How to Clean and Disinfect Your Dog Crate Between Puppies
By Diggs | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Tips & Care
A step-by-step routine to disinfect a dog crate between puppies, including how to clean Evolv crate surfaces and sanitize Revol crate panels without damaging them.
Quick answer
Disinfect your dog crate between puppies by removing all bedding, vacuuming loose hair and debris, washing every hard surface with warm soapy water, then applying a pet-safe disinfectant and letting it sit for the full contact time. Rinse, dry completely, and only then bring in the next puppy. For a Diggs Evolv Dog Crate, this means wiping the tray and wire panels separately so no cleaner pools in the joints.
Gather the right supplies before you start
You need two buckets or a sink, a soft brush, microfiber cloths, a vacuum with a crevice tool, warm water, a mild dish soap, and a pet-safe disinfectant. Check the disinfectant label for a contact time and a statement that it is safe for the surface you are cleaning. Avoid bleach on painted or powder-coated panels unless the manufacturer says otherwise, because it can dull the finish and leave residue that irritates a puppy's skin.
- Keep a dedicated crate-cleaning cloth separate from kitchen or bathroom rags.
- Have a second dry cloth ready so you can dry surfaces immediately after rinsing.
Clear the crate and remove loose debris first
Take out bedding, toys, bowls, and the tray. Shake bedding outside or wash it according to its care label, then vacuum the empty crate, paying attention to corners, along the floor bars, and the tray edges where hair and kibble collect. Skipping this step means you are spreading dirt around with a wet cloth instead of removing it.
Wash every hard surface with soap and water
Wash the tray, panels, and frame with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft brush on textured areas and a cloth on smooth surfaces. If your crate has removable panels, clean them individually so you can reach the edges and joints. For the Evolv Dog Crate, the tray lifts out, which makes it easier to wash both sides rather than just the top.
Apply a pet-safe disinfectant and respect the contact time
Spray or wipe the disinfectant onto clean surfaces. The crate must stay visibly wet for the full contact time listed on the product, which is often several minutes. If it dries too fast, reapply. This is the step that actually kills germs between puppies, so do not rush it or assume a quick wipe is enough.
Rinse, dry, and reassemble before the next puppy arrives
Rinse with clean water or wipe with a damp cloth to remove disinfectant residue, then dry everything with a clean towel. Let the crate air dry fully with the door open before adding bedding. A damp crate grows odor and can cause skin irritation, so dryness is part of disinfection, not an optional extra.
Step-by-step crate disinfection routine
- Empty and vacuum the crate: Remove bedding, toys, and the tray, then vacuum the empty crate including corners and along the bars. Checkpoint: no visible hair or kibble remains before you introduce water.
- Wash with warm soapy water: Use a mild dish soap and a soft brush on the tray, panels, and frame. Clean removable panels individually. Common mistake: soaking joints or hardware, which can trap water and cause odor later.
- Apply a pet-safe disinfectant: Spray or wipe the disinfectant on clean surfaces and keep them wet for the full contact time on the label. Checkpoint: if the surface dries early, reapply and restart the contact time.
- Rinse and dry completely: Wipe away disinfectant residue with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel and let the crate air dry with the door open. Common mistake: adding bedding to a damp crate, which traps moisture and odor.
- Do a final odor and residue check: Smell the tray and panels after drying. If you still detect odor, repeat the wash and disinfect steps rather than masking it with a scented spray. Next step: only add clean bedding once the crate is fully dry and odor-free.
Product facts that affect cleaning
- Evolv Dog Crate: The Evolv Dog Crate is available in Small, Medium, Intermediate, Large, and Extra Large sizes and has a sturdy construction with a contemporary look. A removable tray and multiple sizes mean you can clean the tray in a sink or tub, but larger sizes may need to be cleaned in place with a bucket and cloths.
- Intermediate Revol Box 2/2: The Intermediate Revol Box 2/2 comes in Ash, Charcoal, or Smoke finishes and is built for durability and intermediate use. Colored finishes can be sensitive to harsh scrubbing, so use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner to protect the surface while still disinfecting.
- Intermediate Revol Box 2/2: The Intermediate Revol Box 2/2 is designed as an intermediate-sized crate for growing or medium-sized dogs and is available in Ash, Charcoal, and Smoke. If you are passing this crate from an older puppy to a smaller one, a full disinfection between puppies is especially important because the size is meant for a specific growth stage.
