Giving loves is the easy part of being a pet parent. Cleaning that stinky indoor dog crate? That’s a whole different story! If this ranks among your least favorite pet chores (after cleaning up “presents” on the carpet, of course), or if you’ve never actually tackled this daunting task, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for the how-tos of dog crate cleaning and which products to avoid to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy.
Products to Avoid When Cleaning Your Indoor Dog Crate
The most important part of dog crate cleaning is to avoid cleaning products that can be harmful to the health of your pooch.
- Steer clear of bleach, which can be toxic to dogs and cause eye and respiratory problems, as well as gastrointestinal issues if they were to lick an area that’s been cleaned with it.
- Ditch ammonia-based cleaning products. Not only are they hard on pets’ airways, but they mimic the smell of dog urine, which can lead to more messes.
- Even DIY cleaning solutions should be concocted with caution, as popular natural cleaners like tea tree oil can be very toxic to dogs and other pets in the home.
- All cleaning products with fragrances should be avoided, as pets (and their people!) can be very sensitive to them.
Did you know? In a study by the Environmental Working Group, they discovered that 43 common household chemicals were found in higher levels in dogs than in humans.
4 Steps to Hassle-Free Dog Crate Cleaning
Step 1: Prep Time
Remove your dog’s bedding and put it in the wash. Also wash any stuffed animals if they’ll hold up in the washer. Plastic toys can be hand-washed in warm water with a mild detergent and left to air dry.
Step 2: Vacuum
Use the attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove hairs that have collected in the crate. You’ll want to do the outside perimeter of the crate too – you’ll be surprised how much hair accumulates there, and just how stinky dog hair can be.
Step 3: Clean the Crate
Normally this is where you’d use one cleaning product to clean the crate, one to deodorize it, and then you’d have to rinse the entire surface with water to make sure no toxins are left behind for your dog to breathe in or lick. No thank you!
Fortunately, there’s Oxyfresh Crate & Cage Cleaner – one product that does it all: deodorizes and gets dog crates squeaky clean without bleach, ammonia, fragrances or other harsh chemicals. And because it’s non-toxic and scent-free, you don’t have to hassle with the extra step of rinsing.
Instead, our powerful yet gentle Oxygene® ingredient eliminates bacteria and odors without polluting your indoor air. Just spray on the surfaces of the crate, let it sit for 60 seconds, then wipe it away with a cleaning cloth or towel. Easy-peasy!
Step 4: Treat
Even though you didn’t have to work all that hard if you used Oxyfresh Crate & Cage Cleaner, go ahead and treat yourself anyway for a job well done. (And Fido says, “Don’t forget about me!”)
P.S. Now that you know how to wipe out odors from the indoor dog crate, what about (cue the dramatic music) … your dog’s breath? Find out how to solve this pesky problem with these DIY remedies for dog bad breath.
