Complete guide to washing your dog’s gear

If there's one thing dogs don’t need to be taught, it's how to get dirty. Combine that with an active lifestyle, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for covering your dog’s harness and jacket in mud. Whether it's during the dirtiest obstacle races, splashing during canicross or bikejoring in the wet season, or even just a simple puddle bath, your gear is put to the test. High-quality equipment can withstand a lot, but its performance will only remain intact with proper care and cleaning over time.

Here are four reasons why taking care of your dog’s harness and equipment is important:

• Hygiene and health: Cleaning your dog’s harness, jacket, and collar keeps your dog comfortable and reduces exposure to bacteria or rashes caused by friction with dirt and sand. Keeping your dog’s gear clean helps keep your dog injury-free, healthy, and happy.
• Preserve material efficiency: Dirt and particles can become embedded in the fabric over time, gradually breaking it down and reducing its effectiveness. Regular washing keeps waterproof fabrics water-repellent, ensures breathable materials allow proper airflow, and maintains the insulation of warm gear, helping each item perform as intended.
• Extend life cycle: With regular care and cleaning, your dog's favorite gear will have an extended lifespan, saving you the cost of replacing it prematurely.
• Keep smells away: Though most of the fabrics we use in our products do not retain odors, some materials are prone to trapping bad smells. Regular washing helps prevent unpleasant odors from developing.

Daily care and regular inspection of your gear are essential for your dog's safety. You can find more tips on caring for and fixing your dog’s gear in this article.

This guide will walk you through every step to keep your dog's gear in great shape for long-term use:

1. Pre-wash: Prepare the gear before washing.
2. Machine washing: Instructions for washing in a machine.
3. Hand washing: Best practice for hand-washing your dog's gear.
4. Drying: Tips for proper drying.
5. Weatherproof gear: How to clean waterproof jackets and maintain their water-repellent properties.
6. Dealing with smells: Tips to eliminate odors.
7. FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about cleaning dog gear.

These are general recommendations. Always be sure to follow the washing instructions for each product, which can be found on the product page or on the product care label. You can also refer to the table below for specific fabric types:

2-minute pre-wash routine

Before washing:

• Remove as much dog hair as possible. A lint roller works best, especially for wool dog jackets. You can spray the product with water for even better results.
• Secure buckles, hook and loop fasteners and zippers, to prevent damage to your washing machine or the gear itself during the wash cycle.
• Loosen cinch cords.

Get your washing machine to do the work

Most of the following gear can be washed in the machine:

• Harnesses
• Leashes
• Collars
• Jackets
• Booties
• Sleeping gear

Always check the washing instructions of your product on the care label or the product’s page.

1. Insert your products into a laundry bag: By using a bag, you will avoid loose parts getting stuck during washing, prevent microparticles from being released into the environment, and protect your machine from dog hair. If you don't have a washing bag, opt for hand washing.
2. Add normal detergent and choose the temperature and cycle. Most products should wash at 30°C (86°F) with a low spin speed. Follow the waterproofing instructions for weatherproof jackets given later on.
3. Start and let your machine do the work!

Hand wash

Hand washing is recommended for:

• Hands-free belts
• Dog backpacks
• Life jackets (use tech wash occasionally, do not use detergent)

Supplies for hand-washing:

• Soft brush or used toothbrush
• Lukewarm water
• Large bucket
• Mild soap

For heavily soiled harnesses and jackets, let them soak first to loosen dirt. Use the brush to remove stubborn dirt and change the water as needed. Once the item is clean, rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap remains.

How to clean your waterproof dog jacket and keep it effective

Waterproof gear needs regular care to maintain its functionality. Keeping your dog’s raincoat clean ensures they stay warm, dry, and comfortable. 
Steps to wash your waterproof dog jacket:

1. Remove dirt, stains and debris.
2. Secure buckles, hook and loop fasteners and zippers. Loosen all cinch cords.
3. (For jackets with buckles only) Use a wash bag: Place the jacket in a wash bag, then in the washing machine. This will prevent the buckles from being damaged during the cycle, as well as preserve your washing machine.
4. Add a detergent specifically designed for waterproof fabric. Do not use other types of detergent.
5. Adjust the cycle speed to low, and the temperature at 30°C (86°F).
6. Tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the water repellency.

We recommend using a waterproof spray on your dog's raincoat when the fabric no longer repels water or once a year if it is washed infrequently. If you are in a hurry, place the jacket in the dryer at low temperature for 15 minutes to reactivate its water repellency or to easily remove dirt.

Final phase: drying

It is important to follow the product’s washing instructions or care label to determine if tumble drying is safe.

• Air drying is recommended for dog harnesses, booties, hands-free belts, leashes, life jackets, and collars. Air dry these items away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or damage to buckles. Preferably hang items from a leash attachment point or use a hanger, avoiding hanging them directly from cinch cords or leg straps.
• Tumble drying can be used for dog apparel, sleeping bags, and your own outerwear. Always use a low temperature, particularly for waterproof items with seam tape.

Dealing with persistent smells

Regular cleaning helps prevent unwanted smells as bacteria trapped in the material can cause unpleasant odors. Following the recommended care routine keeps your gear fresh and your nose happy.

If your dog’s jacket still smells despite proper care, consider using wool. The Glacier wool jacket 2.0 and Wool dog jacket are great options, as wool is a sustainable, breathable, odor-resistant material that provides high levels of comfort for your dog.

FAQ

How do I remove black residue from my dog’s harness?

If your harness has an aluminum D-ring, you may notice a black residue on the harness or your dog’s fur caused by friction with the leash. This residue is harmless and can be easily removed with a wet wipe regularly. 

Can I use a fabric softener when washing my dog's gear?

Fabric softener is not recommended for most dog gear, especially waterproof, insulated, or breathable items. It can interfere with the material's properties, such as reducing water repellency or breathability.

Can I use waterproof detergent on my Glacier wool jacket 2.0?

Yes, wool is a natural fabric that can withstand this type of treatment.

How often should I wash my dog's harness and jacket?

The frequency of washing depends on the activity level and conditions. As a general rule, wash your dog's gear thoroughly when it becomes visibly dirty or starts to smell, and always follow specific product care instructions. Regular washing helps maintain material efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of the product.

What should I do if my gear loses its water-repellent properties?

Here are three effective methods to restore water repellency:

• Quick Fix: Place the jacket in the dryer on a low-temperature setting for 15 minutes. This reactivates the water-repellent coating, offering a fast and easy solution.
• Long-Term Solution: Wash your dog’s jacket using a specialized detergent designed for technical fabrics (as explained earlier). This ensures a deeper clean while preserving the gear’s functionality.
• Maximum Protection: After washing the jacket, apply a waterproof spray to key areas, such as high-exposure zones. This provides the most thorough and lasting protection against water.

Still need help?

If you haven’t found the answers you need in this guide, our expert customer service team is always ready to help. We know our gear inside and out and are happy to share our knowledge. Contact us here.