Nothing distracts from your beautiful backyard like a run-down shed. The chipped paint, mildew-covered siding, and musty smells make it an eyesore (and a nose-sore). Not sure if your old shed can survive another season? Here are six warning signs that it’s time for a shed replacement.

1). You Spot Structural Damage

A good shed should last 20+ years, but eventually the elements take a toll. The first place to look for damage is the foundation. If that starts crumbling, your shed will begin to resemble the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is difficult to repair and a safety hazard for anyone entering, so get ready to say goodbye to your old shed and find a replacement. 

Another common issue is leaks. You may not notice a moisture problem right away, but if left untreated, it can destroy the items inside and cause your shed to rot, weakening the structural integrity. Thankfully, vinyl siding is more moisture-resistant than wood, but both can have leaks. If you’re dealing with serious water damage, then a shed replacement is in your future.

Not sure if your shed is in good shape? Inspect the interior and exterior for these signs of physical damage: 

• Missing shingles
• Discoloration
• Sagging roof
• Warping
• Rotting 
• Cracks 
• Water damage 
• Severe leaning
• Bad smells inside

A rotting roof or cracked siding means your shed is no longer protecting your property. If you spot any deterioration, tackle the problem right away. One or two issues can be solved with a shed renovation, but if you’re dealing with extensive damage, then you have a bigger problem.

It’s up to you how much time and money you’re willing to put into replacing a shed roof, siding, or foundation. But for ultimate peace of mind, invest in a new custom-built shed that you know is made of quality materials that can withstand the weather.

2). You Need More Space

The second sign it’s time for a shed replacement is when you run out of room to hold your stuff. Sheds are the perfect storage solution for those miscellaneous parts of life—sports equipment, gardening supplies, and other items you don’t want cluttering up your home.

But when your shed starts to fill up, it becomes cramped and impossible to locate anything. Upgrade to a bigger model so you can comfortably store all your valuables (and find them with ease). 

Our sheds come in a range of sizes from 6’x6’ to 14’x44’. You can fit anything from your kids trophies to a riding lawn mower. We also offer upgrades to give you more overhead room for lofts and storage.

3). You’ve Got a Mold Problem

Fungus growth is a clear indicator that your old shed has got to go. Mold is caused by trapped moisture from leaks, humidity, or condensation. It loves damp, dark areas (like the inside of your shed) and feeds on organic materials. Wooden sheds are extremely susceptible to mildew growth, while vinyl tends to be more resistant.

If you only have a few small patches of mold, you can clean them. But if it’s a widespread issue or the mold keeps coming back no matter how deep you clean, then you’ll need a new shed with proper ventilation. That’s where we come in.

4). Pests Have Moved In

An infestation means it’s time for a shed replacement. The most common pests to watch out for are: 

• Mice
• Rats
• Squirrels
• Ants 
• Termites
• Bees and wasps
• Roaches
• Beetles

Some of these creatures are just a nuisance, like mice. They may damage any boxes inside, but you can employ a few pest control methods without having to get rid of your shed completely. Others, like termites, can impact the structural integrity of your structure and eat away at the wood. 

With an old shed, any crack or hole can let these animals in, and it may be hard to get rid of the infestation without an upgrade.

5). Windows & Doors are on the Fritz

Another shed red flag is if your windows and doors start to fail. Is your door not opening or closing correctly? Are your windows drafty? Is there condensation between the panes of glass? Is moisture getting in?

When these elements stop working, they can let critters inside, along with water, wind, and debris. This decreases the effectiveness of your shed and makes it less secure. If you want a structure with quality windows, doors, and security options, then you’ll need a new shed. 

6). It Doesn’t Look Good

There’s also aesthetic reasons to replace your shed. Do any of these sound familiar? 

• The paint has faded or chipped.
• The structure is dirty and run-down.
• You’re sick of repainting.
• You’re dreading the task of replacing the shed roof or siding.
• It’s not worth the maintenance needed to keep it looking nice.

