Barn Hacks from the Dollar Store

Dollar Store Barn Hacks

There are many discount dollar stores all over the US – and many of them have great affordable solutions to everyday barn supplies and horse grooming needs. I spent some time in my local dollar store to get inspired about saving time and money at the barn! Some items are more than $1, but all are inexpensive and handy to have. These are my dollar store barn hacks:

Jump to online shopping

Microfiber cloths and gloves

These microfiber car cleaning gloves will remove the last bit of dust from your horse, your tack, the top of your tack trunk, you name it. If your horse is extra staticky from dry weather, you can spritz your cloth with a grooming spray or some water to cut the static in the air.

They are also nice because you can dust off your car’s interior. And then toss it in the washing machine. I have not tried one of these microfiber cloths during bathing, it may work? It may not?

Microfiber cloths – like the car cleaning mitt, are great for everything, just a different shape. Some of these fabrics don’t get really wet, so they are nice for wiping noses, ears, and other sensitive parts of your horse.

Sponges

Double-sided scrubby sponges. Good for water buckets, feeders, bits, hooves, super dirty tack. For hard plastic tubs, like the muck tub style bin, I only use the soft side. The stiffer side of the sponges can scuff up the tubs and is better suited for rubber buckets and feeders.

Storage options

These cool stackable storage containers. These two are no bigger than a microwave, but could easily store tack cleaning stuff or washcloths. Larger bins could store polos, boots, bell boots. These might also make a good tub to clean your grooming tools.

These could also store candy. Lots and lots of candy.

Dish gloves

These dish gloves. They are sticky on one side. Super for scrubbing buckets and feeders, especially in winter. The non-sticky gardening gloves would be great for blister prevention and a bit of warmth when you are in a stall cleaning marathon. Anytime you have a rubbery type of material, your hands are going to stay warmer! For wintertime scrubbing, see if your dollar store has plain ol’ rubber kitchen gloves.

Not practical for riding, just as riding gloves are not practical for scrubbing buckets.

Flowers and other decor

Fake flowers! Great for jumps, dressage letterboxes, tack room prettiness, covering up the real plants that are no longer surviving. If decorating the barn for holidays is also your jam, dollar stores often have seasonal merchandise. It’s a great alternative to using live plants, which can often be toxic to horses and pets.

Kitchen items

Awesome barn-worthy dinnerware. This stuff is safe – no glass to break, and washable. You won’t feel bad if the barn dog runs off with it and buries it. While these affordable sets are not as fancy as fine china, they are not disposable so at least everyone’s saving the planet, one barn snack at a time.

You could also use some of those tumblers to measure out feed!

For babies

Diapers and baby wipes. A staple to have, diapers are great for wounds and also packing hooves. Baby wipes are handy for lots of things. I use them mostly to wipe my own hands and face before I leave the barn. Most horses are fine with them for noses and ears, and even a bit of stain removal. If you have a super dirty horse, you can even use baby wipes plus a bit of no-rinse shampoo to make your own super-duty horse grooming wipes.

Aloe vera gel. Great for human and equine sunburns, as well as scrapes, cuts, abrasions. A must for your first aid kit. Aloe vera gel can also be a moisturizer for your own hands after bucket scrubbing and other barn chores.

Socks

Socks. I was surprised at the variety of socks – great to cut the toes away for your horse’s lower legs, and also good for a spare set when the wash rack attacks and you are squishy with every step.

I’ve gotten into the habit of leaving my barn shoes at the barn, so that my car can stay a bit cleaner. If I know I’m going to be sweating, clipping, or bathing, I bring fresh socks for the ride home. This just feels nice, and it keeps my “good” shoes clean on the inside.

Black socks are great for wearing with open-toed sandals. Super stylish.

For more barn hacks, check out the 93 Best Barn Hacks here!

Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you. You can also visit my Amazon storefront here: PEG storefront.

Microfiber Dusting Glove

$14.99 ($7.50 / Count)