Care Instructions | Handmade Dog Collars & Leads by Green Dog

 

 Care Instructions

Every Green Dog collar and lead is handmade with care, and the right maintenance will keep your piece looking great for as long as possible. Different materials behave differently, so follow the guidance below based on what you’ve ordered.

If you ever need help or advice, just email me at hello@greendog.pet.

BioThane®

BioThane is one of the easiest materials to care for.

How to clean

  • Wipe with warm water and mild soap
  • For stubborn mud, use a soft cloth or sponge
  • Rinse hardware with fresh water after saltwater use

Drying

  • Towel dry
  • Leave to air dry naturally
  • Avoid radiators or heaters

What to avoid

  • Washing machines and dryers
  • Harsh chemicals (bleach, vinegar, solvents)
  • Long-term exposure to sand inside the hardware

Notes

BioThane itself doesn’t absorb odour or water, but hardware can still corrode or dull if left wet, especially after saltwater.

Paracord

Paracord is tough, flexible and quick drying, but benefits from gentle cleaning.

How to clean

Option 1 — Hand Wash (best)

  • Use warm water, mild detergent or washing-up liquid
  • Scrub lightly with a soft brush
  • Rinse thoroughly

Option 2 — Machine Wash

  • Place in a laundry bag
  • 30°C max on gentle spin
  • No fabric softeners or bleach

Drying

  • Pat dry with a towel
  • Air dry flat
  • Keep hardware facing upward so water drains away

What to avoid

  • Very hot water (can distort fibres)
  • Radiators, tumble dryers
  • Sharp edges — paracord cannot be repaired once cut

Notes

Saltwater is fine if rinsed off afterwards. Always dry hardware fully.

PPM Rope & Nylon Rope

PPM rope is lightweight, water-resistant and very low maintenance. Nylon rope is slightly stronger but behaves similarly.

How to clean

  • Hand wash with mild soap
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Machine wash allowed (laundry bag, 30°C gentle spin)

Drying

  • Towel dry
  • Air dry naturally
  • Avoid direct heat sources

What to avoid

  • High heat (can distort fibres)
  • Harsh detergents
  • Leaving hardware wet after saltwater exposure

Notes

PPM is naturally buoyant and doesn’t absorb much water.
Nylon absorbs more moisture but dries quickly.

British Wool Rope (New Material)

British wool is naturally antimicrobial, odour-resistant, breathable and comfortable — but needs slightly gentler care.

How to clean

  • Hand wash only
  • Use cool or lukewarm water (not hot)
  • Add a small amount of wool detergent or mild soap
  • Gently squeeze — do NOT wring

Drying

  • Towel press to remove excess water
  • Lay flat to air dry
  • Keep away from radiators or direct sunlight

What to avoid

  • Hot water (can felt or shrink wool)
  • Machine washing
  • Rough scrubbing
  • Tumble drying

Notes

Wool stays warm even when damp, but let it dry fully after heavy rain to keep the fibres looking their best.

UK Cotton Rope (Naturally Dyed) (New Material)

Cotton rope is soft, natural and beautifully dyed, but more absorbent than PPM.

How to clean

  • Hand wash in cool or lukewarm water
  • Mild detergent only
  • Spot clean marks instead of full washing when possible

Drying

  • Gently towel dry
  • Hang or lay flat to air dry naturally

What to avoid

  • Hot washes (can shrink cotton)
  • Machine washing
  • Long soaking
  • Tumble drying

Notes

Cotton absorbs more water — allow full drying to maintain shape.

Bridle Leather

Your leather is premium British bridle hide, vegetable-tanned and built to age beautifully.

How to clean

  • Wipe with a damp cloth
  • Use a tiny amount of mild soap if needed
  • Remove dirt, mud and sand promptly

Conditioning

  • Use a leather balm every few months
  • Apply lightly and allow to absorb
  • Buff gently with a soft cloth

Drying

  • If wet, towel dry then let it air dry
  • Never use radiators, fireplaces or tumble dryers

What to avoid

  • Soaking in water
  • Saltwater exposure (rinse hardware and leather immediately if it occurs)
  • Heavy scrubbing or abrasive cleaners

Notes

Leather will soften and develop a patina over time — that’s part of the charm.

Hardware Care (Brass, Stainless Steel, Nickel-Plated, Zinc Alloy)

Your hardware is chosen for strength, but all metals change over time.

General Hardware Care

  • Always dry hardware immediately after any exposure to water
  • Rinse with fresh water after beaches, lakes or muddy walks
  • Avoid leaving collars wet inside bags or pockets

Brass

  • Develops a natural patina
  • Can be polished back to bright gold if preferred
  • Won’t rust

Stainless Steel

  • Highly corrosion resistant
  • Best for heavy water exposure

Nickel-Plated Brass

  • Bright silver finish
  • More tarnish-resistant than zinc
  • Wipe dry after wet walks

Zinc Alloy Hardware

  • Strong but more cosmetic wear over time
  • Dry thoroughly after washing

Saltwater Reminder

Saltwater doesn’t damage BioThane, rope or paracord —
but it will affect hardware if not rinsed and dried immediately.

A quick wash in fresh water + towel dry extends the life of any collar or lead.

Need help with care?

Email hello@greendog.pet anytime.
I’ll always help you get the best out of your gear.

Dog Is In The Detail™