk” zones.
• Gently dab (don’t rub) any obvious marks with cold water.
• Keep a mini stain-removal pen in your gear bag for emergencies.

If it’s a grass stain or arena dirt smear, pre-treat it the moment you’re home. Kids may forget to mention stains… but the shirt will tell you everything.

Step 2: Cold Water Is Your New Best Friend

Hot water sets stains especially sweat, dirt, and protein-based marks like horse saliva. Cold water lifts them.

Soak white breeches, shirts, or jackets in cold water for at least 20 to 30 minutes. You don’t need fancy chemicals here, just time and patience.

Step 3: Use a Gentle, Whitening Cleaner

Once soaking is done, wash using:

• A gentle oxygen-based whitening powder
• A mild detergent made for delicates.
• A little bit of eucalyptus oil or Napisan for stubborn marks.

Why not bleach? It weakens stitching, yellows fabric over time, and ruins the stretch in kids’ show breeches.

Step 4: Hand Wash When You Can (Your Whites Will Thank You)

Machine washing is fine for everyday gear, but show whites deserve extra care. Hand washing helps:

• Protect delicate fabrics
• Keep seams strong
• Preserve the crisp look that makes whites… well, white

If you do use the machine, place the clothing in a mesh laundry bag and choose a cold, gentle cycle.

Step 5: Sun-Dry for Natural Brightening

Here’s a little trick: The sun is a natural whitener and it actually works. Hang your whites in the sun (inside-out to protect fabric softness). You’ll be amazed how fresh they look afterwards.

Avoid the dryer, it breaks down elastic and can shrink certain materials used in competition shirts. 

Step 6: Spot-Treat After Riding, Not After Washing

Some stains appear after clothes dry especially boot polish or arena oil. For these:

• Dab rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad
• Spot-clean gently
• Rinse just that area with cold water
• Let dry naturally

No scrubbing needed, scrubbing spreads stains and damages fibres.

Step 7: Store Show Clothing Separately

If your child’s competition whites live in the same drawer as everyday riding clothes, stable wear, socks, or dusty gear, they won’t stay white for long.

Store them in: 

• A separate garment bag
• A clean drawer
• A zipped clothing organiser

Think of it as protecting an investment because clean whites can outlast several seasons when cared for properly.

A Quick Note About Kids’ Equestrian Outfits

Let’s be honest, kids are not known for keeping white clothing clean for more than 10 minutes. That’s why choosing the best kids horse riding outfits is so important. Look for fabrics that are stretchy, easy to wash, fast-drying, and breathable. The better the material, the easier the cleaning journey becomes.

If your little rider loves looking the part on show day, GiddyUpGirl has a gorgeous range of equestrian-inspired clothing designed just for kids. Their fun, stylish pieces let young riders express their love for horses long before they step into the arena.

Embrace the Mess (It Means They’re Having Fun)

Yes, sparkling white outfits look gorgeous. Yes, they feel special. Yes, they make the photos look amazing. But the dirt? The dust? The grass? The mystery smudges?

They’re signs of effort. Of learning. Of confidence growing. And honestly, sometimes the messiest days turn into the best memories.

So with the tips above, your child’s competition gear will look as good as new, and you won’t have to panic every time your young rider brushes against a horse (or rolls in the grass… it happens).

Happy cleaning and happier riding!