Pet Items Get Gross Fast. Here Are 7 You Need to Clean Now

​If your dog bed doesn’t fit in your washing machine, visit a laundromat — which will usually have larger washers and dryers. No laundromat nearby, or just can't get there? You can find step-by-step instructions on the American Kennel Club website for washing a dog bed by hand to get the germs out. And yes, it’s a good idea to clean the insert even if you have a removable cover. 

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Collars, harnesses and leashes. Dogs often wear their collars 24/7, and harnesses and leashes may be used for daily walks around the neighborhood, trips to the dog park or visits to the vet. Brian Collins, veterinarian with the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, says many owners go months without washing these items and advocates for a more regular cleaning routine.

“Collars will become contaminated with bacteria, yeast and dander. They may contribute to rashes on the pet’s neck, especially in dogs,” he says.

The best approach to cleaning collars, leashes and harnesses depends on the material. Nylon, cloth and neoprene items can be soaked in a sink filled with warm water and scrubbed with a soft brush and dish soap or other all-purpose cleaning agent; leather collars, harnesses or leashes will need to be cleaned with products designed for leather care.

Once these items have been scrubbed, Collins advises allowing them to dry thoroughly before putting them back on your pet because damp collars or harnesses that are worn close to the skin could harbor mold or mildew and increase the risk of skin infections and rashes.

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Toys. It only takes one toss of a tennis ball or a single game of tug-of-war for you to realize that your pet’s favorite toys can get filthy fast. In fact, pet toys were ranked as among the germiest items in your home by the National Sanitation Foundation.

Certain toys will need to be washed more often than others.

“A toy used outside may become soiled quickly, be exposed to allergens, and possibly parasites,” Collins says. “Toys used by dogs that drool a lot or have dental disease may become [stinky] or contaminated with lots of bacteria or yeast.”

Collins suggests checking manufacturers’ instructions for cleaning pet toys. As a general rule, plush toys can be washed with soap and warm water or in the washer and dryer, while toys made from plastic or rubber can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher; use vinegar as a cleaning agent instead of dishwasher detergent.

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Litter boxes. Cats prefer clean litter boxes. You should scoop cat litter daily and replace clay litter twice a week — more often if you notice odors or if a lot of the litter is wet or clumped — and it’s important to clean and disinfect the litter box every time you change the litter, according to Brister.

“Soap and water are fine for general cleaning, but occasionally disinfecting with dilute bleach is a good idea,” she says. “For stubborn odors, soaking the litter box in an enzymatic odor neutralizer is helpful.”

Rinse and dry the litter box thoroughly and steer clear of strong-smelling disinfectants or cleaners that might be too intense for your cats, which could make them look for other places to do their business, Collins says.

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Crates and carriers. Your dog might chill in the crate while you’re at work; your cat might use the carrier only when it’s time to go to the vet. Collins says monthly cleaning is “ideal” for crates or carriers that are used regularly. 

“For pets that are being transported because of illness or injury, the carrier should also be cleaned after it is used to remove organic debris and avoid reinfection or infecting other pets,” Brister adds. “For pets that get nervous about being transported to certain places like the veterinarian’s office, it can also be helpful to clean the carrier after the visit so the next time it is used, it won’t still smell like that place.”

Hard plastic crates and carriers can be cleaned outdoors with a hose, a scrub brush and a gentle soap or pet-safe disinfectant and left to dry in the sun, Collins says.

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Cat trees. Similar to dog beds, cat trees and climbing perches can harbor germs, fleas and fecal matter. Vacuum the surfaces to remove cat hair and dander, and steam clean for a deeper cleaning (and remove the cat from the room until it dries), Collins advises.

As for how often cat trees need to be cleaned, they are “like any piece of furniture or carpet your cat has access to.… [Clean] as often as you want,” he adds.

Creating a cleaning routine for pet products not only addresses potential issues with bacteria and parasites, Collins says it’s important for keeping pets healthy and comfortable. “A clean household brings many pet parents peace of mind,” he says.