Your shed is supposed to save you time and effort. If it’s doing the opposite, then you’re in the market for a new one.

Or maybe it’s just not the style you want anymore. If your shed feels outdated and out of place in your yard, explore our options today. Each of our sheds are made with high-quality wood or vinyl siding, long-lasting shingles, and comes in a variety of styles and colors to match your home.

Here are just a few of the styles we offer:

Benefits of Upgrading Your Old Shed

Still not convinced you need a shed replacement? Here are some benefits of upgrading: 

• Matches your dream design. You can customize your new shed to exactly match your vision. 
• Has a five-year warranty. With Penn Dutch Structures, your peace of mind is a guarantee.
• Lasts longer. Our quality materials and expert craftsmanship mean your shed will last for years to come.
• Increases curb appeal. A well-landscaped shed is a practical and inviting addition to your yard.
• Declutters your home and garage. Keep your house pristine with enough space to store those extra items.
• Adds more living space. You can use your new shed as a workshop, home office, game room, or reading nook!
• Makes maintenance easier. A new shed is easier to take care of than an old one.

Overall, an updated shed is more spacious, more functional, and more you.

Shop Amish-Built Sheds

If you’re sick of patching up the same old shed, upgrade to an Amish-built masterpiece. We offer financing and coupons for your shed purchase, along with a five-year warranty and free delivery and installation. 

Not sure where to begin? Our shed buying guide is the perfect place to start. We outline tips on choosing a style, how to customize and pick accessories, and the different material options.

Nothing puts a damper on an outdoor gathering like cobweb-covered tables and dirty chairs. Thankfully, you don’t need to buy replacements just yet. This is where patio furniture restoration comes in. Read this guide for tips on making your wood or plastic furniture look brand new. Or skip ahead for instructions on how to reupholster cushions for a fresh finish.

Patio Furniture Restoration

First, you need to assess the condition of your furniture. Are you dealing with dirt, mildew, stains, or discoloration? Once you know what problem you’re tackling, you can begin the restoration process. Your solution depends on the material of your lawn furniture. 

How to Restore Outdoor Wood Furniture

There’s nothing better than a sunny day, but too much exposure can cause damage to your wooden furniture over the years. One way to slow this down is to add outdoor shade options around your seating area. However, wood still requires a bit of maintenance over time to keep it looking new.

Don’t worry! The process for how to restore outdoor wood furniture is pretty simple. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Power washer or pressure hose 
• Sandpaper or electric sander 
• Clean cloth
• Work gloves 
• Exterior wood stain
• Wood sealer 
• Paintbrush
• Primer
• Outdoor paint 

Step 1: Remove the Old Finish

Over time, the weather will loosen the original finish on your wood furniture. Fortunately, this makes it easier to remove when you’re ready to restore your pieces! 

Start by cleaning and prepping the surface. Some furniture may just need a wipe down, while others require something a little stronger. You can use a power washer or pressure hose to remove heavy coatings of dirt and debris. But be careful not to set it too high and damage the wood. Let it dry completely and then move on to sanding. 

You can do this by hand or with an electric sander to speed things along. Go with the grain whenever possible, removing any splinters, rough patches, and flakes of paint. This smooths the surface and opens the pores of the wood so it will absorb the new stain. Once the old finish is gone, wipe the furniture with a damp, clean cloth to remove leftover dust. 

Step 2: Add a New Coat of Stain or Paint

Next, you need to decide whether to paint or stain your outdoor furniture set. Both are attractive options. Paint gives you more creativity with color, while stain enhances the natural beauty of the wood. 

While wearing gloves, apply your stain, following the instructions on the back of the container. We recommend wiping a thin layer onto the wood with a rag and only using a brush for small corners and tight spaces. This helps you achieve a smooth finish with no drips or runs. 

