How to Wash Dog Clothes Without Shrinking Them
By the Puppy Union team · Updated
Dog clothes get dirty fast. Washing them the right way keeps them soft, keeps the fit, and makes them last for seasons.
Before you wash
- Shake out loose hair, or use a lint roller – dog hair clogs washing machines.
- Close velcro tabs so they don't snag other fabrics.
- Turn knits and printed items inside out.
Knit sweaters
Wash cold on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry and reshape while damp. Never tumble dry – heat is what shrinks knits.
Fleece and hoodies
Cold or warm wash, low heat or air dry. Skip fabric softener – it reduces fleece's warmth and can irritate sensitive skin.
Winter coats and puffers
Check the label. Most can go on a gentle cycle in cold water. Dry on low with a couple of clean tennis balls to keep the padding from clumping.
Raincoats
Wipe clean with a damp cloth after muddy walks. Machine washing too often wears out the waterproof coating.
Which detergent?
A fragrance-free, dye-free detergent is the safest choice for dogs' sensitive noses and skin.
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