Your dog’s harness might not be smelling the best and could look dirty, which can lead to skin irritation and unpleasant odors. It’s important to learn the proper way to clean it.

Dog harnesses tend to collect dirt, oils, and bacteria, which can result in foul odors and potential skin infections. Knowing safe and effective methods to wash and maintain your dog’s harness at home is crucial.

Ensuring that your dog’s harness stays clean is essential for your furry friend’s health and comfort. Let’s go over how to do it properly.

How to Clean a Climbing Harness?

A climbing-style dog harness, while durable, often traps sweat, dirt, and oils in its thick material. To begin, check the label as most are hand-wash only. Opt for a gentle soap such as baby shampoo or mild dish soap along with lukewarm water. Soak the harness for 15–30 minutes, gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and air dry in the shade. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals, hot water, and machine washing as these can weaken materials and stitching. Regular cleaning—aim for at least once a month—helps preserve the harness’s strength and hygiene.

Can You Put a Dog Harness in the Washing Machine?

The ability to machine wash a dog harness depends on its type and care label instructions. Some soft fabric harnesses are indeed machine washable—just be sure to use a laundry bag, cold water, and the gentle cycle. Avoid using bleach or strong detergents. Always opt for air drying over tumble drying to prevent warping or shrinking. However, rigid harnesses with metal components, reflective coatings, or thick padding are best hand washed to prevent damage. It’s worth noting that frequent machine washing can shorten your harness’s lifespan, so it’s best to use this method sparingly even when permitted. Spot cleaning between washes is a great way to extend the time between deep cleans.

How Often Should You Wash a Dog Harness?

How often you should wash a dog harness depends on your dog’s lifestyle. If your canine companion enjoys swimming, rolling in the dirt, or hiking regularly, it’s recommended to clean the harness on a weekly basis. For less active dogs, a biweekly or monthly cleaning should suffice. However, it’s crucial not to wait until it smells, as bacteria may already be thriving by then. Keeping the harness clean helps prevent skin issues, unpleasant odors, and material degradation. After muddy walks, it’s advisable to wipe down the harness, and deep cleaning should be done on a regular schedule. When washing, always check for fraying, broken buckles, or mold as maintenance isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s also about safety.

Summary

Keep your dog’s harness clean on a regular basis to prevent odors, skin problems, and damage to the gear.