How to Clean Your Dog's Waterproof Collar and Leash
By Wilderdog | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the simple steps to clean your dog's waterproof collar and leash. Keep them stink-free, mud-free, and adventure-ready with this easy guide.
Quick answer
Rinse your dog's waterproof collar and leash with fresh water after each muddy or salty outing. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and a soft brush, then air dry completely before the next adventure.
Why regular cleaning matters
Waterproof collars and leashes are built to repel water, mud, and dirt, but they still need routine care. Dirt and salt can build up in the buckle and D-ring, causing stiffness or wear over time. A quick clean also prevents odors from setting into the PVC-coated webbing, so your gear stays fresh for both you and your dog.
What you'll need
Grab a bucket or sink of lukewarm water, a mild dish soap or pet-safe detergent, a soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush, and a clean towel. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh chemicals—they can damage the waterproof coating and plastic hardware.
Step-by-step cleaning process
- Rinse off loose dirt: Hold the collar and leash under lukewarm running water or dunk them in a bucket. Use your fingers to rub away mud and debris from the webbing, buckle, and D-ring. Don't soak the hardware for hours—a quick rinse is enough to prevent water from seeping into the buckle mechanism.
- Scrub with mild soap: Apply a drop of mild dish soap to a soft brush and gently scrub the entire surface, paying extra attention to the buckle slots and D-ring area where grime collects. Avoid using a stiff wire brush—it can scratch the PVC coating and make the webbing more prone to absorbing odors.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse all soap residue away with clean lukewarm water. Soap left behind can attract dirt and irritate your dog's skin. If you see suds still clinging to the webbing, keep rinsing. Residue is the most common cause of post-cleaning stickiness.
- Air dry completely: Shake off excess water and lay the collar and leash flat on a towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Let them dry fully before buckling them back on your dog. Never put waterproof webbing in a dryer or hang it near a radiator—high heat can warp the plastic buckle and degrade the PVC coating.
Products that make cleaning easier
- Terracotta Waterproof Collar: Made of PVC coated polyester webbing with a heavy-duty plastic buckle and durable metal D-ring. The smooth PVC surface rinses clean quickly, and the metal D-ring won't rust if you dry it properly after washing.
Terracotta Waterproof Collar - Plum Waterproof Leash + Collar Bundle: Includes both a waterproof collar and leash that repel water and dirt while staying soft against skin and fur. The leash has a swiveling e-coated iron bolt snap rated for 2 kN. The swiveling snap reduces tangles during rinsing, and the e-coating resists corrosion so the hardware lasts longer with regular cleaning.
