How to clean dog collar

Buffy, the Cocker Spaniel’s collar is getting pretty funky. 'Not sure what she was rolling in, but not only does she need a bath, so does her collar.

Índice Show

What Makes a Dog Collar Smell
How to wash a dog collar
Dog Collar Tips
Using a Back-up Collar
Spring Cleanin Tips
Beds and Bedding
Collar Cleaning
Lavender Oil
Garden Tips

It is not uncommon for dogs to roll and rub their necks and collars in the dirt--after all, the collar area is where it is itchy--this can result in a badly soiled collar.Also, dogs that swim in lakes or sloughs can get their collars soaked with dirty water, and if left to dry naturally that funky wet dog smell can permeate the collar as well. Even if your dog is a diva and avoids wallowing in muck, her body oils will eventually start to seep into her collar and cause it to look and smell pretty yucky. Dog collars come in different kinds of material, synthetic fabrics like nylon or canvas, or smooth or rough leather. Some have metal fasteners or chains, some have plastic parts. Depending on the kind of collar your dog uses, you will need to vary how you clean different materials. Whatever type of collar you have, regular collar cleaning is important for good hygiene.

You wouldn’t wear the same shirt for months on end without washing it, would you? Yet many dog owners leave their dog’s collar on for long periods of time without taking it off to clean it. Fortunately, cleaning your dog’s collar is very easy, and doing so will not only help it look like new, but get rid of any pesky odors, too.

What Makes a Dog Collar Smell

Since most dogs wear their collars 24/7, it’s no wonder that after a while they start to smell a little funky. The unpleasant odor is a combination of oil from your dog’s skin, yeast and bacteria that naturally gather on your dog’s fur, and whatever your dog’s been rolling in outside, like dirt or mud.

How to wash a dog collar

The best way to clean a dog collar depends on what it’s made of.

Synthetic collars made of polyester or nylon can easily be washed by hand in soapy water. Put some mild detergent or dog shampoo into warm water and let the collar soak for around 10 minutes – more if it’s very dirty and/or smelly. If you prefer natural cleaners, use a little baking soda and vinegar in water instead. Next, scrub the collar with an old toothbrush or just rub the collar against itself to dislodge dirt and remove stains. When it looks clean, rinse well under running water.

Leather collars should be cleaned like any other leather accessory you have, meaning you should avoid getting it too wet. Too much water can permanently stain your dog’s leather collar. Use a damp – not wet – cloth and wipe it thoroughly to remove debris and odor-causing compounds. If you want to use something stronger than water, choose a leather cleaning solution and follow the package directions.

Faux leather collars can be cleaned by wiping them with a damp cloth that’s been dipped in soapy water made with a mild detergent or dog shampoo. Afterwards, use a separate clean, damp cloth to wipe away any cleanser residue.

Dog Collar Tips

- Now you know how to clean a dog collar by hand, but you can also try washing your synthetic collar in the dishwasher (on the top rack) or in the washing machine on cold (placing the collar in a small garment bag first). This works best for plain collars that don’t haveextra bling on them. Be sure to remove ID tags first!

- Whatever the material, after you wash the dog collar be sure to let it air dry thoroughly, since putting a wet collar on your dog can lead to mold and mildew growth.

- If your dog’s leash also needs a refresh, follow the same steps above according to the material.

Using a Back-up Collar

Since cleaning and drying your dog’s collar can take a while, put a back-up collar on your dog so they aren’t without ID in case something happens. At Hot Dog Collars, we have hundreds of dog collars in different materials, colors, and designs, many of which can be personalized with your pet’s info! Check out our wide selectionhere.

Yes, it’s that time of year. But cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore if you follow our quick and easy tips. You and your pup will both be happier and healthier if you do!

Plus, we’ve got tips for safer cleaning and recipes for cleaning products that use simple ingredients from your pantry, like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice here.

Spring Cleanin Tips

Air Filter

Trap airborne dust and dander with a filter to reduce lingering pet odors in your home. Look for filters made especially for pet owners; they come with built-in ionizers that minimize allergens and help deliver a boost of air freshening.

Beds and Bedding

Your dog’s bedding tends to attract a buildup of dirt and grime. Follow these four steps to ensure a clean, comfortable sleep for Fido.

