Hand rinsing a detergent cup in built-in faucet

HOW TO WASH DOG CLOTHES, VESTS AND MORE

Taking care of your best fur friend includes keeping their apparel clean. This can include pet clothes, bedding and everything in between. In just a few steps, this simple dog laundry guide will help ensure that your four-legged friend has clean clothing (and more) for every occasion and adventure by your side.

CAN YOU WASH DOG CLOTHES IN THE WASHING MACHINE?

Generally, you can wash dog laundry in a washing machine, but it’s important to check the care label before doing so. Just like your own clothes, certain fabric types require different washing methods. If the required cleaning method isn’t followed, it could damage fabrics or even your washing machine.   

As a pet parent, you can conquer your dog’s laundry like a pro with the Maytag® Pet Pro System. The built-in Pet Pro Filter removes 5x more pet hair1 while the XL lint traps and removes additional pet hair in the dryer, helping to keep their clothes, blankets and toys clean and fresh.

Maytag® Pet Pro washer actively washing a load Maytag® Pet Pro washer actively washing a load

WHAT DETERGENT IS SAFE FOR DOGS?

It is helpful to talk about detergent options with your veterinarian for recommendations based on your specific dog’s needs or any possible allergies. Dog laundry detergent should be labeled as pet-safe and if your dog has sensitive skin, you can run an extra rinse cycle. Additionally, any kind of puppy detergent should be mild, fragrance-free and clear of any dyes or ingredients that could cause allergic reactions. Follow manufacturer directions for the correct dosage of detergent.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH DOG CLOTHING?

Any kind of puppy laundry should be washed about once a week or every other week, depending on use. Of course, for more active and outdoorsy dogs, you can wash items more often to keep your pup clean and comfortable. Keep an eye out for visibly soiled or dirty laundry to wash when needed.

Items like dog collars should be washed as often as you bathe your dog or whenever they appear soiled. This helps keep your pet clean and fresh.

NYLON

Nylon materials can typically be washed both by hand and machine. Approach the washing process according to the care label. You can use a mild dish soap or detergent to remove stains and odors when washing by hand. Air drying is generally suggested for nylon items.

FABRIC

Generally, many fabrics used in dog apparel can be washed in the washing machine, but there are always exceptions, so check your care label to be sure. Always refer to the care instructions to help avoid any hiccups in the washing process and maintain the durability and color of the fabric.

LEATHER

Leather is a material that requires gentle care, including regular spot cleaning and a proper place to dry where there is air circulation. Always refer to the care label, as it’s meant to preserve the look and feel of the leather. 

Avoid treatments that include sun exposure, heat, soaking in water, cleaning solutions not meant for leather, or putting it in the washing machine. This can cause the leather to crack.

Fluffy dog laying in front of washer and dryer set

HOW TO DO DOG LAUNDRY IN A WASHING MACHINE

Checking the care labels on your dog’s laundry can help give you the best results. It also helps to pay attention to the types of fabrics in your dog’s laundry, so you know which materials require hand washing and can avoid damaging those items in the laundry. Follow this simple guide to help you wash your dog’s clothes.

SUPPLIES

  • Warm water

  • Gentle dish soap

  • Pet-safe detergent 

  • Baking soda

TOOLS

  • Soft brush or toothbrush

  • Mesh laundry bag, optional

  • Lint roller, optional

Top view of inside of washer

STEP 1: READ THE CARE LABEL

Before you attempt to machine wash your pet’s items, read the care labels. Avoid putting any items in the washing machine if the care tags do not recommend it.

Hand removing a clump of pet hair

STEP 2: REMOVE EXCESS DOG HAIR

If you are washing dog blankets or a machine washable dog bed, shake off or vacuum excess dog hair before washing. You can also use a lint roller for smaller items like apparel or toys.


Skip this step with the Maytag® Pet Pro System. With features like the Pet Pro Filter in the washer that removes 5x more pet hair1, built-in water faucet and an XL lint trap in the dryer, you can help keep your dog’s washable items at their best.

Hands loading laundry into the washer

STEP 3: INSPECT AND LOAD

Remove any kind of metal pieces from items like dog collars. If you are washing items like dog toys, inspect the items for loose pieces or tears and remove any kind of squeakers if possible. For fragile or well-loved items with a few rips, either hand wash or use a mesh laundry bag to help protect the item in the wash.

 

This is also a good time to remove any caked-on dirt or pretreat stains with pet-safe stain removers. Rinse the stain or soiled area with cold water and apply your pet-safe stain remover or detergent to pre-treat the stain before washing. For tough stains, use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to help remove the stain or soil. Again, always check your care tags to make sure treatment is safe for your item.

Hand adding Swash® detergent to a washer

STEP 4: WASH AS DIRECTED

Following the laundry’s care labels, add your pet-safe detergent to your washing machine or dispenser. Use a gentle or delicate cycle for your dog toys. Items like blankets can use a regular cycle along with dog clothing and other apparel. The following items can usually be included with your laundry load when washing blankets. Remember to refer to care labels prior to washing:

  • Dog scarves

  • Dog bandanas

  • Dog shirts

  • Dog vests

  • Dog sweaters (depending on the material)

  • Removable dog bed covers


While you can machine-wash most removable dog bed covers, the actual bed should be soaked and hand washed. Follow the directions given by the care label on your dog’s bed as some materials should not be soaked. Place the bed in a basin with warm soapy water to sit for 10–15 minutes. You can move and agitate the bed with your hands while in the water to fully immerse and work the soap through. Sprinkle with baking soda and scrub, especially focusing on any areas with strong odors or stains.

Laundry tumbling in the dryer

STEP 5: DRY AS DIRECTED

Your care label will give you optimal directions for drying your dog’s laundry. Dog toys and blankets generally need a gentle, low-heat cycle. Dog collars or harnesses should be laid flat to air dry. Ensure that any metal pieces are removed beforehand, if possible. But if they get wet, make sure they are completely dried out to avoid rusting.

 

 Squeeze excess water from your soaked dog bed, and air-dry indoors or in the sun.

 

Hand washing a pet collar under running water Hand washing a pet collar under running water

CAN YOU HAND WASH DOG CLOTHING?

You can hand wash dog clothes, especially items that contain fabrics or materials that aren’t suitable for the washing machine. These materials can include dog sweaters made of wool, velvet or cashmere.

HOW DO YOU WASH A DOG HARNESS?

You can typically wash a dog harness by hand or in the washing machine. Place in a garment bag to avoid tangling around the agitator in your washing machine. Use a pet-friendly detergent or let it soak in mild soapy water. Then, you can use a soft bristle brush to loosen any build-up or dirt. Wash your dog’s collars or harnesses as often as you bathe your dog. Always check your item’s care label to be sure, especially if the leash or harness is leather, which requires special care.

EXPLORE MAYTAG® PET PRO WASHERS

Conquer pet hair like a pro with the Maytag® Pet Pro System. With features like the Pet Pro Filter, this hard-working machine removes 5x more pet hair1 to keep your dog’s laundry clean and comfortable. You and your furry friend will also appreciate the built-in water faucet to help you pretreat and fight stains and a XL Lint Trap to collect additional hair.

 

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1. Comparing Normal cycle with Pet Pro Filter and option to cycle using traditional agitator without Pet Pro Filter and option. Results will vary based on fabric and type of pet hair.