How long you let the stain sit and the number of coats depends on the stain you’re using. Make sure to wipe off any excess to achieve an even color. 

Maybe you’d rather go bold. In that case, painting your pieces is probably the better choice. Start with a primer to help your paint job last longer. Your local hardware store can provide you with recommendations on what primers and paints work best on outdoor furniture.

Step 3: Let it Dry

The last step to wooden outdoor furniture restoration is to let everything thoroughly dry. Make sure to keep your furniture out of the rain or any other wet conditions for several hours. For more protection on any stained pieces, you can add a sealer to finish the job. 

Now all that’s left is admiring your handy work! Your furniture will look and feel so good that you may not want to go back inside.

How to Restore Outdoor Plastic Furniture

Your plastic or poly chairs may have seen better days. But with a little bit of care, you can revitalize them for another year. Transitioning your patio from one season to another is the perfect time to tackle this project.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cleaning brush or rag 
• Garden hose 
• Baking soda 
• Soap 
• Power washer (if needed)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (if needed) 
• Car wax 

Step 1: Clean the Surface

Grab a soft brush or a dry rag and start removing cobwebs and dirt from your furniture. Once the loose debris is gone, grab your hose and put it on a high-power spray setting. Now all you have to do is knock any dirt loose from those tight corners and hard-to-reach spots. 

Step 2: Break Out the Baking Soda

Still have a few stubborn stains? Get a little help from some baking soda. Clean the plastic with soapy water, sprinkle some baking soda on top to create a paste, and wipe it down a second time. For small areas, grab an old toothbrush and do the same. 

Since baking soda isn’t a harsh chemical, you don’t have to worry about damaging the material. After the stains are gone, rinse the furniture one last time. 

Step 3: Consider a Power Wash

Some dirt may be so deeply ingrained in the plastic that none of the steps above can get rid of it. In that case, you may need to up your patio furniture restoration game. When power washing your furniture, test a few gentle settings to see which removes dirt the best without damaging the material.  

Be careful—if you set the power washer too high, you may accidentally cut grooves in your furniture. To find the right setting, we suggest testing them on the underside of your furniture, so any damage that occurs is hidden. 

After you’re done, run a hand over the furniture to see if there are any rough areas. This just means your power wash removed a little bit of plastic from the top layer. Luckily, this is an easy fix! Just sand your furniture with a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it over.

Step 4: Add Wax

Want to protect your poly furniture from further damage? After your pieces are clean and dry, you can add car wax. Just pick up the kind you want from your local hardware store, apply some to a cloth, and buff the surface of your furniture. 

This wax creates a barrier between your furniture and unwanted debris. It repels moisture, protects against UV rays, and keeps your pieces looking brand new. Once the wax has set, you’re ready to start entertaining with ease. 

How to Clean Your Pillows and Cushions

Now that you’ve mastered wood and plastic outdoor furniture restoration, it’s time to tackle the cushions.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Vacuum
• Soft brush 
• Dish soap
• Vinegar (if needed) 

Step 1: Remove the Covers

First, check if you can remove the covers on your cushions. Read the care label to make sure you don’t ruin the material. Machine wash them if allowed, or stick with handwashing for a gentler option. 

Step 2: Deep Clean

If the covers can’t be removed, then you’ll need to take a different route. Start by vacuuming the surface with an upholstery attachment, getting into the grooves and seams where dirt builds up. Then scrub lightly with soap and water. For deeper stains, you can use a vinegar and water solution. Once it’s clean, rinse thoroughly and let it air dry, squeezing out the excess water. 

How to Reupholster Outdoor Furniture

The final step to your patio furniture restoration is giving your cushions a refresh. Dressing up your old pieces with new fabric can make a big difference. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, check out this tutorial for how to make your own cushion covers. Not skilled at sewing? No worries! Keep reading for our no-sew reupholstering tips. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Outdoor fabric
• Measuring tape
• Upholstery glue 

Step 1: Take Measurements

Start by measuring your seat or the existing cushions. If needed, you can disassemble the current cover and use that as a starting point. Make sure you add on a few extra inches to give yourself some wiggle room while creating. If you’re having trouble, take your cushions to your local fabric store and ask for help selecting the right amount. 

