Harnesses take a beating. They get soaked in rain, rubbed in dirt and pressed against your dog’s body on every walk. Many households also rotate gear by season, putting away a lightweight summer harness and pulling out one that fits over a jacket. Fall is a good time to clean everything and store what you will not use until spring.
Follow the care instructions from the maker of your harness first. The steps below are general and may not fit every material.
Washing a harness
Most fabric and webbing harnesses can be hand washed:
- Loosen all adjustment points and note the settings, or snap a photo, so you can restore the fit.
- Soak in warm water with a little mild soap or dog shampoo.
- Scrub straps with a soft brush, focusing on areas that sit against the chest and behind the legs.
- Clean padded areas gently, pressing water through rather than wringing.
- Rinse well until the water runs clear.
If the care label allows machine washing, use a gentle cycle and a mesh laundry bag, and fasten buckles so they do not snag. Skip fabric softener, which can leave residue on fabric that sits against skin and may affect reflective trim.
Drying thoroughly
Hang the harness to air dry in a well-ventilated spot. Padded harnesses can take a long time to dry inside, so give them extra time. Avoid direct heat, which can weaken webbing, warp plastic buckles and damage coatings. Storing a harness while it is still damp invites mildew and odor.
Inspect before storing
Cleaning is the perfect moment for a careful inspection:
- Look for fraying, thin spots or chew marks on straps.
- Check stitching where straps meet rings and buckles.
- Test buckles for a firm, secure click.
- Look at metal rings for bends, cracks or rust.
- Check that reflective trim is intact.
If anything looks worn, replace the harness rather than storing it for next year. It is easier to replace gear now than to discover a weak strap on the first walk of a new season.
Storing gear well
- Store clean, completely dry gear in a breathable bag or bin.
- Keep it somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight, which can fade and weaken fabric over time.
- Store away from chewing puppies and rodents in garages or sheds.
- Label bins by season so you know what is inside.
Refitting when you bring it back out
Dogs change. Puppies grow, adult dogs gain or lose weight, and coats grow in or get trimmed. Before you use a stored harness, put it on your dog and check fit from scratch. You should be able to slide two fingers under each strap. The harness should not rub behind the front legs or slide toward the throat. A harness that fit in spring may need adjusting by fall, and that small check keeps every walk comfortable.
