How to Clean a Dog Crate the Easy Way, Step by Step
To clean a dog crate, remove the bedding and slide-out tray, shake off loose hair, then wash the tray and floor with warm water and a pet-safe soap. Wipe the bars and corners, rinse well, and dry fully before adding fresh bedding. A quick daily wipe plus a deeper weekly clean keeps odours away.
A clean crate is more than a nicety. Dogs are far more willing to rest in a fresh space, and staying on top of hair and odours protects your bedding, your floors, and your nose. The good news is that a simple routine takes only a few minutes.
Here is an easy step-by-step approach, plus a few habits that keep the crate fresh between deep cleans. If you are still setting up your dog’s routine, pair this with our crate training tips.
What you will need
You do not need special products, just a few basics you likely already own.
- Warm water and a pet-safe soap or mild dish soap.
- A cloth or sponge, plus an old toothbrush for corners and hinges.
- A vacuum or lint roller for loose hair.
- White vinegar diluted with water for odours, if needed.
Avoid harsh cleaners with strong scents or ammonia. Dogs have sensitive noses, and residue from aggressive chemicals can put them off the crate entirely. Simple and mild wins here.
The step-by-step routine
Set aside about ten minutes and work through these steps in order.
- Empty it: remove bedding, toys, bowls, and any dividers so you can reach every surface.
- Slide out the tray: most wire crates have a removable base tray, which makes the job far easier.
- Clear the hair: vacuum or shake off loose fur before adding water, so you are not pushing wet hair around.
- Wash surfaces: use warm soapy water on the tray, floor, and bars, giving corners and joints extra attention.
- Rinse and dry: rinse away all soap, then dry the crate fully before it goes back together. Damp corners breed odour.
A leak-proof, slide-out tray makes this routine dramatically quicker, which is one reason we flag it as a feature to look for in our crate buying guide.
Dealing with odours and accidents
Accidents happen, especially during house training. The key is to act quickly so smells do not set in. Blot up any mess first, then clean the area with warm soapy water.
For lingering smells, a solution of white vinegar diluted with water neutralises many odours without a harsh scent. Rinse afterwards and let the surface dry fully. If accidents keep happening, it may be a training or sizing issue rather than a cleaning one, and our guides on crate training and crate sizing can help you get to the cause.
Washing bedding and soft crates
Bedding holds most of the odour, so wash it regularly. Check the care label, but many crate pads and blankets machine wash on a warm cycle. Wash the bedding on the same day you deep clean the crate so everything goes back fresh at once.
Soft-sided crates usually have removable, washable covers. Zip them off, follow the label, and let them air dry fully before reassembling. Spot clean the frame with a damp cloth. Because fabric holds smells more than metal, soft crates benefit from more frequent washing.
Keeping the crate fresh between cleans
A little daily upkeep saves you from big cleaning jobs later.
- Run a quick lint roller or vacuum over the bedding every day or two.
- Shake out and air the bedding regularly.
- Wipe the tray after any spill rather than letting it dry on.
- Keep water bowls stable so they do not tip and soak the base.
With a daily wipe and a proper weekly clean, most crates stay fresh with almost no effort. A crate that is easy to clean is worth prioritising when you shop, and it is one reason many owners feel a crate earns its place, which we explore in are dog crates worth it.
Ready to pick one?
Some crates are simply easier to keep clean, with slide-out trays and wipe-down finishes. See which models make maintenance painless.
Cleaning does not have to be a chore. Build the quick habits above into your routine and the deep clean becomes a fast, occasional job. For more practical advice, browse our Pets guides.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean a dog crate?
A quick daily wipe and hair removal keeps things tidy, with a deeper wash of the tray, floor, and bedding about once a week. Clean up any accident straight away to prevent odours setting in.
What can I use to clean a dog crate safely?
Warm water with a pet-safe or mild dish soap works for most jobs. Diluted white vinegar helps with odours. Avoid harsh, heavily scented cleaners and ammonia, which can irritate your dog.
How do I get rid of the smell in my dog’s crate?
Wash the tray and bars, then wipe surfaces with diluted white vinegar and rinse. Wash the bedding, and make sure everything dries fully, since damp corners are a common source of lingering odour.
Can I put crate bedding in the washing machine?
Many crate pads and blankets are machine washable, but always check the care label first. Wash on a warm cycle and dry fully before returning it to the crate.
How do I clean a soft-sided crate?
Remove and wash the fabric cover according to its label, spot clean the frame with a damp cloth, and air dry everything fully. Soft crates need washing more often because fabric holds smells.
Why does my dog’s crate smell even after cleaning?
The usual culprits are damp bedding, a tray that was not dried fully, or hair trapped in corners. Repeat accidents can also point to a training or sizing issue rather than a cleaning one.