How to Clean A Dog Collar – Tips & Step-by-Step Instructions

If you’re a dog owner, it’s important to know how to clean a dog collar properly. And if your dog is like any normal dog, it probably likes to roll around in the grass or splash around in puddles.

You wash your dog whenever it has a little too much fun at the beach or park. Why not wash its collar too? Knowing your fluffy best friend has a clean dog collar will put your mind at ease. Not to mention, if your dog enjoys napping on the living room couch with a dirty collar, chances are that couch is going to get dirty too.

Moreover, cleaning your dog’s collar regularly is necessary to ensure your dog doesn’t have a stink following it around everywhere it goes—and more importantly, leaving dirt or water on it for prolonged periods of time can create the perfect environment for bacteria.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Wash Dog Collars & Leashes

Here are some frequently asked questions about washing and cleaning dog collars, leashes, and harnesses:

Can you put a dog collar in the washing machine? Can you wash a dog harness in the washing machine? What about dog leashes?

That’s probably a question you’ve asked yourself at least once before. Not all materials fare well in a washing machine. Some can fall apart or become damaged if you don’t use the proper settings. The best option is to wash it by hand. However, if you have a busy schedule like most of us, taking 20 minutes out of your day to do it just isn’t feasible. Using the washing machine works just fine as long as you use cold water and the gentle setting. If possible, use a garment bag so it stays protected from being bounced around wildly in the machine.

What’s the best way to clean a nylon dog collar? Can you machine wash nylon dog collars?

If you’re wondering how to clean a nylon dog collar, the washing machine is a great option. Using a garment or a delicates bag to protect your dog’s collar in the wash. You can also wash your nylon dog collar by hand. Handwashing your dog collar in the sink with mild detergent or dish soap should do the trick. Make sure you lay your collar flat to dry after washing.

How do you clean a leather dog collar? Can you wash leather collars in the washing machine?

Leather is a sensitive material that can fall apart or get scratched in the washing machine if you’re not careful. Washing it by hand is the safer choice. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. To remove any built up grime, you can mix a small amount of dog shampoo in a bowl of water and let the collar soak for around 10-15 minutes. Using dog shampoo is key because it’ll prevent any irritation to your pooch’s skin. Using regular soap or shampoo meant for humans can cause harm to your dog.
2. After you’ve soaked the collar properly, rub it gently to remove anything that might have adhered to the leather, such as dirt.
3. Then you can hang it up and let it dry naturally. If you’re looking to speed up the process, pat it with a towel first to get rid of any excess water before hanging it up.

If you need to know how to clean a smelly leather dog collar, washing it by hand is a great idea because you can easily rub off any dirt, bugs or other irritants your dog picks up on its outdoor adventures.

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Can leather dog collars get wet?

While there are pet owners that may think that leather collars can’t get wet, as long as the leather collar is treated properly beforehand, they can! A leather collar that is correctly treated regularly with the proper materials, they should be able to deal with moisture and last for years. We also recommend that you dogs and collars are washed separately.

How do you deodorize or get the smell out of a stinky dog collar?

Using dog shampoo is great for deodorizing a dog collar because it’s the exact ingredients needed to make your canine friend smell great. However, natural ingredients found in your kitchen can work wonders as well. Simply mix a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with some water and soak the collar in the solution. It will smell great and get rid of any unruly stench with minimal effort.

Can you use baking soda to clean dog collars?

Cleaning dog collars with baking soda is a great alternative to soaps or shampoos. Add a couple teaspoons of baking soda to warm water, let all the baking soda dissolve, add the mixture to your dog’s collar, let it soak for 15 minutes, and then use a brush to clean.

Do metal dog collars need to be cleaned?

If you’ve never thought about how to clean a metal dog collar, you’re not alone. Most people assume metal doesn’t need to be cleaned as much as nylon, leather or other materials because it doesn’t trap odors and bacteria. That assumption is incorrect. If any amount of dirt is left on a metal collar for too long, it can start to smell. The dirt can also rub off onto your dog’s skin and hair causing your dog to smell as well. Cleaning a metal collar can easily be done by hand with some dog shampoo and water. Simply soak it in water mixed with some dog shampoo and then rub it with your fingers to rid it of all that dirt and mud. Dry it thoroughly with a towel, and you’re all done.

How to wash a dog leash or harness

Just like with dog collars, how you wash a harness or leash is dependent on the material. With that in mind, washing a dog harness or leash is just like washing a dog collar. The most common cleaning materials to use is the same dog shampoo that you would use to clean your dog since it will have a smell that your dog will recognize and will not contain any ingredients that would irritate them.

Find the Best Way to Wash a Dog Collar

Whether you need to clean a stinky leather dog collar or get the smell out of one that is made of nylon, always remember consistency is very important. If you wash it as much as you wash your dog, you’ll ensure those odors and filth won’t stick around for too long.

A clean dog is a happy dog. So the next time you’re giving your pooch a bath, make sure to give that collar a nice deep clean as well.

Shop Easy-To-Clean Dog Collars at Mimi Green

At Mimi Green, our dog collars are designed to be worn. That’s why all of our collars are washable! Just toss in the wash on the gentle cycle and allow the collars to air dry.

For super low maintenance and extra easy cleaning, our waterproof biothane collars are durable even for the most active dogs and can be customized to fit your dog’s unique personality. The waterproof polyester webbing is stink proof, easy to clean, and built to last—making these collars the perfect choice for outdoorsy pups.

Shop all of our washable custom and personalized dog collars, with a plethora of choices for personalization including engraved dog collars and hand embroidered dog collars. Because when you purchase a collar from Mimi Green, you can ensure that your stylish new collar stays clean and fresh for years to come!