Find out exactly which 12 popular dog accessories like collars, toys, beds, and more that will get ruined if machine washed and must be gently hand cleaned instead.
Some dog owners wrongly assume all accessories for dogs can be tossed in the laundry.
However, certain common staples like collars, toys, and beds contain materials and components vulnerable to machine damage.
This definitive guide outlines 12 essential dog items needing obligatory hand washing to preserve their structure and function.
Learn which accessories require extra care while cleaning to avoid prematurely replacing beloved pet necessities.
1. Fabric & Nylon Collars
Delicate dog collars fall apart when machine washed:
Webbing disintegrates from agitation
Buckles and rings corrode
Decorative elements detach
Loss of structure and integrity
Hand wash using mild soap and lukewarm water instead. Thoroughly rinse, air dry, and regularly inspect condition.
2. Leather Leads & Collars
The intense movements within washing machines ruin leather:
Vigorous agitation damages material
High temperatures cause irreversible shrinking
Waterlogging deteriorates quality
Rapid aging and cracked appearance
Gently hand wash leather goods with damp cloth and condition regularly to maintain suppleness.
3. Plush Dog Toys
Fluffy stuffed animals lose their charm after machine washing:
Filling clumps into balls
Exposed seams come apart
Eyes and decorative features fall off
Destruction of beloved toy
Carefully spot clean plush toys by hand to protect cherished playtime accessories.
4. Squeaker & Electronic Toys
The internal components of exciting squeaking/electronic toys fail when washed:
Squeakers corrode and jam
Speakers short circuit from water
Batteries leak hazardous fluids
Hazardous for dogs if damaged
Thoroughly hand wash the outer surface only to keep noisy toys functional.
5. Dog Boots & Footwear
Machine washing ruins the weatherproofing and structure of dog shoes:
Adhesives and seals deteriorate
Insulation and lining clump
Cracking and misshaping occurs
Quickly renders them ineffective
Use a soft rag to manually wash boots, properly air drying each opening and seam after.
6. Dog Hair Dye
Vibrant doggy hair dye washes out immediately when machine cleaned:
Agitation strips color
High water volumes dilute pigments
Results in unsightly uneven hues
Forces re-dyeing the pet
Gently blot stained fur with dampened cloths instead of full immersion washing.
7. Id Tag Collars
Engraved ID tags become unreadable after machine washing:
Abrasion scratches personalized info
Oxidation and corrosion
Fading and unreadable details
Defeats purpose of identification
Carefully wipe grime off tags by hand to keep pertinent details visible.
8. Dog Clothes & Costumes
The vigorous nature of washing machines shreds dog outfits:
Pulverizes soft, woven fibers
Detaches buttons/fasteners
Ruins structural integrity
Renders clothes threadbare and useless
Hand wash clothing gently using mild detergent substitutes like soap flakes or vinegar.
9. Dog Carrier Bags
Pet carriers become hazardous after machine washing:
Metal components corrode
Fabric handles tear
Buckles become faulty
Creates falling/injury risk
Gently spot clean carriers by hand instead of total immersion to prevent unsafe defects.
10. Dog Muzzles
Muzzles contain fragile elements destroyed by machines:
Plastic components shatter
Fabric mesh tears open
Foam padding disintegrates
Straps lose elasticity
Use a small brush and water to remove debris from muzzle cracks without immersion.
11. Dog Raincoats
Waterproof dog jackets leak after machine washing:
Lining separates from exterior
Seam tape adhesive dissolves
Punctures from drum contact
Compromises weatherproofing
Hand wash gently with damp sponge, allow to fully air dry, and regularly reapply waterproofer spray afterwards.
12. Dog Beds
The internal materials of plush dog beds compact in machines:
Interior foam crumbles
Filling becomes unevenly distributed
Structural battens snap
Results in lumpiness/instability
Spot clean bed covers by hand instead of removing and machine washing to prevent interior damage.
Avoid prematurely destroying beloved dog accessories - always verify washing machine compatibility instead of assuming!
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