Setup · Wed Sep 16
How to Clean a Crate After a Mess
Remove your dog and any bedding, clear the mess, then wash and thoroughly dry the crate. Use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner for lingering urine or odor.
Clean the crate in this order
Move your dog to a safe spot and remove the crate pad, blanket, toys, and any removable tray. Put on gloves if you have them, and pick up solid waste with paper towels or a disposable bag. Blot liquid rather than rubbing it into the surface.
- Wash away residue. Use warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap on the tray and washable crate surfaces. Rinse or wipe away soap residue.
- Treat lingering odor. For urine or vomit odor, apply a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner according to its label. Give it the labeled contact time; spraying and wiping immediately may not let it work. Test a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on painted metal or fabric.
- Rinse if directed. Follow the cleaner’s label for rinsing and whether it is suitable for the crate material. Don’t combine cleaners or mix products such as bleach and ammonia.
- Dry completely. Air-dry the crate and tray before putting bedding back or allowing your dog inside. Moisture left in corners or beneath a tray can contribute to odor and corrosion.
Treat urine and odor after cleaning
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Adjust for the crate material
Wire crates
Remove the plastic tray if possible and clean it separately. Wipe the wire, corners, and joints where residue can collect, then dry them well. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage a coating.
Plastic crates
If the crate comes apart, separate the top and bottom so you can reach seams and corners. Clean the ventilation openings and latch area without soaking metal hardware. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using disinfectants or strong cleaners.
Soft-sided crates
Check the care label before washing. Many have removable fabric panels, but not every fabric or frame is machine-washable. Blot the mess, use only a cleaner approved for the material, and let every panel dry fully before reassembly.
Clean the bedding and prevent repeat odors
Wash crate pads and blankets according to their care labels. If a pad still smells after washing, or its filling is stained or damp inside, replace it; odor can remain trapped in the padding. Keep a spare washable cover or blanket handy for quick changes.
Before returning your dog, check that the tray is dry, the crate is assembled securely, and no cleaning-product residue remains where your dog can lick it. If accidents keep happening, clean the crate promptly and consider whether the dog is ill, stressed, not yet house-trained, or being left longer than they can comfortably manage. Contact a veterinarian if accidents are sudden, frequent, or accompanied by other signs of illness.
FAQ
Can I use bleach to clean a dog crate?
Use bleach only if the crate manufacturer and the product label say it is appropriate, and follow all dilution, ventilation, rinsing, and drying directions. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. A mild soap wash followed by a material-safe enzymatic cleaner is often a more practical approach to urine odor.
How do I get urine smell out of a dog crate?
Remove and wash the bedding, clean the tray and crate, then use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner as directed on the label. Let the surfaces dry completely before putting the dog back in.
Can I put my dog back in the crate while it is damp?
Wait until the crate and bedding are fully dry and free of cleaner residue. This also helps prevent trapped moisture and lingering odors.
