How to Clean Outdoor Dog Kennels and Flooring (Solved!)

Cleaning your dog’s outdoor kennel incorrectly can be dangerous. So, use vinegar and water solutions to eliminate urine odor and prevent bacteria from forming! That way, your pup can get fresh air and you can rest easy. 

How Do You Clean an Outside Dog Kennel?

Cleaning your outdoor dog kennel is easy. Before starting, you should always consider the type of material your cage is made of. This will help you decide on the right solution! 

Your kennel should be moved to a location with excellent run-off. That helps water drain easily as you rinse your cage. This area should also be far away from your dog’s sleeping area too so muddiness does not cause disruption. 

Follow these steps to clean your outside dog kennel:  

  1. Remove all items from your cage (bedding, toys, bowls, etc.) 
  2. Place a generous amount of odor remover on the surface of your kennel 
  3. Let the odor remover sit for 5 to 10 minutes 
  4. Remove the odor remover with a dry towel 
  5. Scrub your entire cage with an ammonia-free cleaner 
  6. Rinse your dog kennel thoroughly with clean water 
  7. Let your dog kennel dry 
  8. Repeat this same process with your dog’s items 
  9. Replace the items inside the kennel after everything is dry 
  10. Return the kennel to its original location and you are done! 

Is it Safe to Clean a Dog Kennel with Bleach?

Bleach is not a safe choice for cleaning your dog’s kennel because it can be hazardous for both you and your dog. Mixing bleach with other solutions can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. 

Where Should I Put My Dogs Kennel Outside to Make It Easier to Clean?

Find a spot outside with good drainage to clean your dog’s kennel. As you rinse your dog’s cage you do not want extra water damaging you or your neighbor’s homes because of poor grading. 

Ventilation is another important consideration when cleaning your dog’s cage because it will guarantee that you are not breathing in any chemicals. Even though the chemicals you choose should be non-toxic does not mean that they are odorless. 

What is the Best Disinfectant for Dog Urine? 

The best homemade disinfectant for dog urine is a vinegar-water-baking soda solution. Vinegar removes odor and prevents bacterial growth. 

Get Our #1 Easy, Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Vet-Approved), 100% Free!!! Click to get it NOW!

Non-toxic, commercial cleaners are excellent store-bought cleaners that are made to eliminate bacteria. Ensure these are ammonia-free and bleach-free or your dog may develop skin irritation.

How Do You Disinfect a Gravel Dog Run? 

Disinfect your dog run by spraying their urination spots with water and removing solid waste. Applying a small amount of odor remover to target areas can help remove urine stench from smelly areas!

Can I Wash my Dog Kennel with Baking Soda and Vinegar? 

A baking soda and vinegar solution is the best solution for disinfecting and removing the smell of dog urine from your pet’s kennel. Vinegar is not a disinfectant, but it can help prevent bacteria from growing in your dog’s cage.

What Is the Best Bedding for a Dog Kennel That Is Easy to Clean? 

Hypoallergenic, weatherproof bedding with great airflow will make cleaning your cage super easy! Plus, this type of bedding is comfortable, too! 

What Do Professional Kennels Clean Urine With? 

The American Kennel Club recommends using vinegar and water combinations to clean kennels with urine in them. This is an affordable and efficient way to clean dog cages, and it works for most materials, too! 

Can You Clean a Dog Kennel with Vinegar? 

A one-half-to-one solution of white vinegar and water is a fantastic disinfectant for dog urine.

Can You Clean a Dog Kennel with Vinegar? 

A one-half-to-one solution of white vinegar and water is a fantastic disinfectant for dog urine.  The American Kennel Club recommends letting the solution sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it up with a dry towel.  

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer but because it is not a disinfectant it may not be the best option for cleaning outdoor dog kennels. Many dog owners recommend using an additional sanitizer that is bleach-free to sterilize your dog’s cage. 

How Often Should a Dog Kennel Be Cleaned? 

Your dog kennel should receive regular maintenance but the frequency each kennel is cleaned varies. Consider the number of dogs you have, the weather conditions, materials inside the kennel, treats they have brought into their kennel and more when scheduling how often you clean your dog’s cage!

Get Our #1 Easy, Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Vet-Approved), 100% Free!!! Click to get it NOW!

Some dogs love to scavenge and if you do not regularly check their kennel, they may have a graveyard of old food!  

What Disinfectant Is Safe For Dogs? 

A safe disinfectant is bleach-free and ammonia-free. The best bet is to purchase your own disinfectant from your local pet store. 

What Do You Put In The Bottom Of A Dog Kennel To Help With Cleaning? 

Using a vet-recommended pet mat can make cleaning the bottom of your kennel much easier. These mats fully cover the bottom of your cage and are machine washable. Veterinarians recommend investing in these mats early on because they prevent puppies from choking on chewed-up bedding. 

What Kills the Smell of Dog Urine? 

There are a few things that can kill the smell of dog urine. Depending on whether you want to use a commercial odor remover or a natural remover.

Commercial Odor Remover 

Commerical odor removers can be purchased at any local pet store. Many pet owners are afraid that these odor removers are full of chemicals but these are made with safe, non-toxic ingredients and are designed to remove pet odors. 

Vinegar and Water Solution 

Vinegar and water are the most common solution to remove the smell of dog urine from your home. Most often you will find a vinegar and water solution in the form of a one-to-one or one half-to-one solution. 

Remember, vinegar is great for canceling odor; however, the smell can be pungent and needs to be diluted. 

Lemon and Water Solution  

A lemon and water solution is a great option if you find the smell of vinegar overwhelming (which many people do). Lemon eliminates odor and leaves a fresh smell behind. Furthermore, it does not irritate your dog’s skin or cause them psychological stress like ammonia.