If your dog’s collar smells worse than your gym socks after leg day, it’s probably time for a wash.
Most of us remember to bathe our dogs, brush their fur, even trim their nails—but that one thing wrapped around their neck 24/7? Totally forgotten. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
I used to ignore my dog’s collar too. Then one day, I realized that the “mystery smell” in my living room wasn’t my dog—it was his collar. Gross, right?
So if you’re wondering how to wash your dog’s collar and remove odor without ruining it, grab a cup of coffee (or a lint roller, whichever you’re closer to), and let’s fix that stink.
Why Washing Your Dog’s Collar Actually Matters
Think of your dog’s collar like your favorite pair of sneakers—it goes everywhere, touches everything, and picks up every smell imaginable. Over time, dirt, oils, saliva, and even bacteria get trapped in the fabric or leather.
Now imagine that pressed against your dog’s skin every single day. Yeah, not ideal.
Regular cleaning matters because:
- It prevents bacterial buildup that can irritate your dog’s skin.
- It helps eliminate bad odors that linger even after baths.
- It keeps the collar looking good and lasting longer.
Basically, cleaning it isn’t just about keeping things fresh—it’s about keeping your pup healthy.
How Often Should You Wash a Dog Collar?
Here’s the deal: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
If your dog’s the adventurous, mud-rolling, pond-swimming type, clean it every 1–2 weeks. For calmer, indoor pups, once a month usually works.
A quick sniff test helps too. If the collar smells like “wet dog meets old towel,” that’s your cue.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Dog Collar the Right Way
Let’s get practical. Different collars need different TLC, so I’ll break this down by material.
1. How to Clean a Fabric or Nylon Dog Collar
Nylon collars are super common—they’re durable, affordable, and easy to clean. But they’re also magnetically attracted to dirt and stink.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A bowl or sink
- Warm water
- Mild dog shampoo or dish soap
- An old toothbrush or soft brush
Steps:
- Soak it: Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of soap. Let the collar soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub it down: Use that old toothbrush to gently scrub away the grime, especially near the buckle.
- Rinse it thoroughly: Make sure there’s no soap left—residue can irritate your dog’s skin.
- Air-dry it completely: Never toss it in the dryer. Let it hang until fully dry to avoid that damp smell.
Pro tip: If your dog’s collar is seriously stinky, sprinkle baking soda on it before soaking. It works like a charm.
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2. How to Clean a Leather Dog Collar
Leather collars look classy, but they’re a bit high-maintenance—like that one friend who needs “special detergent” for their laundry.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A damp cloth
- Leather cleaner or mild soap
- Leather conditioner
Steps:
- Wipe the surface dirt: Use the damp cloth to remove dust and grime.
- Clean gently: Apply a small amount of cleaner or mild soap. Rub it in with a soft cloth—don’t drench it in water. (Seriously, don’t. Leather hates being soaked.)
- Condition it: Once dry, use a leather conditioner to keep it soft and prevent cracking.
Important: Never submerge a leather collar in water—it’ll warp, crack, and lose its shine. Think of it like washing your phone—it just doesn’t mix well.
3. How to Clean a Metal or Chain Collar
Metal collars don’t trap smells like fabric or leather, but they still collect grime and slobber.
Here’s the quick fix:
- Rinse with warm water to remove loose dirt.
- Soak in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.
- Scrub lightly with a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent rust.
You can even wipe it with a vinegar-water mix (1:1 ratio) for extra shine.
How to Get Rid of That “Wet Dog” Smell for Good
Ah, the smell that refuses to die. Even after cleaning, sometimes collars hang onto that wet dog odor. Here’s how to nuke it:
The Vinegar & Baking Soda Trick
Vinegar might smell like salad dressing, but it’s a miracle worker for odors.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- For fabric collars, sprinkle baking soda on before soaking.
- Let it soak for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly, then air-dry.
The vinegar kills bacteria, and the baking soda neutralizes the smell. Just don’t try this on leather—it won’t appreciate your DIY science experiment.