Step 2: Choose Your New Fabric

Now we’re at the fun part of reupholstering patio furniture—picking out your new fabric. Make sure you choose an option that is designed to handle the weather. Outdoor fabric is usually thicker and made of synthetic fibers like polyester or acrylic. It’s also treated with chemicals to help it repel water and resist fading.

Step 3: Cover Up the Old Fabric

For our no-sew folks, all you’ll need for this step is some kind of upholstery glue. This can include hot glue or spray adhesives. First, carefully remove the old fabric if you’re able. You may find that some of the old glue is still sticking to the cushion. Peel off what you can and leave the rest.

Next, wrap your new fabric around the cushion in the same way you’d gift wrap a box, tucking in the edges and then gluing them down. Make sure the seam where you’re connecting the pieces is on the bottom side of the cushion. 

Follow these steps for all your cushions until they are reupholstered to your liking. Then you can sit back and enjoy your furniture that looks as good—if not better—than the day you got it. For a finishing touch, add some outdoor throw pillows and a blanket to cozy up the space. 

Patio Furniture Maintenance Tips

So far you’ve learned how to restore outdoor wood furniture, plastic furniture, and cushioned furniture. But how can you keep your pieces in good shape all year long? 

First, make sure you clean up any spills or dirt immediately so it doesn’t stain. Try to spot-check your furniture every few weeks to make sure it’s looking okay. And always give it a deep clean before storing it away for the season. 

Secondly, remember to protect your patio furniture over the Winter. This involves cleaning, coating, and storing your furniture effectively. When stacking your chairs, remember to put something between each one so they don’t scrape the paint or finish. You wouldn’t want to ruin all your hard work in your patio furniture restoration! 

If you need a place to store your pieces in the off-season, our sheds and detached garages are the perfect solution. And while you’re at it, check out our coupons (updated monthly) to save on storage structures and other products.

There’s nothing more frustrating than walking into your shed at the start of a project, filled with motivation, only to fumble around and trip over boxes searching for the right tools. What was once a convenient storage space is now an overwhelming mess. If you can relate, it’s time to declutter with our five tips on how to organize your shed. 

What Is Okay to Store in a Shed?

While it might be tempting to toss all your miscellaneous junk straight into your shed, take a moment to think. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding what to store: 

1. Is the item temperature sensitive? 
2. Will it be damaged from humidity or moisture? 
3. Can it attract or be damaged by pests? 

If the answer is no to all three questions, then your shed is the perfect home! Some common products people store in their shed are: 

• Outdoor equipment (lawnmowers, weed whackers, etc.)
• Gasoline
• Lawn and garden chemicals (check if they have temperature restrictions first)
• Power tools (but keep the batteries inside so they are not exposed to heat)
• Seasonal outdoor decorations
• Outside toys or games
• Lawn furniture over Winter 

What Shouldn’t Be Stored in a Shed

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, think twice before storing that item in your shed. Some products can’t handle temperature fluctuations. Others may be damaged from moisture or attract rodents and pests. 

We recommend NOT storing the following items in your shed: 

• Chemicals with storage temperature restraints 
• Canned goods (may explode if exposed to extensive heat) 
• Wooden furniture 
• Art and photographs 
• Appliances (they will rust from moisture) 
• Documents or paper of any kind 
• Paint (sensitive to temperature changes that may affect its consistency)
• Pet food and treats 

Tips for How to Organize Your Shed

Now that you know what to store in your shed, we need to discuss how to store it. The following are our top five shed organization ideas to make the most of your space. 

