How to Clean a Dog Carrier Sling: Easy Tips to Keep It Fresh

The easiest way to clean a dog carrier sling is to refer to the care tag, pre-treat any spots with a mild soap and cold water, hand-wash or machine wash on a gentle setting, and air-dry. And that’s about it. Avoid using hot water, bleach, and a dryer to keep it soft and smelling great for a long time.

But there is always the fine print, so let’s explore some of the important details about cleaning a dog sling carrier.

Why Dog Sling Carriers Need Regular Cleaning

A dog sling carrier rests against the body of the owner and the dog, which causes it to accumulate pet hair, moisture, stains, sweat, and dirt. That is why these items require more maintenance than you may expect.

Luckily, the process is relatively straightforward, and most dog carriers are easy to clean, requiring only a few common household items and patience.

Before You Start: Check the Care Tag

Every material is different and reacts differently to water, so it’s important to find the care tag (usually found on the inside of the bag or one of the seams) and follow the instructions on it.

If you have lost the tag or it doesn’t specify, it is always safe to take a gentle hand-washing approach.

Parts to Keep Dry

It may be necessary to avoid getting certain parts of the bag wet if they are made of a different material, such as:

• Foam or structured inserts
• Metal rings or buckles
• Removable bags or liners
• Zippers or snaps

What You Will Need

• A gentle detergent
• A soft brush
• A lint roller or rubber glove
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• A towel

Detergent should be unscented or, for the more particular, specifically made for pets or babies. Dogs have much more sensitive noses and tongues than people, so a heavily perfumed bag can irritate your pet’s skin or make it reluctant to stick its nose out of the bag.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Dog Sling Carrier

Step 1: Remove Pet Hair

Take your sling bag outside and shake it upside down to remove any loose hair, then run a lint roller over the surface of the bag, or use a damp rubber glove to wipe it. This step is important and should be done before washing, so that the hair doesn’t get tangled up in the fabric or the washer.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

In a bowl of cool water, add a few drops of a gentle detergent and use a soft brush to spot clean any stained areas, being careful to brush from the outside in so as not to push the liquid deeper into the fabric. Once the spot has been treated, let it rest for 10 minutes before washing.

For particularly persistent stains, you may want to use a bit of extra elbow grease, but the motion should still be light and circular so as not to damage the fabric.

Step 3: Wash the Bag

Hand Washing (Recommended)

Fill a tub or sink with cool or warm water, add a few drops of detergent, and submerge the bag, gently massaging the fabric for a few minutes.

Then drain the water and repeat the process until all of the suds have been removed, taking special care to rinse the fabric thoroughly. Any residual soap can irritate your dog’s skin or leave a film that attracts dirt.

Machine Washing (If Possible)

If the care tag says that the bag is washer-friendly, toss it in on a gentle cycle with cold water, using a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.

Avoid fabric softener sheets, as they can coat the fabric of the bag and mask unpleasant odors instead of eliminating them.

Step 4: Eliminate Unpleasant Odors

If you want to get rid of dog smell that has developed in the fabric, simply add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse water. Vinegar helps neutralize odors in the fabric, and the scent will dissipate as the bag dries.

For a more intensive cleaning, sprinkle some baking soda on the bag while it is dry and let it sit for a few hours before brushing it off and washing the bag normally.

Think of it as similar to getting rid of odors in a gym bag: instead of covering the smell with perfume, you are actually cleaning it.

Step 5: Dry the Bag

Always allow the bag to air dry, either by laying it out in the sun or by hanging it in a shady, well-ventilated area. The heat of a dryer can shrink the fabric, loosen rings and buckles, and damage the integrity of the stitching.

Avoid leaving the bag in direct sunlight for too long, where it can become stiff and faded. Make sure the bag is completely dry before using or storing it, as trapped moisture can lead to mildew, which is much harder to get rid of than pet odor.

How Often Should You Wash a Small Dog Carrying Sling?

It depends on how you use it. A rough guide:

There is no hard and fast rule. It depends on how often you use the sling and how dirty it gets, but as a rough guideline:

• Frequent hikers: wash every few weeks
• Occasional users: wash once every month or two
• Daily users: wash weekly or spot clean

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

There are some common mistakes that dog owners make when caring for their bags:

• Using bleach, which damages the fibers of the bag
• Leaving soap in the fabric by not rinsing thoroughly
• Using hot water
• Storing the bag while it is still damp
• Neglecting the metal parts of the bag
  

Don’t Forget the Hardware and Stitching

Although metal buckles and rings may not seem like much, it is important to wipe them down with a damp cloth now and again to get rid of grime. At the same time, check the integrity of any stitching.

As you will be spot cleaning the bag anyway, take the opportunity to examine all of the seams and straps for signs of fraying, which could be dangerous for your dog.

Keeping Your Dog Sling Fresh Between Washes

As an alternative to regular washing, you can maintain your bag by using a small washable liner inside the main bag. It is also a good idea to wipe down the interior with a damp cloth after each use and let it air dry wherever possible. Keeping your dog’s paws as clean as possible before putting them in the bag can also reduce the amount of dirt and moisture that gets trapped inside.

Keeping your bag clean between washes is particularly important for small dogs, who tend to shed and drool more in the limited space of a sling carrier. A small, washable liner can save you a lot of hassle.

Choosing a Dog Sling That Is Easy to Clean

If you are buying a new bag, look out for features such as being machine washable.

Materials and Colors

Stick to materials such as cotton or a quick-drying synthetic blend, and go for darker colors or patterns that are less likely to show dirt and stains.

Size and Weight Limits

It is also worth examining the weight limits and sizes available, as a bag that is too big can place unnecessary strain on the stitching and straps. Most dog carrier slings for small dogs have a weight limit of just under 15 lbs, but you should always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your own bag. The more secure the fit for your dog, the safer and more comfortable it will be for both of you.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a dog sling is a pretty simple process. It just requires shaking loose any excess hair, spot cleaning, washing the bag, and making sure it is completely dry.

With this simple routine and a little elbow grease now and again, your sling will always be a comfortable and pleasant place for your dog. It also means more opportunities to enjoy those morning markets and vet visits without the fear of your dog getting dirty.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I wash my dog carrier sling in the washing machine?

It is often possible, but always check the care tag. Wash on a gentle cycle using cold water and a mesh bag for extra protection, and avoid washing items with foam padding or structure.

What detergent is best to clean a dog sling?

The best detergent is unscented or specifically made for pets or babies.

How do I get the dog smell out of a sling carrier?

Wash the bag and add vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Can I use the dryer on a dog sling?

Avoid using the dryer, and always air dry your bag in a shady, well-ventilated area.

How often should I wash my small dog sling carrier?

Frequent hikers should wash it every few weeks, occasional users once every month or two, and daily users weekly or with regular spot cleaning.

Is it safe to use vinegar on my dog’s sling?

White vinegar, diluted in water, is generally safe to use on most fabrics, but if your bag has any special coating, check a hidden seam first.