How to Clean Your Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar

Start with what the collar is built to handle

The Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar is designed for wet, messy days: the catalog describes it as waterproof and suited to a beach romp, a river dip, or getting caught in the rain. That matters before you clean it, because the material that keeps it from getting waterlogged also shapes how you should wash it.

The backing is upcycled recycled rubber that resists odors and bacteria growth, and the catalog notes it won't get stinky like typical nylon collars. In practice, that means most everyday grime comes off the surface rather than soaking in. Your cleaning job is to lift dirt and salt without scrubbing the printed starburst design or stressing the hardware.

What the collar's materials mean for washing

• Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar: Waterproof backing made from recycled rubber that resists odors and bacteria growth. You can rinse and wipe the collar after wet or muddy outings without the backing holding moisture or odor the way nylon can.

  

• Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar: The upcycled backing is described as naturally anti-bacterial and won't get stinky unlike typical nylon collars. Routine surface cleaning is usually enough; you do not need heavy deodorizing treatments to fight odor.
• Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar: Latch-Lock metal buckle described as sturdy, secure, and 4x stronger than plastic. Metal hardware tolerates a damp wipe, but you should dry it after washing so water does not sit in the buckle.

Hand wash steps for the Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar

The supplied information does not include a manufacturer cleaning procedure, so treat these as conservative, material-appropriate steps rather than a factory instruction. Check the collar's tag or packaging for any specific guidance before you begin.

1. 1. Remove the collar and empty the ID spot: Take the collar off your dog and detach tags or lights from the separate ID spot so you can clean the strap and hardware evenly.
2. 2. Rinse off loose dirt and salt: Hold the collar under cool running water to lift sand, mud, and road salt. The waterproof backing is made for wet conditions, so a quick rinse is a low-risk first step.
3. 3. Wipe the printed side with a damp cloth: Use a soft cloth and mild soapy water on the starburst pattern. Wipe along the strap rather than scrubbing hard in circles, which is gentler on the printed design.
4. 4. Clean around the buckle and leash attachment: Wipe the Latch-Lock metal buckle and the pup-top bottle-opener attachment with the same damp cloth, then dry them with a towel so water does not linger in the mechanism.
5. 5. Rinse and dry fully before it goes back on: Rinse away soap residue, pat the collar dry, and let it air-dry completely before putting it back on your dog.

Keeping the starburst pattern and colors bright

The catalog does not list a specific colorfastness rating or a recommended detergent, so the safest approach is to avoid anything that could attack the print: skip bleach, harsh solvents, and abrasive scrubbing pads. Mild soap, cool water, and a soft cloth are the conservative choice for a printed collar.

Rinse thoroughly. Leftover soap film can dull a printed surface over time, and it can also irritate skin where the collar sits. If you walk in salt or sandy areas often, a quick fresh-water rinse after those outings does more for the print than occasional deep cleaning.

Odor removal: when a rinse is enough

Because the backing is designed to resist odor and bacteria growth, odor problems are more likely to come from surface buildup than from the material itself.

• Everyday smell after a walk: Rinse and wipe the collar, then dry it fully. The odor-resistant backing means you usually do not need to soak it.
• Smell that survives a wash: Check the buckle, the ID spot, and the leash attachment for trapped dirt or moisture, since those are the places grime collects.
• Persistent odor or visible damage: The supplied information does not cover deep disinfection or repairs. If odor or wear persists, contact the maker rather than improvising with strong chemicals.

Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar at a glance

• Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar: Made in USA and handcrafted in Portland, Oregon. Knowing the collar is handmade supports gentler, hand-wash care rather than machine washing.
• Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar: Leash attachment doubles as a bottle opener. Clean and dry this attachment along with the buckle so grit does not build up in the moving parts.
• Atomic Starbursts Dog Collar: Separate ID spot for tags and lights. Removing tags before washing protects both the tags and the printed strap from scratches.