Shed Organization Tip #1: Utilize All Your Space

Looking to declutter your shed and make things easier to find? The first step is using ALL your space. This includes the floor, walls, doors, exterior, and even the ceiling! The best way to do this is by removing everything from your shed and giving it a deep clean. Then you can see exactly what you’re working with. 

As you begin reorganizing, get creative with how you use your available surfaces. Consider hanging things on the back of the door, installing bins on the ceiling, or adding shelves above doorways. You can even renovate your shed or build a loft! 

For items that can handle the outdoors, consider storing them on and around your shed. Use hooks to hang things like kayaks, tools, or outdoor furniture on the exterior wall. This frees up space inside for items that need more protection. 

The size of your structure makes a big difference. We offer dozens of shed styles and sizes ranging from 6’ x 6’ to 14’ x 44’. No matter which size you have, we know there are creative ways you can take advantage of the space while you’re learning how to organize a shed. 

Shed Organization Tip #2: Shelving  

Every organization-lover knows that shelves are essential. They free up floor space, help you avoid precarious stacks of boxes, and declutter your area. Some storage shed shelving ideas to try: 

• Floating Shelves — These add a minimalistic look while still providing extra space. 
• Freestanding Shelves — Don’t want to deal with installation? Freestanding shelving units are a solid alternative. Just make sure their material (wood, metal, or plastic) can handle the conditions inside your shed.  
• Shelves on Wheels — Upgrade your free-standing shelves by getting a set on wheels so you can easily move them wherever works best. 
• Adjustable Shelves — The flexibility of adjustable shelves is great if you’re frequently swapping items in and out. 
• DIY Shed Shelves — If you’re handy, give yourself a weekend project and build your own with some plywood and 2x4s. 
• Bookshelves and Shoe Racks — Before buying (or building) something new, we always recommend looking at what you already have. You can repurpose an old bookshelf or shoe rack for a quick and simple storage solution. 

These storage shed shelving ideas are helpful, but the hard part is organizing them. We suggest putting seasonal or infrequently used items on higher shelves to keep them out of the way. Then you can use lower shelves with convenient access to items you need often. Remember to swap things out throughout the year, like Christmas decor or gardening supplies. 

Shed Organization Tip #3: Hanging Tools and Equipment 

When you’re learning how to organize a shed, awkwardly shaped tools and equipment are a pain. Make storing them a breeze with our favorite solution: hanging! 

• Pegboard Wall — Cut your pegboard to the correct shape and size and add hooks to hang your supplies. Everything is simple to rearrange if needed. 
• Magnetic Strip — Attach your metal tools to a magnetic strip along the wall, making it easy to locate whatever item you need. 
• Utility Hooks — These sturdy hooks can keep large items like chairs, bikes, and sports equipment from cluttering your floor. 

Whether you’re using hooks, rails, or magnets, hanging your items is a great way to utilize your wall space. And when you can see everything in one spot, you avoid rifling through drawers and boxes in search of what you need. 

Shed Organization Tip #4: DIY Storage 

What about those miscellaneous tools that never seem to have a home? We have several DIY shed organization ideas for you to implement. 

Our first idea for how to organize a shed DIY-style is to head to the kitchen. Grab a few empty jars to sort and store loose hardware like nails and screws. Always make sure you label them (future you will thank you). When the jars are full, you can either sit them on a shelf or create your own mason jar holder. 

Looking for a way to store rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools? Make your own shovel rack with a little bit of wood and a free afternoon. This project is beginner-friendly and perfect for any DIYer. 

No shed is complete without a mess of cords and hoses. Prevent these from getting tangled with hooks, PVC pipe, or one of our favorite shed organizers: the five gallon bucket. Just mount it to your wall with the open end facing out and wrap your cord or hose around the outside. Now you can store things inside the bucket as well! 

Shed Organization Tip #5: Develop a System 

Of all our tips, this one is the most important. Living clutter-free begins with developing a storage shed organization system and sticking to it. 

