Cleaning a kennel can be a heck of a job if you don’t know where to start. Lucky for you we’ve got the perfect checklist on how to clean a kennel right here in front of you. Follow these kennel cleaning steps, and you’ll be in great shape to be sure!
Clear Space Inside the Kennel
First things first – time to clean up inside the kennel. Remove fabric, bedding, toys, food and water bowls, and anything else that’s not nailed down.
Move the Dog to a Separate, Clean Kennel
Next, this might sound obvious but it’s important to point out: you can’t clean an occupied kennel. Bring the dog that’s been in that kennel to a separate one that’s already been cleaned.
Put Bedding and Fabric into the Washing Machine
A good wash does wonders for any bedding and fabric that’s been in your kennel. This includes any fabric pet toys. Make sure to use a pet-safe detergent! Pet laundry requires you to loosen the hair from your clothes or other soiled garments before washing by placing them in the dryer for 10 minutes on a heat-free tumble. Then, shake these clothes out before placing them in the washing machine
Soak Food and Water Bowls in A Germicidal Cleaner
Those food and water bowls need to be cleaned, but you can’t just use any old soap and water. You need a specially formulated germicidal cleaner developed for pet use to ensure those bowls are spic and span, so to speak!
Dispose of Used Toys
It’s time to rotate your pet toys out. If some have seen better days, it’s a good time to dispose of them and replace them with new ones. If they’re still in decent shape, give them a soak with germicidal cleaner as well.
Rinse and Dry Items Before Placing Back
Don’t just toss those now-clean items back in your kennel – they need to be rinsed and left out to air dry. Don’t worry, you’ve got plenty of things to do as you wait for them to dry.
Clean Out Large Messes
Now it comes down to the real nitty-gritty: cleaning out the kennel itself. If there are any large messes in there, it’s time to scoop them out and dispose of them.
Rinse the Rest with Hot Water
Once you’ve gotten the bulk of the nasty stuff out, hose down the interior of the kennel with hot water. This will prime the kennel for its upcoming deep clean.
Apply A Cleaning Solution to Different Areas
Now it’s time to apply your cleaning solution to all the different areas of your kennel. Walls, floor, door, ceiling – if it’s in there, it gets cleaned. Use a strong and effective veterinary disinfectant for best results.
Scrub with Hard-Bristled Brush
Now for some elbow grease! Get a clean hard-bristled brush and give that kennel the scrubbing of its life.
Get in Between Latches and Doors
Make sure you get into every single nook and cranny while you’re cleaning that kennel. That includes the inner workings of latches, doors, and any other gaps. Don’t leave any spot for bacteria to flourish for best results!
Thoroughly Rinse with Hot Water
And finally… the washdown. Rinse the entire kennel thoroughly with hot water and let the kennel dry. Then, you can put back all the other objects you took out earlier, like toys, bedding, and food and water bowls. After everything is nice and clean, feel free to return the dog to their nice, clean, and safe kennel once more!
For more education information contact Tom Bissanti: Tom@AlphaTechPet.com or visit our pet industry education website.