How to Use Bleach in Horse Water Troughs

Whether you have one horse or many, it is important to provide your animals with fresh, clean water at all times. A lack of fresh drinking water can cause serious health problems in horses, so it is critical to keep your water troughs clean at all times. One of the most effective ways to keep algae and other contaminants at bay is with household bleach, but it is important to use that bleach properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Bleach
  • Brush
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dump or drain half of the water from the water trough. After half of the water has been drained from the trough, add 1/4 cup of bleach for each remaining gallon of water. Allow the bleach and water mixture to sit for a few minutes.

    • 2

      Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the algae and dirt off the sides and bottom of the tank. Make sure all of the dirt and algae has been loosened.

    • 3

      Use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe away the algae and other contaminants. Drain the remainder of the water from the trough.

    • 4

      Scrub any remaining algae off of the bottom and sides of the tank. Mix 1/4 cup of bleach with a gallon of warm water and pour it into the water trough. Use the scrub brush and the paper towels to scour the rest of the surface of the water trough.

    • 5

      Drain the water and bleach mixture out of the water trough. Replace the drain plug and fill the trough with clean water. Keep an eye on the algae growth and use bleach to clean the algae growth off of the tank as needed.