How to Clean the Crystal on Your Pet’s Collar

The natural stone on your pet’s collar picks up dust, skin oils and the odd splash of mud. A quick clean every week or two keeps it bright, and it only takes a minute. Here is a simple routine that is safe for the stone and the leather.

Every week: a dry wipe

Wipe the stone with a soft, dry cloth, such as the kind you would use for glasses. This removes dust and fingerprints and is all most stones need.

When it needs more: a quick rinse

1. Dip a corner of the cloth in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap.
2. Hold the stone away from the leather and wipe it gently.
3. Wipe again with a cloth dampened in clean water.
4. Dry it at once with a soft cloth.

For quartz-family stones (clear quartz, amethyst, rose quartz, aquamarine, tiger’s eye, red agate, green aventurine), GIA notes that warm, soapy water is a safe way to clean them.

What to avoid

• Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which GIA advises against for many stones.
• Harsh chemicals, alcohol, perfume and cleaning sprays, which can dull the surface and dry out leather.
• Long hours in strong sun, which can slowly fade amethyst and rose quartz.
• Soaking the collar. Keep the leather as dry as you can.

Softer stones need a lighter touch

Obsidian is volcanic glass and a little softer than quartz, so avoid knocks. On LuStar charms, pearl and turquoise are softer still: wipe them with a dry cloth only and keep them away from water and perfume.

Caring for the leather

Wipe the leather with a soft, dry cloth and condition it now and then to keep it supple. If it gets wet, pat it dry and let it air-dry away from heaters and direct sun. Take the collar off for baths and swimming.

While you are cleaning, check the fit and hardware

It is a good moment to make sure two fingers still slide under the collar, as the American Kennel Club suggests, and that the ring and stitching show no wear.

Questions about caring for your collar? Email us at info@lupetz.com.