5 Dog Items to Clean More Often

This week I cleaned my Kitchenaid Mixer with a toothpick. I don’t even know how to follow that sentence. It happened. I shared how to clean light switches if you are thinking about doing this with your home. And, once I collected Chloe and Elliott’s slobbered peanut butter and dog hair covered Kongs, I knew what next on my list to clean. Here are 5 dog items to clean more often before the dog days of summer.

5 DOG ITEMS TO CLEAN MORE OFTEN

1. Dog Bed Covers I dread cleaning the dog bed covers because of the effort and coordination it takes to fit them back over the bed. It reminds of wrestling with a toddler to get their diaper (Pampers) on them on a changing table in a public restroom.

Look what I found in Elliott’s dog bed from my Christmas stocking. The case did not break!

2. Collars and Leashes My sister reminded me of this tip in a comment she left about my favorite dog finds. My sister suggested I toss their collars and leashes in the top rack of the dishwasher. This was Chloe as a puppy when she decided to help out with the pre-wash cycle.

I usually soak their dog collars in soapy water first to loosen up the debris that finds its way into every crevice or Elliott’s collar. He is a hot mess with his collars. The best way to describe Elliott’s collar is it resembles a seatbelt.

3. Kongs /Titans + Water Bowls

Chloe only gets peanut butter in her Kong so I am not sure how a dozen Goldfish crackers ended up inside her treat dispenser. I had to soak the Kongs in warm soapy water to loosen up the gunk. I followed it up by stacking them in the top rack in the dishwasher.

These are my new favorite Kong like snack dispersers because they are made in the USA! I am going to order these soon.

4. Water + Food Bowls

Do you know what grosses me out more than the Kongs? When a random piece of kibble is found floating in their water dishes. It reminds of the Babe Ruth in the pool in Caddyshack.

Sidenote: I remember when I met my husband and he would quote all of these random lines from that movie. And, I thought he was so immature. Thank goodness he drove a fun car and he wore khakis on the days he worked at a golf course; just like Jake from State Farm.

The sight of the soggy kibble garners a similar reaction. So now I run the food and water bowls through the dishwasher on the lower rack while the Kongs, leashes and collars (don’t forget the collars) get cleaned on the top rack. I prefer the dishwasher because then I don’t have all the gunky germs lingering around my sink.

5. Blankies + Stuffed Animals These are easy to clean. Once a weekish I gather up the dog blankets and stuffed animals. I just toss these in the washing machine. I also add their bandanas and Elliott’s winter scarf.

Thank you for stopping by today! What did I miss on this list? Let me know in the comments. Not ready to leave yet? Check out these other dog friendly posts.

While all of the dog toys and serving pieces are in the wash you can make these 4 ingredient dog bones. They are guaranteed to be a fun treat.

Looking for boredom busters for your dogs? Here are a few favorite dog finds. I just got the 2 pack dog leashes in the mail and they are so much nicer than I expected (for the price).

Join the Everyday Edits community!