Alexei Volkov
Keeping your dog's crate clean is essential for their health and happiness. While dogs naturally keep their crates tidy, they can start to smell over time, and accidents can happen. To clean a plastic dog crate, you'll first need to remove any debris, waste, and bedding, and vacuum out hair. Then, use a pet-safe disinfectant or a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down the surfaces. You can also make your own non-toxic cleaner by combining ingredients like vinegar and water and storing them in a dark-coloured glass spray bottle. Finally, rinse the crate with water and wipe it down with a dry cloth before returning your dog's bedding and toys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of cleaning | Every two to four weeks or after an accident |
| Location | Outside or in a well-ventilated room |
| Commercial cleaner selection criteria | Safety, effectiveness, ease of use, and eco-friendliness |
| Commercial cleaner characteristics | Pet-safe, free from harmful chemicals, powerful sanitizers and deodorizers, user-friendly, and biodegradable |
| Homemade cleaner ingredients | Vinegar, water, and baking soda |
| Homemade cleaner storage | Dark-colored glass spray bottles |
| Cleaning steps | Remove dog, debris, and accessories; vacuum; scrub; rinse; wipe down; dry |
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What You'll Learn
Use pet-safe disinfectant
When disinfecting your dog's plastic crate, it is important to use a pet-safe disinfectant to avoid exposing your dog to harmful chemicals. Look for store-bought cleaners labelled as pet-safe or free from harmful chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, phenols, and isopropyl alcohol. Enzymatic cleaners are particularly good at breaking down organic matter like urine and faeces. Opt for user-friendly options such as sprays and wipes to make regular cleaning easier. You can also consider eco-friendly products that are biodegradable and come in recyclable packaging.
If you prefer a DIY approach, you can make your own non-toxic cleaner by mixing one part dish detergent, half a cup of white vinegar, and one gallon of water. Always store your homemade cleaner in a dark-coloured glass spray bottle as plastic can leach chemicals, and glass won't react with other ingredients. Never mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide as they create peracetic acid, which is corrosive and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Before disinfecting, remove everything from the crate, including bedding, toys, and your pet. Vacuum the crate and the surrounding area to remove hair and other debris. You can also vacuum the bedding before laundering it to remove pet fur, which can stick to wet fabric. Wash your dog's bedding according to the care instructions. If it is machine washable, use pet-safe detergent and warm or cold water. For delicate materials, fill a basin with warm water and add a bit of baking soda. Soak the bedding, gently scrub it with a mild cleaner, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry the bedding in the shade to keep it soft and cozy.
After cleaning and disinfecting the crate, rinse it again to remove any leftover chemicals. You can also use a pet-safe essential oil mixture to mask any remaining odours and leave a pleasant scent. However, do your research beforehand as some dogs may be allergic to different fragrances.
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Make a natural cleaner
It is important to keep your dog's crate clean for hygiene and to reduce your pet's stress. Dogs naturally keep their crates tidy, but they can start to smell after a while, and accidents can happen. It is recommended that you clean your dog's crate every two to four weeks or immediately after they have an accident.
To make a natural cleaner, you can use vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. This mixture can be used to clean all surfaces of the crate thoroughly. You can also use baking soda and vinegar, which will kill bacteria and odours without harming your pet. Create a paste with baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide, and apply it to stains. However, do not mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same bottle, as they create a corrosive acid that can cause irritation and damage surfaces.
You can also use pet-safe essential oils. Mix a few drops with water to create a refreshing spray that masks odours and leaves a pleasant scent. However, some dogs are allergic to fragrances, so be sure to research this before using them.
For fabric stains, place the fabric outside in direct sunlight. The sun will naturally bleach away stains and eliminate odours.
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$24.11
Clean toys and bedding
Toys and bedding are essential for a dog's comfort, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Regular cleaning helps keep your dog safe and healthy. Here are some detailed instructions for cleaning your dog's toys and bedding:
Cleaning Toys:
- Soft toys: Use a mild, natural laundry detergent or a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Wash them in the machine and dry them in the dryer. Alternatively, you can hand wash them and let them air dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents that may be unsafe for your pet.
- Hard toys: Load them on the top rack of the dishwasher and use natural vinegar instead of detergent. The hot water and pressure will kill germs, and the vinegar will give it a boost.
- DIY toys: These are prone to breaking down, so inspect them regularly for any loose pieces that could be chewed off. Wash them with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving behind any residue.
