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

You’re here to clean your dog collar to eliminate foul odors, maintain its longevity, and keep your pup looking their best.

Quick Tip: Always read the care label before cleaning your dog’s collar. The label should specify the most suitable method and the recommended cleaning solution.

If there’s no care label and/or you’re still unsure, you can still find a cleaning method if you know what material your dog collar is. This article will share how to clean different types of dog collars. Click any section below to skip to the dog collar material you want to clean. 

How To Clean A Synthetic (Nylon & Polyester) Dog Collar

Synthetic dog collars are easier to clean and don’t retain as many smells. They’re also very waterproof/resistant. So, if your pup still finds a way to get their collar stinky and dirty, you don’t have to stress about cleaning. The only potential con with these collars, especially when cleaning, is that some are less durable and more prone to fraying and tears.

There are three ways you can wash a synthetic dog collar:

Option 1: Shampoo, Water & Bucket

1. To remove any built-up grime, mix a small amount of dog shampoo in a water bowl and let the collar soak for 10-15 minutes. Dog shampoo is critical because it prevents skin irritation. Using regular soap or shampoo meant for humans can harm your dog.
2. After you’ve soaked the collar properly, rub it gently to remove dirt or other debris that might have adhered to the leather.
3. Then, you can hang it up and let it dry naturally. To speed up the process, pat it with a towel to remove excess water before hanging it up.

Option 2: Washing Machine

The washing machine is an excellent option for cleaning a synthetic dog collar. However, use a garment or a delicate bag to protect your dog’s synthetic collar in the wash. Take it from us: you don’t want to spend your afternoon untangling a collar from the washing machine agitator. Some nylon & polyester collars have metal pieces, which I don’t like hearing rattling around in the wash.

Option 3: Dishwasher

1. Pre-soak in a small bucket of water mixed with dawn.
2. Put it on the top rack or in the utensil basket and run the dishwasher with the collar by itself.
3. Clean the machine afterwards by rerunning it with a dishwasher tablet and/or using the recommended cleaning setting.

How To Clean A Leather Dog Collar

Leather was once skin, so you should take the same care cleaning a leather dog collar as you would your skin. Leather is a sensitive material that can fall apart or get scratched in the washing machine. Washing it by hand is the safer choice.

1. Apply soap/shampoo to a damp cloth or a stiff-bristled brush and gently remove dirt and grime.
2. Never dry a leather collar with heat. Instead, blot the soap and water away with a towel and let it air dry as soon as possible. 
3. Apply a leather conditioner, such as an oil or cream specifically designed for leather.
4. Remove any excess conditioner with a new soft cloth.

If your leather dog collar is extremely dirty and soaked, you can be more aggressive with your cleaning methods. However, this may diminish its longevity, but that’s up to you. You may think you can always buy another dog collar, but let’s clean this one first.

Leather Dog Collar Cleaning Items

1. Saddle Soap: Available in the shoe section of most local stores or on Amazon.
2. Leather Cream: Also available on Amazon, this will help prevent cracks and discoloration.

Can leather dog collars get wet?

As long as leather dog collars are adequately treated before and after, they can! A leather collar that is correctly treated regularly with the proper materials should be able to withstand moisture and last for years. We recommend that dogs and leather collars be washed separately.

How To Clean A Fabric Dog Collar

These collars are a bit more sensitive, but quality fabric dog collars should stand up to the same cleaning techniques used for synthetic material.

There are three ways you can wash a fabric dog collar:

Option 1: Shampoo, Water & Bucket

1. To remove any built-up grime, mix a small amount of dog shampoo in a water bowl and let the collar soak for 10-15 minutes. Dog shampoo is critical because it prevents skin irritation. Using regular soap or shampoo meant for humans can harm your dog.
2. After you’ve soaked the collar properly, rub it gently to remove dirt or other debris that might have adhered to the leather.
3. Then, you can hang it up and let it dry naturally. To speed up the process, pat it with a towel to remove excess water before hanging it up.

Option 2: Washing Machine

The washing machine is an excellent option for cleaning a synthetic dog collar. However, use a garment or a delicate bag to protect your dog’s synthetic collar in the wash. Take it from us: you don’t want to spend your afternoon untangling a collar from the washing machine agitator. Some nylon & polyester collars have metal pieces, which I don’t like hearing rattling around in the wash. 

Option 3: Dishwasher

1. Pre-soak in a small bucket of water mixed with dawn
2. Put it on the top rack or in the utensil basket and run the dishwasher with the collar by itself.
3. Clean the machine afterwards by rerunning it with a dishwasher tablet and/or using the recommended cleaning setting.

How To Clean A Metal Dog Collar

Cleaning a metal collar can be done quickly with dog shampoo and water. Soak it in water mixed with dog shampoo and rub it with your fingers to remove dirt and mud from the d-rings, buckles, and clips. Dry it thoroughly with a towel, and you’re all done.

Is your metal dog collar showing signs of rust?

Baking soda works well to get light rust stains out of metal.

1. Mix enough water into baking soda until it creates a thick paste
2. Use your hand or a toothbrush to spread the paste over the rusted area
3. Let the paste settle for about an hour.
4. Scrub the baking soda solution off with a toothbrush, steel wool, or scouring pad.
5. Rinse the paste off and dry thoroughly.

How To Clean Biothane Dog Collars

The best part of owning a biothane dog collar is how easy they are to clean. Farm muck, mud, or poop, it doesn’t matter. All you need is water, soap, and a sponge. 

If it needs a more thorough clean, fill a bowl with soapy water and soak it for a few minutes. You can also put biothane in the dishwasher. Just avoid high heat and sanitizing cycles.

Biothane collars are PVC coated, protecting against moisture, abrasions, rotting, and stink. This will keep away all odors and dirt, helping make sure your dog doesn’t return home in a mess.

How To Deodorize Smelly Collars

Dog shampoo is great for deodorizing a dog collar because it contains the exact ingredients needed to make your canine friend smell great. However, natural ingredients found in your kitchen can also work wonders. Mix a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with some water and soak the collar in the solution. It will smell great and remove any unruly stench with minimal effort.

Pro Tip: Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions like Lysol and Bleach. They can harm your dog’s skin, irritate their strong sense of smell, and even cause internal damage.

Dog Collar Cleaning Guide

How Often Should I Wash My Dog’s Collar?

It depends on how dirty your dog gets, your hygiene preferences, and their type of collar. You should wash more delicate materials like leather and custom fabric about once every three months. Biothane dog collars are great because the moisture cleans them on their own when they get wet.

If it’s not too much of a hassle, clean your dog’s collar whenever you bathe them. Wait, you give your dog baths, right?!?!?

Shop Easy-To-Clean Dog Collars at Mimi Green

If your dog loves mud, consider investing in a low-maintenance, easy-cleaning waterproof biothane collar. Your dog can take daily mud baths, and your biothane collar will look brand new.

Our waterproof biothane collars are super low maintenance and extra easy to clean. They are durable even for the most active dogs and can be customized to fit your dog’s unique personality. The waterproof polyester webbing is stinkproof, 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. There are many personalization choices, including engraved and hand-embroidered dog collars. When you purchase a collar from Mimi Green, you can ensure your stylish new collar stays clean and fresh for years!