Indeed, the harness, the cushion, the collar or other, can contain and bacteria or retain bad odors. This is why it is essential to know how to wash your dog's accessories.
Accessories for walks
The collar and leash are used every day to walk the dog. They are therefore frequently in direct contact with the animal's coat. Regular washing is required to remove all bacteria. The material of these accessories will determine the technique used to wash them.
The maintenance of leather equipment is quite simple.Simply rub the collar or leash with a brush to remove dirt. Otherwise, it is possible to use water and Marseille soap or disinfectant wipes specially designed to clean leather objects. Then, you must rinse the dog's accessories and then dry them with a towel or paper towel. Once this step has been completed, the collar and the harness will be left in the open air, but avoiding exposure to the sun or near a source of heat. When the leather accessories are dry, they can be nourished with a suitable care product. Moisturizing milk and cleansing milk also work.
If the dog's collar and harness are made of nylon, the maintenance is different. They can be washed directly in the washing machine at 30°C. To do this and to prevent the metal parts from knocking against the drum, the collar and the harness will be slipped into a washing net.This operation will remove any stains present on the accessories. Another technique is to use white vinegar and baking soda. The collar and the harness will be immersed in a mixture of these two products for half an hour. They will then be rinsed and dried in the open air.
To eliminate bad smells, it is advisable to invest in a peppermint soap. The latter replaces Marseille soap. Rinsing should be done with warm water. After several washes, bad odors will be completely reduced.
The dog's toys
Dog toys contain a lot of bacteria and can be vectors of disease since they are in the animal's basket, in its mouth or on the ground. They too should be washed regularly.
For toys made of rubber or plastic, the simplest and most effective way is to put them in the dishwasher. On the other hand, it is necessary to replace the dishwashing liquid, potentially aggressive for the dog, by white vinegar.
For fabric toys, such as stuffed animals, you must use the washing machine and wash at 30° C. Be careful, fabric softener must be prohibited because many dogs are allergic to it. Monthly cleaning is recommended.
The dog's basket
A dog spends a lot of time in his basket because it's his bed. If the cover is removable, it can easily be washed in the washing machine (30°C). This cycle will also be an opportunity to wash the towels reserved for the animal. Before washing the basket in the machine, you will need to take the time to remove all the hair. A rubber glove is very effective, even on velvet. The same goes for the blankets installed in the dog's basket. If stains are present on the basket, it will be necessary to take care of it with stain remover before sliding it into the machine.
For a non-removable textile basket, it is best to use hot water and disinfectant to eliminate all bacteria.Air drying should be done. For a leather basket, cleaning with dishwashing liquid and a sponge is enough to say goodbye to bacteria. However, this time a soft cloth will be used for drying.
For blankets, carpets, plaids, two cleanings per month are necessary.
The dog bowls
Maintenance of bowls is essential because they contain many bacteria due to food. They must therefore be washed after each meal. For this, two solutions exist: the sponge and the dishwashing liquid or the dishwasher. For a plastic or slightly damaged bowl, additional disinfection is recommended. The latter can be made with baking soda, bleach or specific products sold in specialized stores.
Used on a daily basis, dog accessories are breeding grounds for bacteria that should therefore be cleaned regularly. Depending on their material, some can be put in the dishwasher or in the washing machine.
Also read: 9 tips for cleaning your dog's kennel