We all take care of our clothes and all the things that are in our house. Sanitizing houses once a week is a norm in most households.
However, if you are a dog owner there is a thing that you should consider cleaning every now and then. A dog leash is one of the dirtiest things that you could find in the house.
Here is a complete guide that can help you with how to clean a dog leash with ease.
Why do you need to clean a dog leash?
A leash is the most used dog accessory after dog collar. Due to frequent use, the leash tends to become quite dirty. Anything that we touch regularly becomes dirty as germs, dirt, and slobber particles may get from your hand to the leash. If not cleaned frequently dirty dog leashes may cause illness, as it carries dog’s saliva, bacteria or fur.
Most of the dog owners use a leash on daily basis, but they do not often clean it. The harmful germs build up on the leash, as it faces mud, and dirt during outdoor activities. All in all, a dog leash can be a dump of filth if not cleaned properly and frequently.
How to clean a dog leash?
The process of cleaning a dog leash depends on the material used. It is recommended to follow the cleaning instructions that are specified by the manufacturer. In case you do not have them, use the most common leash cleaning methods.
Steps to clean a nylon dog leash
- Take hot water in a bowl.
- Put a spoon full of baking soda and vinegar.
- Mix it all up with a spoon.
- Put the leash in the bowl and add some hydrogen peroxide.
- Let it stay for about an hour.
- Then remove the solution by rinsing it with tap water.
- Let it dry for 3 to 4 hours and you have a clean nylon leash.
Note that this process is not suitable for leather, cotton, and wool dog leashes. For cotton and wool leashes one can put them in a bag of detergent for 10 minutes, after that let it go through a normal washing cycle in a dishwasher, hang the leash and let it dry in open.
Process of cleaning a leather dog leash
- For a leather leash it is best to use a saddle soap (Can use mild soap as alternative).
- Put some saddle soap in a hot water bowl and stir it with a spoon.
- Take a soft toothbrush and dip it in the cleaning solution.
- Start brushing the leather leash from top to bottom.
- Then let it dry for 1 to 2 hours in the sun.
Remember that harsh and too much brushing may damage the leather so scrub it with a gentle hand. Another thing is that do not soak leather leash into the water as this will compromise its durability.
Steps for cleaning a retractable dog leash
- First, fully extend the retractable leash.
- Put some mild soap in hot water.
- Soak the tape in solution without the handle.
- After 10 minutes, take the leash out and dry for an hour.
Remember to keep the handle of the retractable leash dry at all times. Water can break the retraction system and will eventually make the leash non-functional. Do not open the case as this might damage the retractable leash and would affect the warranty as well.
Why clean a leash with dog shampoo?
You can use dog shampoo for cleaning a dog leash. It will be good as the dog is familiar with the smell of the shampoo. If your dog has itchy skin, then you can opt for a hyperallergic dog shampoo.
The steps are to mix the dog shampoo in hot water, for a nylon leash soak it in the solution for 10 minutes, and let it dry for an hour. And for a leather leash do not soak, just take a soft brush and gently scrub the solution on the leather then dries it in open.
How to choose an easy to wash dog leash?
First and foremost, choose a dog leash made from material that is easy to clean. Trust me you do not want to get a leash that is difficult to maintain. Many people view an easy-to-clean dog leash to be machine washable. Although it is best to clean the leash with a gentle hand as it will help it last longer.
Nylon and rope dog leashes are the most common. They are easy to find and machine washable. Leather ones look premium, and they are cleaned with hands.
FAQs about cleaning a dog leash
How dirty is a dog leash?
Dog leash can become a bag of filth if not cleaned for a long time. Leash handle is the dirtiest part of a dog leash as we touch it daily. The germs and dirt from our hand end up on the leash handle and causes bacteria to build up overtime. They can cause illness if not cleaned properly.
How often should you clean a dog leash?
You should clean the dog leash as often as possible. It is better to clean the leash and collar, whenever you bath him then the dog will wear a collar and leash that is clean and won’t smell bad. However, for a leather leash cleaning it once a month is more than enough unless it looks extremely dirty.
Can I machine wash dog leash?
Machine washing a leash can damage its material. To maintain a dog leash that is durable avoid using a washing machine. It is recommended to thoroughly dry the leash before, using a towel same as the length of the leash can help.
When is the right time to replace a dog leash?
The right time to replace a dog leash is when it starts to fray. There is no point in keeping a leash that is not strong enough to control a dog and may break at the time of dog walking.
Final Thoughts | How to clean a dog leash?
Dog walking is a fun activity, it allows you to build a strong bond with the dog. However, after outdoor activities, it is better to clean the dog leash if it seems spattered.
Bringing a dirty leash in the house will invite germs and bacteria. So, clean it often and if you notice that the leashes get dirty too often then keeping a spare dog leash can help.
