How To Clean a Dog Collar
Dogs get dirty, and so do their dog collars. Like most people, you’ve probably cut off the care tag, especially if it was irritating your dog. Now you’re at a loss.
However, do not fear. There is a general standard for cleaning dog collars that is more or less the same depending on the type of materials used. So, let's jump right in so you can get back to making sure your dog is properly identifiable and stylish.
How Often Should You Wash Dog Collars?
How often you wash a dog collar depends on personal preference and the type of dog collar. Ideally, you should wash it every few weeks or at least as often as you’re bathing your dog. Some particularly hygiene-conscious owners may opt for washing more often.
However, you should immediately wash a collar that has come into contact with things such as pond scum, grass stains, blood, chemicals, or other substances that can rot or stain the collar, especially if they could be harmful to you or your dog.
How To Wash a Synthetic Dog Collar Properly
Most dog collars nowadays are made from a blend of synthetic fibers. These fibers are normally smell and dirt resistant, which is why they’re chosen, but they can be more susceptible to fading and fraying.
Method 1—Most synthetic dog collars can be washed in the washing machine, provided you use a mesh laundry bag to prevent the fibers from getting caught and frayed. If you do wash it in the washing machine, make sure you use a dog-safe detergent.
Method 2 - Leave the dog collar in a bowl with dog shampoo and water (not too hot, or the colors may leach out or fray) to soak for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, you can gently work it through with your fingers to remove any stubborn dirt.
Then, you can just rinse the collar under some fresh water and leave it to air dry.
How To Wash Cloth and Material Dog Collars
Cloth and material dog collars should wash very similarly to synthetic dog collars, and you can mostly use the same methods.
However, be extra careful if the collar is homemade, or has lots of delicate parts. Remove any removable bits, such as bells, tags, bows, or so on, that will come off easily.
You can use the mesh laundry bag in the washing machine method, or the soak and rinse in dog shampoo method.
Can I Clean a Dog Collar in a Dishwasher?
Some people may wonder if you can wash your dog’s collar in the dishwasher. While possible - this method is not recommended. A dishwasher is not a washing machine and is not designed with cleaning fabrics in mind.
While it may be disinfecting and possibly okay for certain materials like rubber or metal, it is normally too hot and the detergents too strong for fabrics and other fiber materials. It is likely to cause unraveling, fraying, or bleaching on synthetic and fabric dog collars.
How to Wash Leather Dog Collars
Leather dog collars are less popular than the average fabric dog collar because they are more expensive and harder to care for. However, some people prefer them since they are less likely to cause chafing and skin issues than some other collars.
Leather collars cannot be tossed in the washing machine. They were once skin and are, therefore, especially sensitive to heat and chemicals.
To wash a leather dog collar, you should follow the following steps:
- Mix some water with dog shampoo or a non-scented, dog-safe soap until it forms a lather.
- Use a soft sponge, damp cloth, or soft bristled brush dipped in the lather to slowly brush away any debris using circular motions. Avoid submerging any part of the dog collar in the water or rubbing the leather collar too hard, as it may crack.
- Never use heat to dry a leather dog collar; instead, leave it somewhere out of direct sunlight to air dry.
- After it has dried, you can treat the leather collar with leather conditioner or leather cream to help make it last longer and be more resistant to moisture.
Can Leather Collars Get Wet? What If They’re Really Dirty?
The suggestions above are the ideal way to clean the dog collar to increase longevity. If your dog’s collar is particularly filthy, then you can scrub it harder, but this may damage it. You can also try saddle soaps if they do not bother your dog.
Leather collars can get wet, but they last longer and do better if they’ve been properly treated and sealed with leather creams. It's advised to go with a different dog collar if you know your dog is likely to get very wet or dirty on a particular day.
How To Wash Metal and Chain Link Collars
A metal dog collar is another good investment, since they also tend to be quite hardy, odor-free, and don’t fray like material collars. However, dirt and debris can become trapped between the chain links, meaning that the collar will often need to be completely removed to clean it.
Looking for something with more of a sparkle? Check out our Cuban Chain Collar
Sometimes, a damp cloth may be enough to wipe away the gunk. Other times, you can try mixing some dog shampoo into warm water and using a bristle brush to get into the nooks and crannies in the chain links on metal dog collars.
Make sure you dry it thoroughly afterward to prevent any rust from forming.
If you notice some rust on your dog’s collar, you can try a baking soda solution to safely remove rust without the use of chemicals.
- Simply mix the baking soda with water to form a paste and carefully smooth this past onto the affected parts using either your hand or a toothbrush.
- Allow the baking soda mixture to dry for around an hour
- Gently scrub the baking soda mixture off your dog’s collar using a brush or scourer.
- Dry it thoroughly with a towel or absorbent paper.
How to Remove the Dog Smell From Your Dog’s Collar
If your collar is going right back on the dog, then there’s probably not too much point in trying to remove the smell. However, if it bothers you, then you can try some natural odor neutralizers that won’t affect your dog’s skin.
One of the better odor neutralizers is apple cider vinegar. It has the acidity to regulate smell without the bleaching effects of stronger acids, such as white vinegar or lemon juice.
Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per cup of water and allow the collar to soak for an hour or two (do NOT do this with leather or metal collars) before rinsing and drying thoroughly. Make sure that you’ve gotten rid of all of the hair and other debris first.
Conclusion
How you choose to wash your dog collar will largely depend on the material.
Synthetic and material dog collars - Either wash in a mesh bag or in a bowl with a mild detergent or dog shampoo. Allow it to air dry.
Leather dog collars - Avoid getting leather collars wet. Try using a lather and a soft brush to remove dirt. Make sure to treat the leather with a leather cream if necessary.
Chain dog collars - Use a damp cloth or brush to remove debris and dirt before drying thoroughly with a towel. You can use baking soda to remove rust marks.
Dog collars can last a long time with proper care. Making sure they are clean and well maintained also protects your dog and their source of identification.
If you would like to spice things up, regardless of your choice of collar, why not go for one of Sparkpaws Jewelry Charm Tags as an attractive way to make sure your dog’s contact information is readily available.
Happy Walking!