• Keep It Clean — Don’t let your shed get out of control. Keep it clean, organized, and well-maintained as you go. 
• Be Intentional — Every item in your shed should be thoughtfully placed. Don’t just throw things in there randomly. 
• Label Everything — From boxes to mason jars, make sure everything is accurately labeled so you don’t have to go on a wild goose chase in search of what you need. 
• When In Doubt, Stack It — Plastic tubs and wooden crates are great storage containers because they stack easily which maximizes your space. 

Your storage shed organization system should be customized to you! No matter what system you develop, make sure it’s realistic to maintain and that it works for your lifestyle.

Whether raising chickens is a life-long passion or a new backyard hobby, there’s one thing we know for sure—happy chickens equal a happy life. The best way to improve the happiness of your flock is by regularly cleaning the coop. In this blog, we’ll cover how to clean a chicken coop and our list of dos and don’ts for keeping your chickens healthy. 

The Benefits of Cleaning Your Coop

Just like your car or shed needs maintenance, so does your chicken coop! Prioritizing frequent cleaning has several benefits: 

Healthier chickens. Chicken droppings are a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites that can make you and your flock sick. Stick to a cleaning schedule to stop germs and diseases from spreading.  

More eggs. The more comfortable your hens are, the more eggs they lay! By refreshing their bedding frequently and disinfecting the coop, your chickens will produce higher-quality eggs. 

Pest prevention. Backyard poultry can be a host to various pests like rodents, mites, lice, and fleas. Keeping up with cleaning means you can avoid an infestation. 

Odor control. Removing feces and replacing bedding keeps the odor to a minimum. The longer you let old bedding sit, the stronger the ammonia fumes become. This doesn’t just smell bad, but it can also be dangerous to the health of your flock. 

How Often to Clean a Chicken Coop

While raising chickens has many benefits, it isn’t all fun and games—it also requires dedication and attention to detail. To keep your hens happy and healthy, here’s a breakdown of how often to clean a chicken coop. 

Daily: 

• Refill food and water. 
• Remove uneaten food at night to protect your chickens and prevent predators. 
• Clean up droppings and add them to your compost. 
• Collect eggs so they don’t pile up and break. 

Weekly: 

• Replace all nesting materials and bedding to prevent ammonia build-up. 
• Clean waterers and feed boxes. 
• Remove cobwebs and dust from the walls and ceiling. 

Monthly: 

• Clean surfaces, roosting bars, and windows with a natural cleaner. 

Every 6 months: 

• Deep clean your entire chicken coop. 
• Also, consider deep cleaning before you bring in a new flock. Chicks are especially vulnerable to diseases and pests, so it’s important to make their home as safe as possible. 

How to Clean a Chicken Coop Step By Step

When it’s time for your bi-annual deep clean, follow these steps to make sure your hens are happy and healthy. 

1. Remove All Chickens

Start by removing your chickens from the coop and putting them in a temporary enclosure. Begin early enough so you can finish before nightfall. 

2. Empty The Coop

Now you need to clear out everything from inside your chicken coop. This includes bedding, feeders, perches, and anything else removable. 

3. Scrape Out Dirt

Time for the dirty work! Strap on some gloves and, using a shovel or garden hoe, scrape out any chicken droppings and other debris that have piled up on the surfaces of the coop. Give the floor a good sweep to clear out the last of the dirt and feathers. 

4. Hose It Down

Grab a hose and douse the coop with water. If you’re tackling mites, get rid of them using boiling water. 

5. Disinfect

There are a few things to remember when disinfecting your chicken coop. Many household cleaning products are toxic to chickens, so make sure you’re using a natural cleaner for this step. Buy your own or use a DIY mixture of half water, half vinegar. You can use this on the feeders, waterers, nesting boxes, and any other surface! 

6. Hose It Down Again

Break out the hose one more time to make sure the coop is clean and cut down on the vinegar smell. 

