How to Clean Dog Clothes, Coats and Harnesses

Dog coats, raincoats, sweaters, harnesses and collars go everywhere your dog goes: through mud, wet grass, sand and salt water. They pick up hair, dirt and the musty smell of a damp dog, and a harness that is never washed can turn stiff and crunchy. Most of this gear washes easily, as long as you know which pieces go in the machine and which are better washed by hand. This guide covers each kind.

It follows the care instructions of two dog gear makers, Ruffwear and Hurtta. Always check the care label on your own item first: as Hurtta says, always follow the washing instructions on each product’s care instructions label.

Before every wash

Get the hair and mud off. Hurtta says to remove any hair, mud and sand with a towel or shake the product outside before you wash it. Let thick mud dry first, then brush it off.
Close everything. Hurtta says to secure buckles, zippers and any Velcro strips before washing, and to loosen cords and drawstrings so the whole product gets washed. Ruffwear also says to secure fasteners.
Use a wash bag. Hurtta says a wash bag extends the life of dog clothes and helps keep dog hair out of the washing machine. Do not stuff it too full.

For more on keeping hair out of your machine, see pet hair and odor in the washing machine and dryer.

Coats, raincoats and sweaters

Ruffwear’s care steps for its dog apparel are:

Secure fasteners (if any).
Wash in cold water, on a gentle cycle.
Use mild detergent.
Hang to dry.
Do not bleach, iron or dry clean.

Hurtta adds a few points for machine washing:

Choose a gentle or delicate cycle and the water temperature on the label.
Use a low spin speed, or none. Hurtta says spin cycles should be used at low speeds or not at all.
Use a fragrance-free detergent, so the product won’t irritate your dog after washing, as Hurtta puts it. Hurtta says liquid detergent gives the best results.
Rinse again if any detergent is left on the fabric.
No fabric softener on waterproof coats. Hurtta says it can damage the waterproofing and weaken water resistance, and suggests a small amount of laundry vinegar or a distilled white vinegar and water mix instead.

Hurtta also notes that you do not need to wash its gear after every walk: often just letting it air dry is enough. Mud and salt water weaken the materials over time, though, so wash it when it is dirty.

Harnesses, collars and leashes

Both makers recommend washing these by hand. Hurtta lists collars, harnesses and leashes among the items for hand washing, and warns that machine washing them may damage the products or the washing machine itself. Ruffwear’s steps for its harnesses, leashes and collars are:

Shake off dirt and debris.
Hand wash in warm water with mild soap. A bucket or sink works well.
Spot clean if needed with a gentle brush, Ruffwear says toothbrushes are great, or a rag with soapy water. Work it into the webbing and around the buckles and D-rings.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.

A harness or leash that was left dirty and has gone hard and crunchy can still be saved. Ruffwear suggests soaking it in soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes, then wiping away the grime with a toothbrush or cloth, and hanging it to dry.

While it is drying, check the stitching, buckles and webbing for wear. Cleaning does not fix a frayed strap or a cracked buckle, so replace gear that is damaged.

Boots

Ruffwear’s steps for its dog boots: wash off loose dirt and dust with a clean cloth, secure all straps and closures, machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and air dry. Hurtta, on the other hand, lists boots among the items to wash by hand, so check the label on yours.

Drying

Air dry, not in the dryer. Hurtta says most of its products are not suitable for a tumble dryer, because metal hardware can damage the dryer and the heat can loosen taped seams or harm the waterproofing.
Hang coats on a line or hanger, not by their drawstrings or leg loops, which Hurtta says can stretch or break when a wet jacket is heavy.
Turn thick waterproof gear inside out for faster drying, as Hurtta suggests.
Keep it out of direct sunlight. Hurtta says it is best to avoid direct sunlight.
Let it dry completely before your dog wears it or you put it away.

Getting the smell out

Hurtta explains that, besides dirt and mud, the natural oils in a dog’s fur can give its clothes an unpleasant, musty smell. Its suggestions, in order:

Air it out. If a washed, dry item still smells, hang it outdoors to ventilate.
Wash it again, with a thorough soak first for heavily used items, and laundry vinegar instead of fabric softener.
Freeze it. Hurtta suggests putting the item in a freezer, or outside in freezing weather, for a couple of hours.
Spray it with diluted vinegar. Always dilute vinegar with water, Hurtta says, then dry the item properly. The vinegar smell goes as it dries.

Ruffwear’s recipe for getting the smell out of dog gear is 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Soak the item in the mixture in an open container or sink for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse and air dry. Test it on a hidden spot first, and use an open container as Ruffwear says.

If the gear smells of urine, see how to get cat urine smell out; Humane World for Animals recommends enzymatic cleaners for urine because they break down pet waste odors.

What not to do

Bleach, ironing and dry cleaning. Ruffwear says not to bleach, iron or dry clean its apparel.
Fabric softener on waterproof coats, which Hurtta says can damage the waterproofing.
The tumble dryer, unless the label allows it.
Machine washing harnesses, collars and leashes, unless the label says you can.
Strongly scented detergents and sprays. Your dog wears the item right against its fur and nose.
Storing seasonal gear dirty. Hurtta says to wash and air dry seasonal gear before storing it, even if it does not look dirty.

Keep the rest of the house clean too

A wet, muddy coat comes off at the door, and so does the mud on your dog’s paws. See how to clean muddy paw prints, and for the car, how to clean a dog car seat cover, hammock and booster seat.

Washing reusable diapers or belly bands too? See how to wash dog diapers and belly bands.

Keep cleanup supplies ready

Our Pet Cleanup Kit has gloves, an enzyme odor product, an absorbent powder and a UV black light in one pouch, for the accidents and smells around the house. Check the label for which fabrics each product suits, and test it on a hidden spot first.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a dog harness in the washing machine?

Hurtta and Ruffwear both recommend hand washing harnesses in warm, soapy water, then rinsing and air drying them. Hurtta warns that machine washing them may damage the harness or the machine. Check your harness label.

How do I wash a dog coat?

Brush off hair and mud, close all fasteners, and wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, as Ruffwear advises. Then hang it to dry. Skip fabric softener on waterproof coats.

Can dog clothes go in the dryer?

Usually not. Hurtta says most of its products are not suitable for a tumble dryer, because of metal hardware and because heat can harm taped seams and waterproofing. Hang them to dry.

How do I get the smell out of a dog harness?

Soak it in soapy water and scrub it with a toothbrush. If it still smells, Ruffwear suggests a soak in hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dish soap for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinsing and air drying.

Sources

Ruffwear: How to clean a dirty dog’s dirty gear
Hurtta: Care instructions
Humane World for Animals: How to remove pet stains and odors

This guide is general cleaning information. Follow the care label and maker’s instructions for your dog’s gear, and test cleaners on a hidden area first.