How to Wash a Dog Collar
Dog collars serve training and identification purposes--and even function as accessories--so they encounter a range of elements along with the dogs that wear them. Collars trap dirt and moisture, which not only gives the collar a grungy appearance but develops an unpleasant odor as well. Refer to the care instructions that accompany your dog's collar, if possible, or wash it according to the type of material. Leather collar cleaning differs from cloth or nylon collar cleaning but, regardless of the materials, sometimes your best option is to replace the collar.
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Things You'll Need
- Water
- Mild laundry detergent
- Soft cloths
- Saddle soap
- Leather conditioner
Instructions
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Cloth or Nylon Collar
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1
Wet the collar with warm water and place a few drops of mild laundry detergent on it.
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2
Rub the collar between your palms to produce lather and scrub it by working the material with your fingers.
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3
Rinse the collar thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap and dirt. Wring excess water from it and lay it flat or hang it to dry.
Leather Collar
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4
Wipe the collar with a lightly dampened cloth to remove dirt.
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5
Dip a separate, lightly dampened cloth in saddle soap and rub it into the leather.
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6
Buff it with a soft, clean cloth after the soap dries on the leather.
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7
Apply leather conditioner with a soft, clean cloth, and then buff it with a separate clean cloth.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Put a cloth or nylon collar into a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to wash it in the washing machine; allow it to air dry.
Spot clean nylon collars with a pet-formulated stain remover.
Remove your dog's collar when it's not necessary that it wears one, and remove it before your dog bathes or swims.
Replace the collar if it is torn or cracked, or if an odor remains after cleaning.
Washing leather collars with regular soap and water will dry the leather and shorten its use.
References
- Photo Credit portrait of a sheep dog looking at you image by NataV from Fotolia.com
