How to Wash Dog Collars, Harnesses and Other Accessories!
It never fails. You get your pup a cute dog harness or dog hoodie so they can strut their stuff in style, and not five minutes later, they’re making a beeline for a mud puddle or something dead in the backyard. Great…
Even if dogs didn’t have an innate fondness for stinky smells, there’s still a case to be made for washing their gear on a regular basis. Just like people, dogs produce natural oils, dander and body odors that can make their belongings start to smell a little funky after a while.
By: WilleeCole Photography
Luckily, washing your favorite Beast & Buckle accessories isn’t too complicated. Our products are sturdy, easy to maintain and long-lasting — and with proper care, you can extend their life even further!
Read on as we explain how to wash dog collars, leashes, harnesses and other must-have accessories the right way so you and your pup can enjoy them for years to come.
Get Your Pup a Cute Dog Harness Today!Step One: Read the Care Label
The first rule to washing anything — be it a festive dog bandana or a nylon leash — is to check the care label. The care tag will usually tell you everything you need to know, like what temperature to wash your dog’s hoodie in and whether or not it can go in the washing machine.
Here at Beast & Buckle, all of our products are machine-washable. However, we generally recommend hand washing your dog’s items. Hand washing is, by far, the gentlest method for washing your dog’s items (and anything, really) and will help increase their longevity.
How to Wash Dog Collars, Leashes and Harnesses by Hand
Before you wash your dog’s accessories, you’ll want to determine their material. At Beast & Buckle, our cute dog collars, leashes and harnesses are made of tough, durable materials like neoprene for easy, fuss-free cleaning.
If they’re made of nylon, neoprene or rope…
- Put a few squirts of dog shampoo in a bowl of hot water. (Never use human soap on a dog! This can disrupt their skin’s pH balance and leave your dog vulnerable to bacteria, viruses and parasites.)
- Allow your dog's collar, leash or harness to soak in the bowl for 15 minutes.
- Gently massage each item to help remove excess dirt and grime. Add more dog shampoo if necessary.
- Rinse the items under running water.
- Gently squeeze out the remaining water and hang your items up to dry.
If they’re made of leather…
Figuring out how to wash a leather dog collar can be a little tricky. Soaking your leather dog products in water and using mild soap can ruin them, so you’ll want to skip those two steps.
Instead, follow these tips to keep your leather dog products looking pristine:
- Use a non-toxic, pH-balanced leather treatment to clean your dog’s leather items.
- Use a soft sponge to get dirt and stains off.
- Allow the item to dry completely before you condition it with an all-natural, dog-safe leather cream.
Pro Tip: Make sure your pup has a backup leash and collar they can use while waiting for their original gear to dry. (Consider this your excuse to invest in some cute dog leashes for Fido or finally splurge on that holiday dog harness you’ve been eyeing.)
How to Wash Dog Hoodies and Clothes
When you’ve shelled out a small fortune on dog clothes, the last thing you want to do is accidentally destroy them in the washing machine. Keep those adorable bandanas and stylish dog hoodies looking their best with these tips:
For washing dog clothes in the washing machine…
- First, try to remove as much dog hair as you can from your pup’s clothes with a lint roller. (Trust us, you do not want to deal with the headache of a clogged washer.)
- Follow the wash care label.
- Use a pet-safe natural laundry detergent.
- Put the item in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
- Allow your dog’s clothes to air dry.
For washing dog clothes by hand…
- Spot-wash dirty spots and stains with a pet-safe spot treatment.
- Wash the item in a bucket of hot water and dog shampoo or pet-safe detergent.
- Rinse the item under running water.
- Gently squeeze the excess water from the item.
- Allow the item to air dry.
- If the item still stinks, try an overnight soak in a solution of water and baking soda before repeating the steps above.
Things to Avoid:
- Do not dry any of our products in a dryer
- Do not use heavily chemical-based, scented detergents/soaps
- Do not leave harnesses in a place accessible to your dogs when they are not being worn...our harnesses are sturdy, but a chewing dog will cause lots of damage!
Don’t Stress About the Mess
Dogs get dirty. It’s a fact of life. But with these simple tips, you can make short work of dirty spots and make their favorite accessories look (and smell) brand new once more. And when your pup finally wears out their wardrobe staples, you can head to Beast & Buckle for all-new gear!
