How to Clean Plastic Dog Crates

A dog crate can keep your puppy safe when you are away from home. It can also greatly assist in the house-training process, since dogs are less likely to relieve themselves in their sleeping areas. Finally, a dog crate provides your pup with an area that is solely his. Just like dogs in the wild have small dens, your dog has his own private area in his crate. Since your pup spends a good amount of time in his crate, it will get dirty. Thankfully, it's fairly simple to clean a plastic dog crate.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • Ammonia-free cleaner
  • Water
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all toys, water dishes and blankets from the crate. You can throw blankets, towels and some toys in the washing machine for a quick cleaning.

    • 2

      Unscrew the bolts on the side of the crate. Most plastic crates consist of two pieces--a top and a bottom--which are fastened together with basic nuts and bolts, or plastic clasps. By separating the two pieces, you can greatly simplify the cleaning process.

    • 3

      Place the crate's wire door to the side. Once the crate's top has been taken off, the door can be easily removed.

    • 4

      Spray a cleaner around the interior of both the top and bottom. Opt for an ammonia-free cleaner, preferably one designed to neutralize pet odors. Such sprays help to remove the ammonia smell, commonly associated with urine, thereby helping your pup to resist any desire to urinate in his crate.

    • 5

      Wipe the areas with paper towels, removing dirt, debris and bacteria. Clean the corners well as debris tends to gather there. Remember to swipe the edges of the air vents.

    • 6

      Clean the exterior of both the top and bottom of the crate. The exterior of the crate won't be as dirty as the interior, but it will still need a good wiping every month or so.

    • 7

      Rinse the interior and exterior of the crate with warm water. This will neutralize any smell from the cleaner you used.

    • 8

      Pat the crate dry with an old towel or paper towels. Allow the crate time to air dry completely before reassembling it.