6 Post-Summer Dog Gear Freshening Tips to Prepare for Fall
As fall begins, it’s time to start thinking about cleaning your dog’s gear. After months of outdoor adventures, your dog’s belongings might carry a little something extra something like dirt, odors, and the wear and tear of summer fun.
Before you enjoy nights by the fire and roll up the car windows, it’s important to thoroughly clean to get a fresh start for the fall and winter months. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some actionable tips to deep clean and refresh your dog’s essentials, from collars to car seats, and more.
1. Deep Clean Your Dog’s Collar
From salty ocean dips to swimming in the lake or a pool, your dog’s collar has been through some adventure.
To clean your dog’s collar, start by machine-washing it in cold water on a delicate cycle or giving it a scrub with a toothbrush and your favorite dish soap. For stubborn summer stains, soak the collar in a color-safe powdered cleaning product like OxiClean before washing to restore it. Hang it to dry and let your pup show off their gear.
2. Clean and Deodorize Your Dog’s Leash
Leashes are the unsung heroes of summer—they’ve been dragged through sand, the ocean, muddy puddles, and more.
To eliminate stains and odors, hand wash it with dish soap or throw it in the machine on a delicate cycle. Follow with an air dry. A clean leash not only looks better but may be more comfortable for you and your dog.
3. Refresh Your Dog’s Bed and Blankets
Your dog’s bed and blankets are probably where they’ve been dreaming about all those summer adventures. However, like any well-used item, they can accumulate dirt, odors, and allergens over time.
Wash the bed and blankets with a pet-safe detergent and add a bit of baking soda to the wash to help neutralize any odors. For tougher spots, I recommend using the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser, which has helped me out on more than one occasion. This handy tool is perfect for targeting and eliminating stubborn stains and it’s great when your dog’s favorite spot on the bed needs extra attention.
For an all-around clean, follow up with Nature’s Miracle Advanced Dog Stain and Odor Eliminator Spray to ensure your dog’s space smells fresh and clean.
4. Inspect and Clean Your Dog’s Toys
After a summer of play, your dog’s toys might need a little TLC too. Soft toys can go in the washing machine (just like your dog’s bed), while hard toys can be scrubbed with dish soap and warm water.
Also, throw out any antlers or bones that are on the smaller side to prevent injuries. As you’re cleaning, consider adding some new ones to your pet’s Christmas wish list!
5. Freshen Up Your Dog’s Travel Gear
Wash and dry your dog’s bed, travel bag, and portable bowls before packing it away. If you’ve got another trip planned before winter sets in, this will ensure everything is clean without that musty smell.
6. Deodorize Your Car
Speaking of cars, have you noticed any lingering wet dog odors from your summer adventures? If so, it’s time to freshen up your ride before the cold weather sets in
Start by vacuuming the seats and floors. After that, use a pet-safe deodorizer to eliminate any remaining smells. Again I’m a huge fan of Nature’s Miracle Advanced Dog Stain and Odor Eliminator Spray for this task—it works wonders on stubborn odors.
And if you’re dealing with pet hair clinging to your car seats or sofa, grab a Scrub Daddy.One of my favorite dog influencers highlighted how this tool is amazing at picking up pet hair.
As fall sneaks up on us, now is the perfect time to spruce things up. A little effort now means more time later to enjoy cozy days indoors and snuggling with your best friend.
And if your dog’s collar is a little too well-loved, why not treat them to a new one? Explore our collection of durable, easy-to-clean collars at Gunnel Pups and get your pup ready for their fall adventures in style!
