How to Clean a Dog Collar UK 2026

Dog collars get dirty faster than we expect. One rainy walk, a roll in the grass, a splash in a puddle, or a very enthusiastic sniff of something questionable, and suddenly your lovely collar is looking a bit tired. The good news is that cleaning a dog collar is usually quick and easy once you know what to do for your collar’s material.

This guide covers the simple, practical way to clean your dog’s collar at home, including everyday adjustable collars, waterproof dog collars, and tweed dog collars. You will also get quick answers to the questions owners ask most, like whether you can machine wash a collar, how to remove smells, and how often you should clean it.

How do you clean a dog collar?

Quick answer: most dog collars can be cleaned with warm water, a small amount of mild detergent, and a gentle scrub using a soft cloth or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly, then let the collar air dry completely before putting it back on your dog.

The best method depends on the collar type:

• Everyday collars: usually a simple hand wash does the trick.
• Waterproof collars: often just need a wipe down and a rinse.
• Tweed collars: tend to do best with gentle spot cleaning or careful hand washing, then air drying.

How often should you wash a dog collar?

Quick answer: for most UK dogs, a good rhythm is every 2 to 4 weeks, plus a quick clean whenever the collar gets muddy, smells “doggy”, or has been in salt water. If your dog is in and out of puddles daily, you might do a light clean weekly. If your dog is mostly dry-weather walks, you can stretch it out longer.

A simple way to decide is to use your senses:

• Look: visible mud, marks, or dull patches.
• Smell: that lingering damp smell after rain walks.
• Feel: stiff areas or gritty texture that needs rinsing out.

What should you not clean a dog collar with?

Keep it gentle. Avoid harsh cleaning products that can irritate your dog’s skin or damage the collar finish. A mild detergent is usually all you need. If you are ever unsure, start with warm water only, then add a tiny amount of mild soap if needed.

Before you clean: a 30-second prep that makes everything easier

1. Remove the collar and take off any accessories (like bow ties or removable add-ons).
2. Shake it out to remove grit and dried mud.
3. Check the fit points like the buckle area and holes, where dirt loves to build up.
4. Take off tags if you can, so they do not clatter or scratch surfaces during cleaning.

Next: the step-by-step cleaning method you can use for most collars, plus whether machine washing is a good idea and how to dry a collar properly so it feels fresh again.

Can you wash dog collars in the washing machine?

Quick answer: some collars can be machine washed, but many owners prefer hand washing because it is gentler and helps collars keep their shape and finish. If you do machine wash, use a delicate cycle, cool water, and place the collar in a mesh laundry bag to protect hardware and your machine drum.

If your collar has a premium fabric finish, a careful hand wash is often the safest choice. Hand washing is also quicker than you think once you have done it once or twice.

How to hand wash a dog collar (simple method)

This method works brilliantly for most everyday collars and many fabric-style collars:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
2. Soak for 10 minutes if the collar is muddy or has a smell.
3. Gently scrub using a soft cloth or toothbrush, focusing on the buckle area and any seams.
4. Rinse thoroughly under clean water until there are no soapy traces.
5. Press dry with a towel, then air dry completely.

How to remove smell from a dog collar

Quick answer: smells usually come from damp being trapped in the collar. A good rinse, a mild wash, and full air drying fixes most odours. If the smell lingers, a longer soak in warm water with mild detergent can help, followed by a very thorough rinse.

Two little tips owners love:

• Dry fully: a collar that is “almost dry” can still smell after an hour on the dog.
• Clean the buckle area: smells can cling where grime builds up.

How do you dry a dog collar properly?

Quick answer: towel press first, then let the collar air dry naturally. Hang it up somewhere with good airflow, away from direct heat. Once it is completely dry, it should feel fresh and comfortable again.

Avoid drying a collar right on a radiator or with very high heat, as this can affect fabric feel and finishes. If you are in a rush, place it near a window or in a warm room with airflow, and turn it once so both sides dry evenly.

Should I clean my dog’s collar before adjusting the fit?

