An igloo-style doghouse is lightweight and durable, with a design that keeps pets cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Several models have vents in the ceiling to allow air ventilation on hot days. Closing the vent keeps your pet warmer in winter by eliminating body heat loss. Igloo doghouses have a doorway that is off center to protect your pet from blowing winds, rain and snow. (ref 3,4) Proper cleaning of an outdoor doghouse eliminates harmful bacteria from your pet’s outdoor environment.
Press each locking tab on the bottom of the igloo doghouse downward. Depending on the size, each house has three or more tabs that connect the floor to the house.
Pull the top of the house straight off and lay it on the ground upside down.
Remove all bedding and toys from the doghouse. Run all washable items through a washing machine and dryer.
Sweep any remaining items into a dustpan with a broom and dispose of them. Dog hair, grass, sticks and feces from an older or potty-training dog can cause bacteria within his home as they decompose.
Measure and pour 1/2 cup of 5.25% household bleach into a bucket. Add water from a garden hose to the 1-gallon mark on the bucket. Dilution of 32 parts water to 1 part bleach disinfects dog igloos. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a stiff scrub brush.
Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the doghouse thoroughly. Scrub the floor and the interior of the house, making sure to get the solution into the edges and small corners near the opening.
Allow the cleaning solution to sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse the disinfectant off with ample amounts of water from a garden hose. Turn the floor and the top of the doghouse over, and clean and rinse these surfaces in the same manner.
Turn the inside of the doghouse floor and roof upward and allow them to completely dry. Reassemble the doghouse and flip the locking tabs down. Replace clean bedding, blankets and toys.
Tips
Avoid a messy doghouse by placing food and water dishes outside to avoid spills and discourage bacteria.
Move your igloo doghouse to different areas of the lawn to prevent killing grass underneath it.
Warnings
Keep bleach containers tightly closed and store them in an area with no sunlight to preserve disinfecting properties.
Warnings
Keep bleach containers tightly closed and store them in an area with no sunlight to preserve disinfecting properties.
Tips
Avoid a messy doghouse by placing food and water dishes outside to avoid spills and discourage bacteria.
Move your igloo doghouse to different areas of the lawn to prevent killing grass underneath it.
Items You Will Need
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Bucket
- Household bleach (5.25%)
- Garden hose
- Scrub brush
- Rubber gloves (optional)
References
Resources
Tips
- Avoid a messy doghouse by placing food and water dishes outside to avoid spills and discourage bacteria.
- Move your igloo doghouse to different areas of the lawn to prevent killing grass underneath it.
Warnings
- Keep bleach containers tightly closed and store them in an area with no sunlight to preserve disinfecting properties.
Writer Bio
Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Management and a double minor in accounting and computer science. She loves writing about careers for busy families as well as family oriented planning, meals and activities for all ages.