Are you a dog owner who has had to brave the rain every day to walk your beloved pet?
If so, you’re likely to have grown sick of your dog’s mud-caked harness as well as the unmistakable damp sell wafting from your dog’s gear. But, worry no more!
Bid farewell to the constant rain woes, and embrace the joy of exploring with your furry friend, thanks to these practical and effective cleaning techniques from Ruffwear.
Never clean your dog’s lead or harness with human shampoo or soap, as it can make them ill
Did you know that not regularly cleaning your dog’s dirty harness and lead can lead to bacteria building up on them? Luckily, the solution to this problem is quite simple – and very budget-friendly.
First of all, you should shake off any dirt or debris before entering the harsh. Next, you should fill a sink with hot water and place your dog’s harness, lead and collar in it before adding a few squirts of your dog’s shampoo. Leave it to soak for 15 mins.
Whatever you do, never use human soap or shampoo on a dog as it’ll disrupt their skin’s pH balance, making them more susceptible to viruses.
After 15 minutes, you can use extra dog shampoo and a dedicated toothbrush to remove excess dirt and grime. Once it’s clean, gently squeeze out the remaining water and leave your items somewhere until they’re fully dry.
Need to use your washer to clean something? Use a rubber glove to remove excess pet hair or you’ll end up with a clogged-up washing machine
You should also wash their outdoor apparel – such as coats and jackets – at least once a week when the weather is really wet, causing a build-up of mud.
However, before you do this, you should try to remove as much dog hair as you can from your dog’s clothes or you could end up with a clogged washing machine.
Ideally, a pet hair or lint remover is best but if you don’t have one, there are a few common household items that will work:
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A dryer sheet – keep rubbing it back and forth until the static electricity helps pull away any pet hair.
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A rubber glove – simply put your hand in the glove, dip it under the tap so it’s slightly wet then gently run it across your pet’s coat. The glove will create tension that picks up the pet’s hair.
- A damp duster – again, static electricity allows pet hair to be removed by rubbing your hand back and forth.
Always add fabric softener when washing your pet’s outdoor clothing as it prevents them from shrinking
Once you’ve effectively cleared away all the pet hair, it’s time to proceed with washing the items. However, it is essential to take a moment to check the care label of your dog’s coat or jacket to ensure you follow the proper washing instructions.
If the gear is deemed safe for machine washing, ensure that all fasteners are securely fastened before loading it into the washing machine, otherwise, they may cause tangling or damage your washing machine.
Next opt for a very gentle, cold water cycle and use a mild detergent to ensure a thorough yet delicate clean.
By choosing a gentle wash cycle, you can rest assured that your dog’s gear remains free from shrinking or losing its original shape. After the wash, the best practice is to hang the clothing up to air dry.
Don’t forget to add your dog’s boots to the washer as these are likely to be the most unhygienic item
Cleaning your dog’s boots after a rainy trail is extremely important for maintaining their paw health and overall hygiene. During their outdoor adventures, dogs naturally sweat through their paws, which can lead to damp and potentially unhygienic conditions if the boots are left on for extended periods.
To prevent this from happening, make sure to not keep their boots on for too long at a time. Additionally, staying on top of regular cleaning is vital to keep harmful bacteria and germs at bay.
Before washing the boots, take a moment to rinse off any loose dirt or debris that may have accumulated during the trail. Secure any straps to prevent tangling or damage during the wash. As you do with their coat, when washing, it is best to use a cold, gentle cycle and opt for a mild detergent. This gentle approach ensures a thorough clean without causing any wear or tear to the boots.
Make sure your dog’s water bladder is completely dry before putting it away or it’s literally to generate mould
Water bladders are a great way to bring fresh water for your pet when out on the move, and after a walk, they should be completely emptied and dried with no water left sitting in them.
A top tip is to use chopsticks to hold up the water bladder to allow any water to escape after you’ve cleaned it. Then, inflate the bladder and hang them upside down to fully dry before putting them in storage.
As an additional tip, you should store the water bladders in the freezer with the caps off to make sure mould doesn’t grow.
Do your dog’s items still smell? Buy this 35p pharmacy staple
Hydrogen peroxide is able to be used on your dog’s gear by mixing it along with other household products to create an effective wallet-friendly cleaner. You can create the mixture for as little as 35p per serving by mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and soda with a teaspoon of washing-up liquid to get your dog’s gear clean and ready for the summer.
Ingredients:
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Hydrogen peroxide
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Baking soda
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Washing up liquid
The method is as follows:
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Mix 1/2 hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 tsp of dish soap together.
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Scrub dried in excess dried mud or dirt from the harness, collar or lead.
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Soak the garments in the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water to get the mixture off the items.
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Air dry the garments either outside on the washing line or hang them up inside somewhere they can dry thoroughly to ensure they don’t remain damp.
