How to Keep a Horse Water Trough Clean With Bleach

Sometimes simply dumping and scrubbing your horse's water trough is not enough, especially during the summer. If your horse's trough seems to be slimy and scum-filled a mere couple of days after being cleaned, you may want to consider using bleach as you scrub. Water troughs under trees also seem especially prone to algae buildup. If you're wondering about the dangers of using bleach in your horse's drinking container, be assured that as long as you use small amounts and rinse well, all is safe.

Things You'll Need

  • Scrub brush or scrubbing sponge
  • Bleach
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove most of the water in your horse's water trough by either removing the plug or by turning it over. Leave a gallon of water in the bottom to aid as you scrub. If the water is especially slimy, however, empty the trough completely and add some fresh water.

    • 2

      Add one-fourth cup of bleach to the water and swish the water around to distribute the bleach.

    • 3

      Use a scrub brush or sponge to get all of the algae and scum off of the trough's sides. No matter how much bleach you use, the algae will come back if it is not all removed.

    • 4

      Dip your brush or sponge into the bleached water often as you scrub to remove algae from the brush.

    • 5

      Dump the water from the trough and begin rinsing it. It's best if you have a hose attached to the water source so you can spray the whole trough down; if not, be sure to swish the water around thoroughly as you add water. Repeat rinsing until the odor is minimal.