DIY Dog Collar Deodorizing Spray
If your dog’s collar gets stinky between washes, you can make a quick deodorizing spray.
Mix the following in a spray bottle:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- A few drops of dog-safe essential oil (like lavender or chamomile)
Shake it up, spray lightly, and let the collar air out. Avoid spraying directly on your dog, though—trust me, they’ll give you that look.
Can You Toss It in the Washing Machine?
For nylon and fabric collars, yes—you totally can!
Just follow these steps:
- Pop the collar in a laundry bag or pillowcase (so it doesn’t tangle).
- Use cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Add a bit of dog-safe detergent (or mild soap).
- Air-dry afterward—no dryers allowed.
FYI: Don’t throw in leather or metal collars. Those need hand-cleaning.
Extra Tips to Keep the Smell Away
Here’s how to prevent the stink from coming back (because no one wants to do this every other day):
- Remove the collar during baths and swimming. Water = smell factory.
- Rotate collars. Have two so one can air out while the other’s in use.
- Clean tags and buckles too. They hold gunk just like the collar itself.
- Store in a dry place. Moisture is the enemy of freshness.
You’d be surprised how much longer a collar lasts when you just let it breathe.
What Not to Do (Because I’ve Tried and Regretted It)
Learn from my mistakes:
- Don’t use bleach or alcohol—it’s harsh on both fabric and your dog’s skin.
- Don’t use hot water—it can warp materials.
- Don’t skip drying completely—that’s how mildew throws a party.
- Don’t assume “smell-free” means “clean.” Odorless dirt is still dirt.
IMO, it’s better to spend 10 minutes doing it right than replacing collars every few months.
Collar Material Comparison: Which Is Easiest to Clean?
| Material | Ease of Cleaning | Odor Resistance | Durability | Best Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Easy | Moderate | High | Soak & scrub |
| Leather | Moderate | High | Very High | Wipe & condition |
| Metal/Chain | Easy | Very High | Very High | Rinse & dry |
| Fabric (cotton/poly) | Easy | Low | Moderate | Soak & scrub |
So if you’re tired of dealing with endless stink, nylon and metal are your low-maintenance best friends. Leather looks amazing but needs extra love.
Quick Fixes When You’re Short on Time
Sometimes you just don’t have 15 minutes to deep clean. Here are quick hacks that actually work:
- Wipe with pet-safe wipes: Great for daily freshening up.
- Sprinkle baking soda: Rub it in, let it sit 10 minutes, then brush off.
- Use baby shampoo: If you’re out of dog shampoo, this works in a pinch.
- Blow-dry on cool: Speeds up drying time and avoids mildew.
It’s not perfect, but it’s way better than pretending that “earthy” smell is natural. 🙂
When to Replace the Collar Instead of Cleaning
Sometimes, cleaning just won’t cut it. If your dog’s collar:
- Has visible cracks, frays, or rust,
- Still smells awful even after multiple washes, or
- Rubs or irritates your dog’s skin,
…it’s time to say goodbye.
Honestly, collars are relatively cheap, and a new one beats dealing with a smelly, bacteria-ridden old one any day.
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Bonus Tip: Make It a Routine
Want to make life easier? Clean the collar whenever you bathe your dog. That way, both of them smell equally fresh (or at least equally less smelly).
Store a small “cleaning kit” near your dog’s grooming supplies—brush, mild soap, old toothbrush, and towel. It’ll make the job feel effortless.
Final Thoughts
A dog’s collar might seem like a small thing, but it collects a surprising amount of grime and odor over time. Keeping it clean doesn’t just help your dog smell better—it prevents skin irritation, extends the collar’s life, and keeps your home from smelling like a kennel.
The best way to wash your dog’s collar and remove odor really comes down to a few simple habits: clean it regularly, dry it thoroughly, and avoid harsh chemicals.
Do that, and you’ll never again have to wonder, “What’s that smell?” every time your pup walks by.
Now go give your furry friend a scratch behind the ears—because let’s be real, they’ve probably been patient while you read this instead of throwing their ball. 😉