Dogs love playing outside, especially if they come back from it completely covered in mud. Despite our best efforts, even the most well-groomed doggie, apart from mud and sand, can bring all kinds of bacteria and microorganisms into the house, which can later spread on his bedding and toys. They can lead to diseases affecting our dogs and other household members.
Therefore, regular washing and cleaning of their belongings are extremely important for health reasons. It also helps minimise unpleasant smells caused by moisture penetrating our dog’s bedding and accessories.
Choose items that can be properly washed
When buying a new bed for your dog, whether you choose a small blanket or a large bed, check whether it is possible to wash it. Some materials lose their resilience or softness in the cleaning process.
Look for a brand of dog accessories that offers bedding that can be washed both by hand and in a washing machine. This applies to the covers as well as the inner liners. It is recommended to wash your dog’s bedding regularly. It will allow you to keep it fresh and clean and give our pet extra comfort of sleep.
Also, the harnesses and toys of the pet should be washed. Therefore, when choosing these accessories for our dog, it is worth paying attention to whether their manufacturer provides the possibility of easy cleaning. This makes it easier to maintain their aesthetic appearance and inhibits the growth of bacteria.
How to wash dog toys and dog accessories?
Manufacturers should include information on how to clean their products. A great convenience is the possibility to wash a dog bed or a toy in a washing machine. There are a few rules you should pay attention to when cleaning your pet’s things:
The right washing temperature for your pet’s accessories
The most optimal choice is 30°C unless the product manufacturer declares a higher temperature option.
Washing powder
You can use normal washing powder – make sure it is very mild and hypoallergenic before you use it! – However, if you have the possibility, choose the one that is dedicated especially to dogs. There are more and more manufacturers on the market offering detergents designed directly for keeping our pets’ clothes clean and fresh.
Avoiding strong detergents
It is not advisable to use bleach or chemical cleaning. These can cause allergic reactions in dogs and irritate their skin.
Giving up rinsing liquids
It is advisable to rinse our pets’ belongings in water without adding additional scented liquids, as these can irritate their sense of smell.
Drying method
To avoid deforming your pet’s clothes, we recommend drying them by hanging up or lying down depending on the type of product. For example, jumpers made of wool, which naturally stretch during use, should be dried flat. Drying flat helps to restore its original shape. Allow 24 hours for full drying.
Keeping our doggie belongings clean is important and we should not underestimate it. However, we should remember that too frequent washing may contribute to faster deterioration of the products.
Following the rules outlined above will help ensure that our pets’ belongings stay as fresh as possible without worrying about inadvertently damaging them. Sleeping in a neat and clean bed will be much more pleasant and comfortable for them.
