Want to know the best way to wash a dog collar? And how often you should wash it?
If you have a West Highland Terrier, or any dog for that matter, then you already know how messy they can get.
Whether it is a wet, muddy walk, or your pooch loves nothing more than to roll in puddles, they get dirty from time to time.
Westie’s love exploring, and can often end up nearly black rather than white all over!
It can be easy to clean towels and blankets, but how are you meant to wash a dog collar?
With the metal D-rings and attachments, you may be wondering how to clean your Westie’s collar and how often you should.
In this guide, we can answer all of your questions, and help you keep your canine companion and its collar squeaky clean.
How To Wash A Dog Collar?
When your dog’s collar is dirty, it is best to clean off any mud, dirt and excess oils so that it doesn’t start to smell, and it doesn’t cause any bacteria, allergic reactions or issues for your dog’s skin.
The easiest way to clean a dog collar is in a bowl with some deodorizing dog shampoo.
This will ensure that it is safe to use and will not irritate your dog’s skin, and you will get rid of any nasty smells from your dog’s collar! Simply fill up a bowl of water or a sink with warm water.
Then, mix in a small amount of dog shampoo. If you use dish soap or human soap it can cause irritation on your dog’s skin, so stick to something that is gentle or suitable for your dog.
Allow the collar to soak in the water for about 15-20 minutes, and then gently rub away any dirt or debris with a toothbrush. Rinse the collar in clean warm water, and pat dry with a towel.
Then, allow it to air dry naturally. If your dog has a leather collar, then you may have to scrub off any dirt with your fingers or a soft cloth so that you do not damage the material or scratch it.
How Often Should You Wash A Dog Collar?
Your dog’s towels, blankets, bedding and collars need to be kept clean if you want to ensure that their body is not dirty, and to avoid allergens causing any problems.
If you are unsure how often to wash your dog collar, then a good rule of thumb is to wash it at least once a month.
That being said, if you have returned from a particularly muddy walk, a day at the beach, or your dog has been with other dogs at a park or a daycare then you should wash the collar and leash when you return home before using them again.
Westies are particularly prone to skin and fur problems, so it is best to stay on top of a collar cleaning schedule!
>> How Often Should You Bathe A Westie
Can I Put My Dog’s Collar In The Washing Machine?
Yes, you can put your Westie’s collar in the washing machine as long as the collar states it is safe to do so.
Most collars will have tags on them for you to see if they are safe in a washing machine or dryer, or you can check the manufacturer’s website for more details.
Some fabrics are unsuitable for a washing machine, so be careful with delicate fabrics. It is best to wash in a sink or bowl of water to avoid causing any damage to the collar.
If you do have to wash your dog’s collar, leash or harness in a washing machine because you do not have time to soak and scrub it by hand, then you are better off using a cold water setting or a gentle setting.
Alternatively, you can use a garment bag so that the collar or harness does not get damaged while spinning inside of the machine.
Tips For Washing A Dog Collar
We also have some tips for you to achieve the best results when cleaning your dog’s collar. First of all, remove the dog tag from the collar.
This is often made of metal and can scratch and rust easily, or scratch your sink if you are cleaning the collar in there.
If you have a very dirty dog collar, then you may want to use something stronger to get rid of smells and stains. In these cases, we recommend using a baking soda solution.
Simply take a bowl and mix a spoonful of baking soda into some very hot water. Take a cleaning brush or toothbrush and scrub the collar with this mixture.
Hold the dog collar under a tap with warm running water to remove any leftover baking soda solution, and pat it dry and leave the collar to air dry.
In addition, if your dog’s collar is particularly stinky, then you can wash it with a few teaspoons of vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Add the vinegar and some baking soda into a bowl of hot water and let the collar soak before scrubbing it clean. Then, rinse off with fresh hot water and leave it to dry before using it again.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, you should be washing your dog’s collar every month or so. If your dog gets rather dirty, then it is best to clean the collar right away before its next use.
This is to ensure that your Westie’s fur remains clean, and the collar does not start to smell or create a buildup of bacteria. To wash your Westie’s collar, there are a range of methods you can use.
You can use soapy water with dog shampoo, or you can use a baking soda solution to remove any built up grime and dirt.
If your Westie’s collar is particularly smelly, then you can use apple cider vinegar to remove mold and nasty stinks!
If you are short of time, then you can wash dog collars, leashes, harnesses and more in a washing machine but only on a gentle cycle.
However, we do always recommend that you hand wash dog collars and accessories because the materials can be fragile and can become damaged when spinning around in a washer or dryer.
Just remember that keeping your Westie’s accessories clean can reduce the risk of skin infections, allergens and bacteria- keeping you and your dog happy.