Choose a bed with a removable fabric cover.
Vacuum the bed regularly to remove hair, dirt, and other debris. Follow up with a lint roller to pull away any hair the vacuum may have left behind.
Wash the cover and the bed base (if it’s machine washable) in cold water. Use a mild laundry detergent—no dyes or fragrance. Add a cup of baking soda to help neutralize odor.
Dry (in the clothes dryer) for about 20 minutes. Use at least one pet-safe dryer sheet (teddyneedsabath.com); this will reduce static electricity and remove more pet hair. To avoid shrinkage, finish by line drying.

Collar Cleaning

A stinky collar can ruin the pleasures of a freshly groomed dog. But how do you clean a dog collar without damaging the webbing material or hardware? Put a couple of squirts of dog shampoo (which will help prevent skin irritation) in a bowl and fill the bowl with hot water. Let your dog’s collar soak for about 15 minutes. Rub the collar against itself to extract any ground-in dirt. If necessary, apply extra shampoo directly to the collar. Avoid using a brush, which could damage the material. Rinse the collar under running water and hang to dry. If you need to speed up the drying, use a towel to remove excess water before hanging.

Dog Hair

To remove pet hair from furniture, drapes, or other fabric-covered items, use rubber gloves. Slightly dampen a glove on your hand and sweep the fabric with it. Hair will ball up and be easy to pick up. Wash and dry gloves between uses.

Lavender Oil

Not only is lavender essential oil soothing to the central nervous system, but when applied regularly between your dog’s shoulder blades, it can keep fleas and ticks at bay. Try a lavender room mist in your car to keep your dog calm and your automobile smelling fresh after a day at the beach or park with your pooch.

Muddy Paws

The rain in spring means muddy paws, but a little prevention can keep your dog from tracking dirt inside the house. First, trim the hair around your pup’s paws regularly — mud won’t clump to his feet when the hair is kept short. On days that you can’t avoid a little mud, keep a bucket of warm water and a towel near the door. Before you come inside, remove dirt by dipping each paw in the water and gently wiping it with the towel.

Quick Bath

Over-bathing your dog can cause dry skin, which results in itching and flaking. Avoid these issues—but keep your pup smelling fresh—by giving him a quick dry bath. Brush out his coat first to loosen dead hair, dirt, and debris. Wipe him down with a towel spritzed with a solution of half apple cider vinegar and half water. Follow up by sprinkling baking soda on him and rubbing it in, which will neutralize the smell of the vinegar. Let it sit for a minute or two, then brush it off. Tip: Give your dog his dry bath outdoors, or another place where a little mess won’t matter!

Toys

Wash dog toys to keep them germ-free and in good shape for years of enjoyment. For soft toys, pop them in the washing machine, ideally in a garment bag. (Be sure to use dog-safe detergent.) Line dry or put them in the dryer inside a pillowcase. Hard toys can be cleaned in the sink with a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar and a brush or sponge. An easy alternative: Put your pal’s toys in the dishwasher with her bowls.

Urine

Even if you can’t smell traces of urine, your dog can. It’s important to clean and neutralize these odors, because as long as he can smell it, he’ll continue to use that area as his personal potty. For new stains, soak up as much as you can by layering newspaper on top of paper towels and standing on the padding. Repeat this step until the area is no longer damp. The Humane Society suggests taking urine-soaked paper towels outside in order to positively reinforce to your dog where it is suitable for him to do his business. Follow up by rinsing the soiled area with water. Once the area is clean, use an enzyme-based pet odor neutralizer like Dog Whisperer Natural Stain and Odor Remover

Vacuum

When choosing a vacuum, focus on suction—disregard horsepower, watts, or amps which are measure of electrical current, not pickup. Vacuums with upright canisters are best for carpets.

Yard

Maintaining your yard can help cut down on messes inside the home.

If your yard is mostly dirt, consider putting sod down in one area. By providing a grassy area for your dog to play, you can minimize the amount of dirt and mud she’ll track indoors.
Keep your dog’s boredom at bay by providing toys exclusively for outdoor play. If she has something to play with, she will be less likely to paw at dirt, so her paws will stay cleaner. And keep her outdoor toys outside.
Some dogs are sensitive to citrus smells. Scatter the peels of a few oranges in places where you don’t want your dog to dig—like flower beds or vegetable gardens.