7. Let Your Coop Dry

And now you wait. To speed the process along, place any removable pieces out in the sun to dry faster. Once everything is completely dry, you can put them back in the coop where they belong. 

8. Add Fresh Bedding

The last step in how to clean a chicken coop is adding fresh bedding. To further enhance your hen’s experience, you can add fresh herbs to your nesting boxes. The scent is comforting to your flock and helps deter pests. 

Cleaning Your Coop: Dos and Don’ts

• DON’T put off cleaning until a problem arises.  
• DO follow our maintenance schedule. Remember that cleaning a chicken coop is not a one-time thing. It is a continuous process that is essential to the health of your flock. 

• DON’T just replace parts of the bedding that are the dirtiest. Relying completely on spot cleaning isn’t effective, no matter what bedding material you use. 
• DO replace it all weekly so bacteria doesn’t build up. Fresh bedding is more absorbent and better for the health and comfort of your chickens. 

• DON’T use bleach or other harmful chemicals while disinfecting your chicken coop.
• DO use natural cleaning solutions that are nontoxic. 

• DON’T clean your chicken coop without protection. 
• DO wear gloves and a mask. Poultry carry diseases such as Salmonella and E. coli, so remember to always wash your hands after handling your chickens. 

Chicken Coop Maintenance Tips

Getting your coop clean is one thing, but keeping it that way is another. You may be feeling overwhelmed about how to manage the daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Here are a few tips for how to keep your chicken coop clean throughout the year. 

1. Stay Organized

Whether that means making a to-do list, setting reminders, or just getting into a rhythm of cleaning, it’s important to be on top of your coop cleaning tasks. Stay organized so you won’t forget any step. Want to know the secret to keep your chicken coop clean? Make it a part of your routine and don’t fall behind. 

2. Focus on Prevention

Rather than tackling issues after they arise, take small steps now to prevent bigger problems in the future. Remove spilled food, standing water, chicken droppings, and anything else that can attract pests. Check your flock for signs of sickness and injury so you can catch it early.

3. Inspect Your Coop

Regularly give your coop a once-over and inspect it for damage, holes, loose boards, and open hatches. When you notice a problem, make sure you repair it immediately so your flock is always safe from predators.  

Now that you’ve mastered the art of how to clean a chicken coop, you’re well on your way to raising chickens that are happy, healthy, and thriving in their spotless, well-maintained home.  

In previous blogs, we’ve talked about how to decide what style of horse barn to purchase based on your horses, property, and intended use. 

Now, you’ve bought a horse barn and want to expand its lifecycle, keep it looking brand new, and ensure your horses are living a long and healthy life. After reading this blog, you’ll have actionable steps you can take to maximize your horse barn maintenance so your horses are happy and healthy.

How to Clean a Horse Stall

Let’s start with the interior of your barn. No matter what you’re cleaning within your horse barn, make sure you’re not using toxic chemicals that could harm your horses. Chemicals and products that have bleach in them can cause stomach issues for your horse. 

Cleaning the stalls is crucial to your horse’s health and overall wellness. Because horses lie down at night and are constantly standing in the stalls, bacterial infections can become an issue if the stalls are dirty.

To make this process easier, you can incorporate proper horse stall drainage. This is going to help with the smell, the necessary cleaning, and the health of your horse. Rubber mats and drains in the floor are a great way to not let dirt and smells build up, especially if you can’t clean the stall daily. 

Doing a basic cleanse of the stall and cleaning the floors daily is not only going to decrease the risk of your horse getting sick, but also protect your wooden stalls from rot, mold, and insect damage. 

Use a rake to sift through manure and shavings and spread pine shavings to soak up any wet spots in the stalls. You should also pull out the rubber mats and rinse them off with a hose. As you’re cleaning the stalls, sweep through the common areas like hallways and feeding areas. 