It can help. Dirt and grit can make a collar feel stiffer and sit differently on the neck. Once it is clean and dry, it is easier to check comfort properly. If you ever want a simple fit refresher, this guide helps: how tight should a dog collar be (UK).

Next: material-by-material cleaning, including waterproof collars and tweed collars, plus what to do after beach walks and rainy days.

How to clean a waterproof dog collar

Quick answer: most waterproof collars are easiest to clean with a wipe down using warm water, then a rinse. If there is grime stuck in textured areas, use a soft cloth or toothbrush with a tiny amount of mild detergent, then rinse again.

This is the routine many owners use after wet-weather walks:

1. Wipe off mud and grit with a damp cloth.
2. Rinse under warm water.
3. Clean the buckle area where dirt can collect.
4. Dry with a towel, then air dry.

If your dog is in and out of puddles regularly, you may love having a dedicated waterproof option. You can browse here: shop waterproof dog collars.

How to clean a tweed dog collar (gently)

Quick answer: for tweed collars, start with spot cleaning using a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, a careful hand wash with mild detergent is usually the best approach, then air dry completely so the collar keeps its lovely feel.

A gentle tweed routine:

• Spot clean first: damp cloth, small circular motions, do not soak unnecessarily.
• Hand wash if needed: warm water, mild detergent, short soak, then gentle scrub.
• Rinse well: remove all soap.
• Air dry: press with a towel, then hang to dry naturally.

If you love that classic look for everyday walks, you can browse our tweed collection here: shop tweed dog collars.

How to clean a dog collar after the beach

Quick answer: rinse it as soon as you can. Salt, sand, and damp are the trio that make collars feel stiff and smell quickly. A thorough rinse, then a light hand wash if needed, keeps everything feeling fresh.

Beach-walk routine:

1. Rinse immediately with warm water to remove salt and sand.
2. Scrub gently around the buckle area where sand likes to hide.
3. Air dry fully before the next wear.

Can I use household cleaners to clean a dog collar?

It is best to keep things mild. Dogs wear collars right against their skin, so gentle cleaning is usually the most comfortable choice. Warm water, mild detergent, and a thorough rinse cover most situations.

Next: a simple cleaning schedule, common mistakes to avoid, and quick answers for puppies, small dogs, and collars that keep smelling damp.

A simple collar cleaning schedule that works for most UK dogs

If you want an easy routine that keeps collars looking lovely without feeling like a chore, try this:

• Weekly: quick wipe down (especially after rainy walks).
• Every 2 to 4 weeks: hand wash and air dry.
• After beach days: rinse straight away, then dry fully.
• After very muddy walks: rinse and wipe, then hand wash if needed.

Why does my dog collar still smell after washing?

Quick answer: it is usually because the collar did not dry completely, or because grime is still trapped around the buckle and seams. Re-rinse thoroughly, clean the buckle area with a soft brush, then let it air dry with plenty of airflow.

How to keep a dog collar cleaner for longer

These little habits help collars stay fresher between washes:

• Rotate collars: if your dog has a waterproof option and a fabric option, switching for weather helps.
• Dry after rain: even a quick towel press after wet walks helps reduce damp smells.
• Check fit: collars that spin collect grime faster around the buckle area.
• Keep tags tidy: fewer clattering bits makes cleaning simpler.

How do I clean a puppy collar?

Quick answer: clean a puppy collar the same way as an adult collar, but check it more often. Puppies get into everything, and they grow quickly, so it helps to keep collars fresh and then re-check the fit once the collar is dry.

If you have a puppy and want the full collar guide, you can read: Best Puppy Collar UK.

How do I clean a collar for a small dog with fine fur?

Small dogs often have finer fur around the neck, so keeping the collar clean and stable helps comfort. A gentle hand wash, thorough rinse, and full air dry works well. If you want the small-breed guide, it is here: Small Dog Collars UK 2026.

Quick links for collar help

• How Tight Should a Dog Collar Be? (UK)
• Dog Collar Size Guide UK 2026
• Dog Collars in 2026 UK