Maintaining Your Pet Carrier Like a Pro.

Keeping your pet carrier clean is not just about appearances, it is about your pet’s health, comfort and safety. Regular care ensures a longer lasting product and a better experience for your pet.

Remove liners, pads and debris.

Start by taking out all removable parts. For KibbleTime pet carriers, this will be limited to the washable floor panel. Remove any cushions or blankets that might have been added in for comfort. Shake out all loose fur and crumbs and then use a handheld vacuum or lint roller to capture any fine debris hiding in corners or seams. A few strips of painter’s or packing tape can be useful for this as well.

Choose the right cleaning products.

Always use pet-safe, non-toxic cleaners such as warm water with a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or strong fragrances that could stain the pet travel bag or irritate your pet’s respiratory system. Pet safe disinfectants like chlorhexadine or Oxine are very effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses while being gentle enough for pet kennels when properly diluted.

Clean the components.

Scrub hard surfaces with a sponge or soft brush. Spot wash fabrics and leather type materials with a damp cloth. If necessary, hand wash the outer shell of the floor panel. Let all parts air dry completely before re-assembly. Moisture trapped inside can result in mold, mildew or unpleasant odors.

Odor control and freshness.

Deodorize naturally by sprinkling baking soda inside your pet carrier and on the floor panel. Let it sit for a few hours before removing the baking soda with a vacuum. Hypoallergenic or fragrance free fabric refresher sprays can also be useful in neutralizing pet odors.

Regular maintenance schedule.

Clean your pet carrier after every use if it has been soiled and once a week for daily use models. Spot clean as required and remove pet hair regularly to keep the carrier as fresh as possible. Store the carrier in a cool, dry area away from sunlight to prevent fabric fading and material weakening.

Quick tips.

• Keep disinfectant wipes or a bottle of pet safe cleaner handy for quick clean ups during or after travel.

• Offer your pet treats when reintroducing a freshly cleaned carrier to reinforce positive associations.

• Regardless of the disinfectant used, always air dry for 30-60 minutes before reintroducing pets. This helps to reduce residue inhalation.

• Regular light cleaning helps keep materials fresh longer and reduces the frequency of deep cleaning required.

• Avoid bleach and strong chemicals. These can cause fading and fabric damage.

• Avoid fabric softeners and harsh drying as these can weaken and shrink fabrics.