- Squeaky toys: If you're worried about damaging the squeaker, you can remove it before cleaning. However, most high-quality toys should survive the washing machine without any issues.
- Ropes: Clean ropes in the dishwasher, just like hard toys.
Cleaning Bedding:
- Vacuum the bed regularly to remove dog hair, dirt, and other debris. Use a pet hair vacuum or a pet hair remover tool to ensure all hair is removed.
- For soft beds and blankets, check the care label and, if possible, put them in the washing machine. Use a fragrance-free, pet-friendly detergent and a high-temperature program to kill germs and parasites.
- For plastic beds, elevated beds, and beds with removable covers, cleaning is usually more straightforward. You can often wipe them down with a damp cloth or put removable covers in the washing machine.
- Consider using a dog bed laundry bag to contain hair and prevent it from clogging your washing machine.
- Wash your dog's bedding weekly to reduce the risk of spreading parasites and zoonoses, and deep clean every two to three weeks to control flea infestations.
Remember to always choose cleaning methods and products that are safe for your dog and avoid anything that could be harmful if ingested or come into contact with their skin.
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Use crate liners and covers
Using crate liners and covers is a great way to keep your dog's crate clean and hygienic. Crate liners act as a protective barrier between the crate and your dog, helping to keep the crate itself clean for longer. They are also useful for providing a comfortable and cozy surface for your dog to lie on. You can find a variety of liners, such as orthopedic crate pads, sleeper cushions, deluxe dog mats, fuzzy crate mats, and more.
Crate covers are also beneficial. They can be used to cover wire dog crates, providing privacy and a sense of security for your dog. Crate covers come in various sizes and designs, ensuring you can find one that fits your crate perfectly.
When choosing a crate liner or cover, opt for machine-washable options that are easy to clean and maintain. Look for materials that are durable, non-toxic, and safe for your pet. Avoid materials that may cause allergies or irritation.
Additionally, consider using a disinfecting spray on the liner or cover to combat unseen contaminants. You can make your own natural disinfecting spray using vinegar, but be cautious when using it around your pet, as vinegar can be irritating to their skin and eyes. Always use cleaning products in a well-ventilated area, and ensure the crate is thoroughly dried before letting your dog back inside.
By using crate liners and covers, you can maintain a clean and comfortable space for your furry friend, ensuring they have a cozy den to retreat to.
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Wash the crate outside
To wash the crate outside, start by removing your dog from the crate to avoid any mishaps. Then, take everything out of the crate, including bedding, toys, and waste. You may want to break down the crate as much as possible to make cleaning easier. For plastic dog crates, the hinged closure and top should be easy to remove. Vacuum out the hair and the area surrounding the crate to ensure all debris is removed.
Next, choose a cleaning solution that is safe for pets. Look for cleaners labelled as pet-safe or free from harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach, phenols, and isopropyl alcohol. You can also make your own cleaning solution by combining vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio or using baking soda and vinegar, which will kill bacteria and odours without harming your pet. Avoid mixing vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, as this creates a corrosive acid that can irritate the skin and eyes and corrode surfaces.
Once you have your cleaning solution, put it in a spray bottle and spritz it all over the surfaces of the crate. Allow it to sit for about 60 seconds, then use a cloth or paper towels to wipe down the surfaces. If you have access to a hose, you can also use it to blast off any stains and fluids, directing the hose both inside and outside the crate. Focus the water on encrusted or stained areas, then wipe down the crate with a dry cloth to remove any excess water.
Finally, make sure the crate is completely dry before allowing your dog back inside. It is important that your dog does not come into contact with the crate until it is dry to avoid any potential harm.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your dog's crate every two to four weeks or if there has been an accident in the crate.
You should avoid using ammonia as it can smell like urine to dogs, which may encourage them to pee in their crate. Instead, opt for pet-safe disinfectants or a mixture of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to clean all surfaces thoroughly. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to kill odours and bacteria.
First, ensure that you remove your dog from the crate and keep them in a separate room. Next, clear out the crate by removing any toys, bedding, blankets, and other objects. Then, remove any solid clumps of faeces and place them in a plastic bag. If your dog sheds, sweep, dust, or vacuum the crate to remove any hair. Get rid of any fluids by pressing paper towels on the wet spots. Finally, spray the crate with your chosen disinfectant and wipe down the surfaces with a cloth or paper towels.
