I have a few sad looking halters. I’ve washed them in a bucket with soap then air dry, but they are so stiff and still look dirty. What tricks do you guys use?
I add OxyClean to the wash. They still come out a bit stiff, though I wonder if adding vinegar to the last few rinses would help.
Front load washing machine 
washing machine, power washer, or dishwasher.
I’ve used liquid fabric softener when washing my web reins by hand. For my nylon halters, I scrub them with one of those plastic semi-pouffy scrubbers for pots and pans and Cheer or the Eqyss wrap and blanket wash. It helps that I start with soft nylon halters, usually Weaver brand.
Washing machine with fabric softener. I just hang to dry. Like OTTBs, I start with nice halters too.
Washing machine with fabric softener. I have also found that drying them in the dryer makes them softer although they do shrink a little. Make sure you’re not going to be inside while drying them though because they are LOUD!!!
You can also put them inside a pillow case when you wash them to keep the metal parts from clanking around.
I put stain remover on the dirty parts, noseband, cheeks, etc., then let the halters sit a while to let the stain remover work. I bag the halters in net laundry bags, buckle the crown pieces to keep the metal calm. Usually 2 halters to a bag, then wash with 2-3 pairs of jeans, Tide soap. I may need to run thru a couple washes to get them clean, then do an extra rinse to insure all soap is removed. Jeans prevent so much metal hitting metal, halters still get clean well.
I hang the halters to dry, and if clean there is no stiffness at all. My halters are Valhoma brand, the best of the nylon halters.
My washer is a Speed Queen, top-loader with a stainless steel tub so it doesn’t get chipped up with the metal hitting it. I would NOT consider putting halters in my dryer to dent it up with the metal.
I rinse the top crud off, then soak them in a bucket of HOT water with some Dawn dish soap in there. (cuts grease and crud)
After that they go in the dishwasher, bottom shelf.
Then air dry in the house.
I usually throw the bits in the dishwasher with them. And my baseball hats. 
I soak them in a bucket of hot water with Dawn dish soap. I take a stiff brush and scrub the dirty areas and then let them soak some more. Rinse and air dry.
