How to Clean and Care for a Biothane Collar or Leash
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Biothane is one of the lowest-maintenance dog gear materials there is — but a few minutes of care will keep your leashes and collars looking new for years. Here's our full care guide.
Daily / after a hunt
Wipe down with a damp cloth. That's it. Mud, swamp, blood, and standard grime come right off. Don't bother letting the leash air-dry first — Biothane doesn't absorb anything, so it's already "dry" structurally even when wet on the surface.
Deep clean
For a heavier clean — say after a season of running quail courses or a particularly bad water day — fill a bucket with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Submerge the leash, scrub gently with a sponge or soft brush, rinse, and pat dry. Avoid stiff-bristle brushes on the surface coating; they'll dull the finish over time.
Hardware
Brass, stainless, and black hardware all benefit from an occasional drop of light oil on the moving parts of any quick-release snap or buckle. We use a synthetic gun oil; sewing-machine oil works fine too. Don't use WD-40 — it's a degreaser, not a lubricant, and will leave the snap dry.
If your brass develops a patina you don't like, a quick wipe with Brasso or a similar polish will bring it back. A patina won't hurt function — it's purely cosmetic.
Storage
Hang it. Coil it. Toss it in a kennel bag. Biothane doesn't care. Unlike leather it won't develop mildew or attract mice, and it won't dry out and crack if you forget about it for a season.
Cold weather
Biothane stays soft and flexible in cold weather where leather would stiffen. No special prep needed for winter hunts.
Sun and heat
UV-stable. Hot truck cabs and direct sun won't fade or crack the material. The hardware can get hot to the touch in summer — be mindful of where the brass is when you let your dog drink.
What not to do
- Don't put it in the dishwasher or washing machine. The mechanical action can damage the stitching at attachment points.
- Don't use bleach or harsh solvents.
- Don't leave a wet leash bunched up against unfinished metal — the metal can rust and stain the surface.
Lifespan
With basic care, a Biothane lead from us should outlast several leather equivalents. The first thing that wears out is usually the snap mechanism after years of use, not the strap itself.
Questions about a specific stain or piece of gear? Get in touch — we answer every email.