Ever notice how your dog-walking gear—collars, leashes, harnesses, and even your bag—starts smelling a little funky after a few walks in the rain? You’re not imagining it. That unpleasant odor creeping into your entryway or car is all too common, but the good news is, you don’t have to live with it.
If your dog gear is starting to stink, don’t worry! With a few simple cleaning tips, you can keep everything smelling fresh, no matter how many muddy walks you’ve been on.
What’s Causing the Smell?
The stink you’re dealing with usually comes down to two culprits: moisture and bacteria.
- Moisture: Water gets trapped in the fibers of your dog’s gear—whether it’s from rain, snow, or even drool—and creates that musty smell.
- Bacteria: Once the moisture settles in, bacteria start breaking things down, especially if leftover treats, saliva, or sweat are involved. The result? That unpleasant odor you’ve been noticing.
So, how do you fix it? You need to kill the bacteria and get rid of the moisture without damaging your gear.
The Best Cleaning Solution for Dog Gear
You can’t always toss your dog’s gear into the washing machine, especially if you have items with metal chains or large plastic hardware. But you can give it a good deep clean with a simple homemade solution that’s both effective and gentle on your gear.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 part white vinegar: The acidity of vinegar breaks down odor-causing compounds and kills bacteria.
- 2 parts warm water: This helps dissolve dirt and oils without being too harsh.
- A squirt of mild dish soap: This will cut through grime and oils.
- Optional: A few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree): These oils have antibacterial properties and will leave your gear smelling fresh.
How to Use It:
- Soak the gear: Let your collar, leash, harness, or bag soak in the solution for about 15-20 minutes. The vinegar and soap will break down bacteria, while the water will lift away the odors.
- Scrub gently: Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub any tough spots, especially around plastic hardware or metal chains.
- Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse with warm water to get rid of any leftover soap or vinegar.
- Air dry completely: This is key—don’t skip this step! Hang your gear in a well-ventilated area to fully dry. Lingering moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, so make sure everything is dry before using it again.
When You Need a Stronger Solution
Sometimes, a simple clean isn’t enough. Once, my dog Ramsay got into my Cadejo Bag and devoured all the treats inside. His saliva soaked the entire bag, and the smell? It was a combination of vomit and dog breath that no regular wash could handle.
Here’s what I did to get rid of the stubborn odor:
The Perfect De-Stink Mix
- 1 part enzyme cleaner: Enzyme cleaners, like Nature’s Miracle or Angry Orange, are great for breaking down proteins in saliva and other fluids that cause deep, lingering smells.
- 2 parts warm water: Warm water activates the enzymes and helps them penetrate the fabric.
- A squirt of dish soap: This will help cut through oils and grime.
How to Use It:
- Soak the gear: Let your gear soak in the enzyme cleaner mix for 30-40 minutes. The enzymes will break down the proteins causing the bad smells.
- Scrub and rinse: Use a soft brush to scrub any heavily soiled areas. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Air dry in sunlight: Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant, so if you can, dry your gear outside. The UV rays will kill any remaining bacteria, and fresh air will help remove the odor.
While enzyme cleaners can be pricey, they’re worth it for those nightmare situations. A bottle will last a long time, especially if you dilute it with water and soap.
Why Baking Soda and Vinegar Don’t Work Together
You’ve probably heard about the classic baking soda and vinegar cleaning trick, but here’s the thing—they actually cancel each other out. Baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid, so when mixed, they neutralize each other, leaving you with nothing but water and fizz.
Instead, use baking soda before or after the vinegar wash. Sprinkle some baking soda on your gear and let it sit overnight to absorb any remaining odors. Just make sure to shake it out the next day!
Keep Your Gear Fresh with Consistent Care
Dog walking gear can get pretty gross over time, but with the right cleaning solution and some regular care, you can keep everything fresh—even after the muddiest, wettest walks.
Whether it’s collars, leashes, harnesses, or your favorite walking bag, a little extra know-how can go a long way in keeping your gear stink-free. So, the next time you catch a whiff of something unpleasant, you’ll know exactly how to handle it.
Happy walking!
