How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Belongings?

Keeping your dog’s items clean not only helps maintain a fresh environment (and keeps your nose happy), but it can also prevent dirt, mold, and bacteria buildup from forming, helping you maintain your furry friend’s overall well-being by reducing the risk of infection or illness.

But just how often should you wash your dog’s items? To help you plan your cleaning routine, we’re taking a look at the items you likely have for your pup. While every dog has unique needs that may affect their cleaning requirements, we’ve compiled some general recommendations for you to consider.

In this blog, we’ll cover how often you should clean your dog’s:

Many of the items listed below can be cleaned using warm, soapy water, a mixture of water and vinegar, or placed in the dishwasher or washing machine, depending on the item’s care instructions. However, if you’re planning on using certain cleaning products around your dog (including laundry detergent), please keep in mind the ingredients that can be hazardous to them. Check out our Pet-Friendly Cleaning Tips post for a list of dangerous items.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY DOG’S FOOD & WATER BOWL?

Frequency: Daily

Your dog’s food and water bowls are some of the most important items they use daily, so keeping them clean is important. Just as you would wash your plate and cup after each use, make sure to clean your dog’s bowls just as often.

Food bowl: Leftover food residue can be a breeding ground for bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli, as well as mold and insects, so thoroughly washing it after each mealtime is important.

Water bowl: Cleaning it at the end of each day can help make sure your dog is always getting fresh water, and it can also help you keep track of how often you refill it so you can maintain their proper hydration level. If it’s left to sit, the moisture can lead to mold, mildew, algae, and other potentially harmful growths.

While cleaning, be sure to check for small cracks that may have formed in their bowls and replace them with new ones, as this can help prevent bacteria from staying in those cracks and entering your pup’s mouth.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY DOG’S BED & BLANKETS?

Frequency: Weekly

Seeing your pup snuggling up in their bed with blankets or pillows is an adorable sight, and keeping those items looking and smelling fresh is important. Parasites (e.g., fleas, ticks, etc.), dander, dust mites, dirt, and germs could build up on these items if left unclean, which could lead to infections and other unwanted outcomes for a dog.

The CDC recommends weekly washing, but other factors like new stains, odors, and dirt may warrant an earlier wash to help prevent anything from harboring.

Looking for a safe and powerful product to help with doggy messes or accidents, such as a stain on their bed? Check out our Pet Odor & Stain Remover on DogtopiaShop.com.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY DOG’S COLLAR, LEASH & HARNESS?

Frequency: Every one to two weeks   

These may not be items that immediately come to mind, but they are frequently used and can pick up sweat, dirt, and bacteria from your pup’s coat. Regularly cleaning these items is essential to prevent odors and skin irritation, especially after outdoor play in dirt or mud.

Because they are typically made from fabric, they can soak in warm, soapy water or put in your washing machine and then left out to air dry. Be sure to check the care instructions for specific details before washing.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY DOG’S TOYS?

Frequency: Weekly (or earlier, depending on the toy)

Toys get put through the wringer! Dogs often chew on them, slobber all over them, and drag them around, which could lead to a buildup of saliva and bacteria. That’s why keeping your pup’s toys clean is essential, as it helps keep your dog safe, especially since they carry toys in their mouths.

Plush toys: These can gather dust and other particles, so throwing them in the washing machine rather often can help keep them looking and smelling fresh. Note: Depending on the toy, you may need to wash them in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.

Plastic toys: These can be washed with warm, soapy water (note: some can go in the dishwasher). If you notice buildup (e.g., slobber, dirt, etc.), it is important to wipe them down immediately.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY DOG’S CRATE & CARRIER?

Frequency: Every two to four weeks

Whether you carry your pup in a travel carrier, or they sleep in their crate every night, these items can accumulate dust, hair, and bacteria. Regularly wiping them down and vacuuming away debris is an effective way to keep them looking new and feeling fresh for your pup. Your cleaning schedule should depend on how often you use these items, so it’s a good idea to check them regularly and determine when they need cleaning.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN THE GROOMING TOOLS I USE ON MY DOG?

Frequency: Each use

If you regularly brush your dog’s coat, you’ve probably noticed how quickly the brush fills up with hair. Establishing a grooming routine that includes cleaning your tools after each use can help keep things manageable. This also applies to other grooming tools, such as nail clippers; regularly cleaning them is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections that could result from bacteria buildup. This practice is especially important if you use these tools on multiple dogs.

CLEANING PRACTICES AT DOGTOPIA

Maintaining a clean and safe environment in our daycare facilities is a top priority. Not only do we have an advanced HVAC system that keeps fresh air circulating throughout our playrooms, but we also perform a twice-daily deep clean, which includes sanitizing playroom surfaces using dog-safe products. We also prioritize cleanliness in our full-service spa, where our expert spa team makes sure each pup is safe and well-cared during baths, nail trims, brush outs and more!

Contact a location near you to book your dog’s daycare, boarding, or spa visit today!