Some of the most important accessories that should be acquired when adopting a dog are those that will be used on their walks, that is, their leash, harness, and collar. These objects, despite being used daily, are quite ignored in terms of hygiene. For this reason, we explain how to clean your dog’s leash, collar, and harness and the importance of doing so.
Importance of cleaning your dog’s leash, collar, and harness
With day-to-day use, your pet’s leash, harness, and collar tend to get quite dirty.
Many people began to realize the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in all our everyday objects when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. The cleaning recommendations during the pandemic were many and reached elements that some had never considered cleaning before. This is the case with leashes, collars, and harnesses.
Being made of very resistant materials and that does not usually give off any type of smell, we are not usually aware of the amount of dirt they are accumulating.
This is a serious mistake, because, for the same reason that they get dirty (they are in continuous contact with the animal, with our hands and with the outside), it is essential that we clean them: dogs sometimes put the leash in their mouth, we touch it and do not wash our hands immediately, etc.
Hair, mud, saliva, bacteria … all that is what they hide and all that is what they and we are in contact with, putting our health and theirs at risk. Therefore, it is very important to clean your dog’s leash, collar and harness, with a certain frequency, more or less, 2-3 times a week if it does not get dirty before.
How to clean your dog’s leash, collar, and harness
The most effective method of cleaning your dog’s leash, collar, and harness will depend on the material the dog is made of. Let’s look at some examples.
How to clean your dog’s leather collar
When your pet’s collar is made of leather, there are several very effective ways to clean it.
With baking soda
Scoop hot water and a small spoonful of baking soda into a bowl and let it dissolve. Take a toothbrush that you are only going to use for this purpose and dip it in the liquid.
Now, rub the necklace with it until the dirt is gone, and then rinse by putting the necklace under the water.
To dry it, use a towel and then hang it away from direct sunlight and also away from heat sources, as they can cause the leather to break.
With mint soap
Mint soap is ideal for cleaning necklaces and not only because of how clean they are but because it is perfect for removing the aroma from them.
Make a lather by mixing the soap with the water and spread it over the entire necklace. Now scrub with the toothbrush and then rinse with water.
Repeat the process until the bad smells are gone. Then, wipe off any surface moisture with a towel and allow it to finish air-drying.
How to Clean Your Nylon or Polyester Dog’s Leash, Collar, and Harness
Due to the delicacy of the leather, the washing methods used must be carried out by hand, as is the case with those we have indicated. However, for other types of materials, there are more options.
The washing-machine
Yes, the washing machine is an option so that your pet’s collars, harnesses, and leashes are cleaned and disinfected if a hot water program is used.
You can take advantage to wash them when you also go to wash their bedding, for example. In addition, it is advisable to put these objects in a washing machine bag to eliminate the noises of the knocking of the hard parts and that these do not damage the washing machine. The water and detergent will do the rest of the work.
Then you can put it in the dryer or let it air dry.
The dishwasher
The dishwasher is another option to clean your dog’s leash, collar, and harness if these items are not leather. They simply have to be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher securely so that they do not slip while washing. Hot water and soap will disinfect them.
Vinegar and baking soda
A manual cleaning technique is to make a mixture, in equal parts, of water, white vinegar, and baking soda in a bowl or basin where the complement of your dog to be washed fits. It should fit since it will have to be immersed in it for 15 to 30 minutes.
After that time has elapsed, rinse thoroughly to remove any residue. Then gently shake it so that as much water as possible slides off and place it on a towel or hang it up to air dry.
Soap and water
Soaking the dog’s collar, harness, and leash in a bowl of hot soapy water is also an effective method of cleaning them. The soap can be neutral or minty in case the objects smell bad.
If they have any stains, use the toothbrush on them to try to remove them. Of course, be very careful when rubbing so that you do not damage them.
Rinse thoroughly until you stop detecting the presence of soap, remembering that pets often bite these objects.
Other tips on your dog’s collar, harness, and leash
In addition to the recommendations for cleaning your dog’s leash, collar, and harness, here are some important ones:
- If the dog frequently goes to places with water (swimming pools, beaches, lakes, etc.), use neoprene collars, as they will resist its activity more.
- After washing your leather collars, you can use a leather conditioner for best results.
- Avoid bleach when washing these items. In addition to damaging them, their smell greatly affects animals.
- Replace the collar, harness, and/or leash if they begin to come apart or there is a danger of breakage. Remember that these should be a safety element for the dog as well as for you.
