Should I clean my dog’s kennel? A cleaning guide for even the most lazy person

If you’re a dog lover like me, you probably spend a lot of time with your furry friends and buy them the best food and toys. But there’s one question I’ve subconsciously ignored for a long time: Should the dog’s bed be cleaned?

The answer is: You must wash it! And wash it frequently!

I used to think the doghouse didn’t look dirty, so I was too lazy to clean it. Until one day, my dog developed some unexplained rashes. I took him to the doctor and found out that it was probably caused by an unclean doghouse. The doctor said that the doghouse is like a dog’s “bed,” covered not only with hair and dust, but also with dander, saliva, and even bacteria and parasites that we can’t see. An unclean doghouse not only makes the dog uncomfortable, but can also threaten the health of you and your family. Since then, I’ve never dared to be lazy again. But don’t worry, I’ve found some practical and simple cleaning tips to make cleaning the doghouse less of a hassle.

Prelude to cleaning: Don’t let “washing” turn into a “disaster”

Before throwing the dog house into the water, doing some preparation can make your cleaning more efficient.

Vacuum first, then wash: My dog is incredibly hairy, and if I just throw the dog bed in the water, the hair will stick to it, making it difficult to clean. The first trick I learned is to vacuum the dog bed to remove the hair, dust, and dander. This is especially effective for materials like felt and canvas that attract dust easily, making subsequent cleaning much easier.

Detachable design is king: The dog beds I bought later were all removable. This made cleaning much easier. I could simply separate the inner cushion and outer cover to clean them easily, unlike the one-piece ones I used to have, which were bulky, heavy, and difficult to clean.

Hands-on cleaning: Hand wash or machine wash?

When it comes to cleaning dog kennels, a common question is: should I wash them by hand or machine? I’ve tried both methods and have my own experience.

Handwashing is the most thorough option: Especially for small fabric dog beds, I personally find handwashing the best method. I use warm water with a little dog-specific cleaning solution or pet disinfectant, let it soak for a while, and then gently scrub it by hand. The advantage of handwashing is that you can get a more thorough clean around the edges and prevent the bed from warping.

Machine wash, quick and easy : If you have a large dog bed, or if you’re too lazy to wash it by hand, like me, using a washing machine is fine. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, don’t wash the dog bed with other laundry to avoid cross-contamination with hair and bacteria. Second, after washing the dog bed, I usually disinfect the washing machine to prevent any parasites or bacteria from the dog from affecting my laundry.

Cleaning the Finishing Touch: Let Sunlight Be the Best “Disinfectant”

The final and most important step in cleaning your dog’s kennel is to dry it and disinfect it.

Sunlight is a natural disinfectant : After I clean my doghouse, I always hang it in the sun. Ultraviolet light is the best natural disinfectant, killing any bacteria and mites that may be in the doghouse, leaving it cleaner and fresher.

Let the crate air out: My dog occasionally sleeps in a cage. I will regularly take the cage outdoors, remove the cover, and let the sun and fresh air give it a thorough “sunbath”.

Conclusion

A clean kennel is the best gift for your dog and the most direct protection for my own health. By following these simple cleaning steps, I can not only create a more comfortable living environment for my dog, but also make myself feel more at ease.

How often do you clean your dog’s kennel? What are your unique cleaning tips? Share your experiences in the comments!