Dog laying in front of Maytag® washer and dryer in laundry room

HOW TO WASH DOG COLLARS

Keeping your dog clean, from their paws to their collars, can make spending time with your pet much more enjoyable. To wash dog collars, follow the care label’s washing recommendations, being mindful of the fabric of your specific collar. Learn how to wash other commonly soiled pet items like dog blankets, stuffed animals or dog beds in the washing machine.

Person rinsing dog collar in Maytag® Pet Pro Washer Person rinsing dog collar in Maytag® Pet Pro Washer

CAN YOU WASH DOG COLLARS IN THE WASHING MACHINE?

You can wash dog collars in the washing machine as long as the collar is safe to add to the appliance according to its label. Not all items can be put in the washing machine, as this can damage certain fabrics.

How to Wash Dog Collars in the Washing Machine

You can wash dog collars in the washing machine by following these simple steps:

  • If possible, remove any metal tags from the collar and put the dog collar in a mesh laundry bag. This can help to protect the inside of your washing machine from scratches.

  • Follow the collar’s label instructions for washing at the correct temperature.

  • Dry the collar based on washing instructions; some collars should be air dried while others can be added to the dryer. 

The Maytag® Pet Pro System, with a built-in faucet for pre-treating, makes it simple to care for pet items like dog collars by removing 5x more pet hair1 with the help of the Pet Pro Option. The additional Deep Fill option can give you more water for rinsing extra-dirty items before using robust action to saturate loads, loosen stains and help soak away tough messes. After washing, the dryer’s XL lint trap collects and removes extra pet hair so your pets’ favorite items are ready for playtime and daily walks. The Maytag® Pet Pro system can also help you keep dog beds and dog toys clean.

CAN YOU WASH DOG COLLARS IN THE DISHWASHER?

No, it’s not recommended to wash dog collars in the dishwasher as this is not an intended use of the appliance. A washing machine or hand washing are the best options for cleaning fabrics. Dishwashers are built to clean glass, ceramic, metal and other surfaces common in kitchen wares. If you’re looking for an appliance to handle everyday meal clean-up, select Maytag® dishwashers provide options like the PowerBlast® cycle and Dual Power Filtration to give you added dish cleaning strength. Learn how to wash dog bowls in the dishwasher as well.

Control panel for Maytag® washing machine Control panel for Maytag® washing machine

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR DOG’S COLLAR?

As a rule of thumb, you should wash your dog’s collar as often as you give your pet a bath. This prevents putting a dirty article on your already-clean pet. Washing your dog’s collar after instances where they get exceptionally dirty can help keep your pet cleaner for longer periods of time. Learn more about how to wash dog leashes and harnesses to ensure your pet stays clean.

HOW TO CLEAN DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOG COLLARS BY HAND

To achieve optimal results after cleaning your dog collar, pay attention to the specific fabric the collar is made out of. Generally speaking, you should read your collar’s care label, gather your needed items and wash the collar as directed.

NYLON

You should wash your nylon dog collars in the washing machine or by hand, selecting the method that’s recommended by the collar’s care label. If handwashing, use a gentle dish soap or mild detergent to remove unwanted smells or stains before laying the collar flat to air dry.

LEATHER

Leather is a more delicate material and should be properly cared for to retain its look and feel. Always refer to your leather dog collar’s care tag for recommended cleaning instructions. Regularly spot clean your leather collar as instructed and leave it in a well circulated area to dry. Avoid direct sun exposure, as this can cause the collar to become dry and crack.

Many leather dog collars recommend avoiding soaking the collar in water, a cleaning solution, or putting it in the washing machine as it’s possible this may damage the collar.

FABRIC

Following the care label instructions found on your fabric dog collar will help ensure your collar remains durable and retains its color for a longer period of time. Many fabric dog collars can be washed in your washing machine.

METAL

In general, metal dog collars can be easier to clean than others. Mild dog shampoo and dish soap are gentle cleaning solutions that shouldn’t damage metal dog collars. Once you have cleaned your metal dog collar, use a nonabrasive cloth to make sure it is completely dry so that it doesn’t suffer water damage or develop rust spots.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES
  • Warm water
  • Soft cloth
  • Soft bristle brush or toothbrush
  • Dish soap
  • Mild detergent
  • Baking soda
Read your dog collar’s care label icon

STEP 1: READ YOUR DOG COLLAR’S CARE LABEL

Before you begin to clean your dog collar, read the collar’s care label. The care label specifies what method is most suitable for washing your collar, the types of cleaning solutions to use and other helpful cleaning tips. This way, you can figure out exactly how you should wash the collar, whether it be in the washing machine or hand washing.

Wash dog collar as directed icon

STEP 2: WASH DOG COLLAR AS DIRECTED

To hand wash a dog collar, follow the instructions on the care label, which may include using a bristle brush, toothbrush or cloth to loosen built-up grime. You can also soak the collar in soapy water to remove stains and dirt, and use baking soda to help get rid of strong smells. 

 

You can skip the hand washing by using the Maytag® Pet Pro washer, which features a built-in water faucet that allows you to use more water to tackle pet-related laundry day messes. 

Dry your dog collar icon

STEP 3: DRY YOUR DOG COLLAR

The final step is drying your dog collar. Drying your dog collar properly will also help ensure that it stays in good condition. Use your care label to guide you through this final step.


For metal dog collars, make sure the collar is completely dry so that it doesn’t develop rust spots or suffer from water damage. Leather dog collars should avoid direct sunlight during the drying step, otherwise the leather material may crack or become damaged. A fabric dog collar can simply be hung up or laid out to dry anywhere with good airflow.

Person loading adding Pet Pro Filter to Maytag® washer Person loading adding Pet Pro Filter to Maytag® washer

EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHER AND DRYERs FOR PET HAIR REMOVAL

Discover the complete Maytag® Pet Pro System. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer removes 5x more pet hair,1 while the XL lint trap in the dryer traps and removes additional pet hair. The Maytag® Pet Pro System works together as a complete laundry solution for pet parents. Explore additional features like the Deep Fill option that gives you more water when you want it and works with robust wash action to saturate loads, loosen stains and help soak away tough messes. The steam-enhanced dryer lets you harness the power of steam to help prevent wrinkles and refresh clothes while Moisture Sensing helps prevent over- and under-drying on every load. In the never-ending fight against pet hair, Maytag is ready to conquer pet hair like a pro.

EXPLORE MORE DOG LAUNDRY TIPS FROM MAYTAG BRAND

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1 Comparing Normal cycle with Pet Pro Filter and option to cycle using traditional agitator without Pet Pro Filter and option. Results will vary based on fabric and type of pet hair.