Once everything is cleaned, make sure you dry all the stalls and hallways so the interior stays moisture-free. This prevents rot and mold, so the interior of your horse barn is expanded. We recommend using horse barn fans to keep everything dry.

After you clean the floors and stalls, check the water troughs, automatic feeders, and hay to make sure everything is filled and stocked. 

When cleaning the water troughs, you can use disinfectant spray but make sure you’re waiting at least an hour before letting your horses drink from the trough. This allows the cleaning products to dissipate.

Tips for Storing Your Hay & Feed

Proper horse barn hay storage is important for maintaining and keeping animals and insects out of your barn. Here are some tips to help you keep your hay safe from critters. 

1. Put a tarp over the hay to protect it from droppings, sunlight, and dust.

2. Keep your hay in a dry place to avoid moisture build-up.

3. Don’t store your hay on the ground as this will welcome critters and pests into the storage area.

4. Store your hay away from your barn, since hay is highly flammable, it can be the start of a dangerous accident if your hay starts to burn and catch fire around your barn.

5. Rotate your old and new hay. As you get new hay, make sure you’re mixing it with old hay so there’s a reduced risk of your product going bad.

Increase Your Horse Barn Ventilation

By having ventilation in your barn, you’re putting fresh air into the space and preventing your horses from getting respiratory issues. You can choose to ventilate your horse barn with windows naturally, but this may not be a year-round solution. 

We recommend installing ceiling fans for your horse barn so you can maintain high ventilation all year long. That way, dust and moisture won’t build up in the stalls and you’re removing potentially harmful particles from the air.

Keeping Pests Out of Your Barn

There are a lot of things in your barn that could be inviting for pests. Without proper horse stall cleaning or hay storage, you may be welcoming rats, insects, and other small animals into the space.

Other than the inconvenience of unwanted critters, certain animals can carry diseases and potentially harm the health of your horses. One way to deter mice or smaller rodents from your barn is to have barn cats in the area. 

During the Winter, animals are more likely to find shelter and warmth in your barn, so we recommend taking proactive steps in the Summer and Fall to prepare for the colder months. One of the best natural ways to keep pests out of your barn is to keep it clean and organized. 

The first step is ensuring all your food sources are secure and sealed. This includes checking the window and door frames of your storage space for small holes. If you find any cracks or holes, use caulk to seal them up. 

To further discourage mice and other small animals in your barn, keep potential nesting materials away from each other. Wraps, padding, and hay are all appealing options for mice to make nests, so if you keep these in separate areas, mice are less likely to create homes within your barn. 

If it becomes necessary, there are traps and pesticide products you can use to get rid of mice and small animals from your barn. It’s crucial to find products that won’t harm your horse’s health but can effectively deter mice from staying in the space.

Maintaining the Exterior of Your Horse Barn

Now that we’ve gone through horse barn maintenance tips for the interior of your barn, let’s move to exterior horse barn cleaning tips.

The Siding and Roof of Your Horse Barn

At Penn Dutch Structures, we offer metal and wooden horse barns. We also offer architectural shingles or metal roofing. Depending on the siding and roof style, you may use different cleaning supplies. 

Both wooden and metal structures require fairly little maintenance to stay clean. Every so often, depending on the location of your horse barn, you should rinse the siding and roof with a simple water and detergent solution.

Your Horse Pasture

Your horse’s home extends into the pasture and should also be well-maintained. By keeping up with pasture maintenance, you’re keeping your horses happy, deterring unwanted critters from getting close to your barn, and increasing the visual appeal of your landscaping. 

Just like when you’re cleaning the interior of your horse barn, be conscious of what products you’re using to care for the pasture. If you have weeds you’re looking to get rid of, remember that your horses may be inclined to eat these weeds. So if you spray them with something toxic, your horse will suffer. 

Mowing your pasture helps reduce the growth of weeds and helps your grass continue to grow to produce nutrients for your horses. Your horses love grazing on grass, and the more nutrients provided, the better.