How to Clean Dog Kennel Flooring?

But here’s the thing: a dirty kennel flooring system isn’t just an eyesore. It’s a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, mildew, disease, and viruses. And over time, that buildup can affect your dog’s health, make odors stick around longer, and wear down the floor faster than it should.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need high-tech tools or a full hazmat suit. Just a few basics, a little consistency, and the right approach.

What Type of Flooring Are You Cleaning?

Not all puppy kennel flooring is created equal. Some surfaces are easy to clean. Others? Not so much.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might be dealing with:

• Concrete: Common in outdoor runs and shelters. Durable, but porous. That means it can soak up odors and stains if it’s not sealed properly.
• Rubber Mats or Rubber Flooring: Gentle on paws and easy to remove. They’re also easier to clean—just lift, scrub, rinse, repeat.
• Epoxy-Coated Floors: Usually found in indoor puppy kennels. They’re smooth, sealed, and less likely to trap bacteria.
• Tile: Not as common, but it’s out there. Grout lines are the trouble spots—they love to hold onto grime.
• Gravel or Dirt Runs: These are tough. You can rake and hose them down, but full disinfection? That’s tricky.
• Plastic or PVC Panels: Used in modular or raised kennels. They wipe down easily but can collect gunk in corners if ignored.

Before you jump into cleaning mode, take a minute to identify your flooring. Different materials need different approaches. And using the wrong method could do more harm than good.

Related: Top 5 Benefits Of Using A Dog Kennel

Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

You don’t need a truckload of gear to clean an outdoor kennel floor. Just a few basics that do the job.

Here’s your checklist:

• Poop scoop or disposal bags like Mr. Peanut's Plant Based Waste Bags: Clean floors begin with picking up the mess.
• Hose or power washer: A regular hose works fine for most setups. Power washers are better for concrete or large outdoor areas.
• Scrub brush with stiff bristles: Skip the soft stuff. You want something that can handle dried stains and stuck-on grime.
• Pet-safe disinfectant: Regular household cleaners can leave behind residue that’s too harsh for paws. Check Lakeside The Lennyshield Odor Eliminator.
• Degreaser (optional): Good for heavy build-up or oily spots. Not always needed, but helpful to have around.
• Squeegee or mop: Use it to push out dirty water or dry the space faster.
• Gloves: No one wants to scrub a kennel barehanded. Enough said.

Some people use vinegar and water as a DIY option. It’s safe, but the smell might linger. If you go this route, make sure your space is well-ventilated.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Dog Kennel Flooring the Right Way

Cleaning a puppy kennel floor doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does help to follow a process that works. Here’s a simple, step-by-step walkthrough.

Step 1: Remove the Dog(s) Safely

Trying to clean around a curious or nervous dog isn’t just annoying—it’s risky.

Move them to a safe, dry space. A Lucky Dog Dwell Series Wire Crate with Sliding Side Door, fenced yard, or another room works fine. Just somewhere they’re not underfoot or slipping on wet floors. Plus, it gives everything time to dry without little paws walking through it.

Step 2: Pick Up Solid Waste First

Use a scoop or waste bags. Gloves help. A mask, if you’re feeling sensitive. Skipping this step means you’re just moving mess around with a mop.

Start clean to finish clean.

Step 3: Hose It Down or Sweep Loose Debris

Now that the big stuff’s gone, clear out what’s left.

If you’re working with concrete or outdoor floors, hose them down. For rubber mats or indoor flooring, dry sweeping first can save time. Think dirt, fur, food bits, anything that’ll clog up the scrubbing stage.

Step 4: Scrub with Cleaner

Time to put in a little elbow grease.

Use a pet-safe disinfectant or a diluted vinegar mix. Apply it across the entire surface, not just the problem spots.

Focus on corners, grooves, or any area that tends to collect grime. Use a stiff brush, not a sponge, to lift up stuck-on mess.

Step 5: Let the Cleaner Sit

Don’t rinse right away. Let the cleaner do their job.

Five to ten minutes is usually enough, but check the label. Leaving it too long can damage some materials, especially porous ones like unsealed concrete.

And no one wants lingering chemical smells that dogs have to sniff all day.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

This part gets skipped more than it should.

Use clean water to rinse off everything, soap, residue, and leftover debris. If the cleaner isn’t fully removed, it can irritate paws or be tracked into other spaces.

Better to take an extra minute here than deal with problems later.

Step 7: Dry the Area Completely

Use a squeegee to push out standing water. Towels work too, if you’re inside or don’t have a drain.

If the area’s safe and ventilated, air drying is fine. Just make sure it’s dry before letting dogs back in.

Damp flooring and moisture invite bacteria, mold, virus, or mildew. And it’s a slip hazard, especially for excitable dogs who don’t walk, they launch.

A Few Smart Tips to Keep Things Cleaner, Longer

• Use washable mats or drainage trays. They catch the mess before it hits the floor. When they get dirty, just rinse and hang them up to dry.
• Brush your dog regularly. Less shedding means less buildup. Hair, dander, and dirt won’t have as much time to settle in.
• Stick to one bathroom spot. If your puppy uses the same area each time, clean-up gets easier. It also keeps the rest of the space fresher for longer.
• Rotate your disinfectants. Not every cleaner works forever. Switching it up now and then can help avoid buildup and lingering smells.

Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Problems

• Why does the kennel still smell after cleaning? It could be a few things. Porous floors hold onto odors. Some cleaners mask smells instead of neutralizing them. And if the floor isn’t fully dry, bacteria can stick around.
• My dog keeps peeing in the same spot. What now? It’s probably scent marking. Even if you can’t smell it, your dog can. Use an enzyme-based cleaner made to break down urine. It helps remove the scent signal that says, “go here again.”
• There’s a buildup in the corners no matter what I do. Corners are sneaky like that. Grab a smaller scrub brush or toothbrush and focus on those edges. Also, rotate your tools—old ones don’t clean as well as they used to.
• The floor still feels slippery after rinsing. It might be leftover residue from the cleaner or too much water sitting too long. Try using less product next time and make sure everything gets dried properly.

Keeping It Clean Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

You don’t need to deep clean every single day. And you don’t need to chase perfection.

What matters more is sticking to a simple routine. A few minutes here and there beats one giant cleanup when things get out of hand.

Consistency is what keeps odors down. It’s what stops grime from building up in corners. And it’s what keeps the space comfortable for both you and your dog.

No need to overthink it. Start small. Stay regular. Adjust as you go.

A clean dog kennel doesn’t just look better. It smells better. Feels better. And helps your dog stay healthier, too.