Is a Mud Daddy worth it? (5 year long-term test)

You’ve read mixed reviews, right? So I’ve had my mud daddy for five years now and it’s still going strong without any replacement parts.

Now admittedly it didn’t see much use in the first half of 2020 but it more than made up for it in the last half when we all went back to work and were washing every dog within an inch of its life each time when bought them back from their walks.

So after 5 summers of cooling dogs off and 5 winters of washing the mud away, would I buy one again? Absolutely, yes. Do you want one? Check the latest prices here

Mud Daddy Long-Term Review (8 litres)

What is a Mud Daddy?

A Mud Daddy is a portable, pet washing system that uses water pressure in combination with a brush head to clean your dog or cat. (I’m kidding, don’t wash your cat with it!)

It is a great alternative to traditional hoses and buckets, as it is more convenient and efficient, using less water to wash off your dogs.

Fill it up with warm water and it stays warm for a couple of hours and you can double that to around 5 hours with the insulated mud daddy jacket.

How to use a mud daddy

1. Walk some dogs
2. Get the dogs muddy. Spaniels will happily do this themselves, other breeds may need assistance.
3. Return to your recently valeted car and panic
4. Remember you bought the mud daddy with you in the boot
5. Get the mud daddy out, grab some dry towels.
6. Pump the mud daddy’s handle until you can feel the pressure building
7. Grab the brush end, press the trigger to release the water and start brushing/washing the dog. Start at the top and work down towards the feet.
8. Dry the clean (but wet) dog off and place everything, including the dog, back in the car.
9. Drive home smug because you were wise enough to buy a mud daddy

What it’s not

I think where most people get disappointed with the mud daddy is when they expect it to be something it’s not.

It’s not a high pressure jet wash. It’s not supposed to be. You’re going to be using it on animals so it needs to be gentle and soft. The aim is to rinse dust, mud and debris off the dogs before you drop them home after a walk, not to blast out every loose hair until their skin’s red raw.

It’s only small, don’t expect 8 litres of water to last all day, it won’t. You’re going to need a few refills throughout the day. (although you can get a bigger 12 litre mud daddy here)

Top tip; Most petrol stations have a freshwater tap somewhere outside, just pop in and ask to use it. (but don’t use the ones by the airlines, they usually have screenwash in them)

It won’t leak in your car if you release the pressure before driving. To do this just unscrew the cap, the pressure releases then screw it back up. You will have to pump it back up again the next time you use it but that’s better than a wet car, or you can opt for the new battery-powered mud daddy power brushes instead and save yourself all that pumping.

It’s not indestructible. It’s not a chew toy for the dogs, if they get hold of the hose they will be able to bite through it, and if you leave it in your car overnight in winter the water will freeze, expand and may crack your container.

Check the latest Mud Daddy Prices here