Keeping Your Dog’s Fabric Accessories Fresh and Beautiful
Fabric dog accessories are brilliant for adding colour, fun and personality to your dog’s wardrobe, especially with the unique designs we create here at Salt Dog Studios. With a little care, your collar, lead, harness, or bandana can stay looking bright and beautiful for a long time.
Here’s a simple guide on how to wash and maintain your fabric accessories to keep them in the best condition possible.
1. How Often Should You Wash Fabric Dog Accessories?
This depends on your dog’s lifestyle:
Every 4–6 weeks for everyday wear
After muddy walks, beach days or rolling in “mystery smells”
More frequently for pale, or pastel designs that show dirt quicker
A quick wipe-down in between washes helps stop grime from building up.
Machine Washing (Most Popular Method)
Most fabric accessories can be popped in the washing machine if done carefully:
Place the item in a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent the hardware from smashing around the machine too much
Wash on a cool, gentle cycle (30°C is ideal)
Use a mild detergent
Avoid fabric softener (it can weaken fibres over time)
This method cleans well while being gentle on the prints and webbing.
3. Cleaning by Hand (Safest Method)
If you prefer to be extra careful, or your machine tends to be rough:
1. Fill a bowl with warm water (not hot)
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent
3. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
5. Squeeze out excess water, don’t twist or wring
Handwashing preserves colours beautifully.
4. Drying Your Fabric Accessories
This is the important bit:
Air dry only
Hang somewhere warm but away from direct heat or radiators
Never tumble dry
Make sure the metal hardware is completely dry before storing
Direct heat can shrink the webbing or fade colours faster.
5. Keeping Your Accessories Looking New for Longer
A few extra tips to get the best longevity:
Rotate between two collars to reduce wear
Rinse after sea swims, salt water can be harsh
Avoid leaving fabric accessories on during rough play with other dogs
Remove collars before bedtime to reduce friction
Store in a dry place to avoid metal hardware tarnishing
Little habits make a big difference over the year.
6. When Should You Replace a Fabric Collar or Lead?
Even the best-made accessories will eventually show signs of love and wear. Replace if you notice:
Loose stitching
Frayed edges
Wear or damage on D-rings or clips
Sudden slackness in webbing
Safety always comes first, if in doubt, swap it out.
7. Why Quality Matters
Not all fabric accessories are made the same. At Salt Dog Studios, we use strong webbing, cushioned layers and carefully chosen fabrics to make sure your dog’s accessories don't just look good, they’re durable and comfortable for everyday use.
A little bit of care simply helps them stay lovely for even longer.
Looking for a Fresh New Design?
If your dog’s wardrobe needs a refresh, browse our full range of collars, leads, harnesses and bandanas, including our fun fabric collections and eco-friendly organic hemp range.
→ Shop the latest designs at Salt Dog Studios
0 comments