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Keeping a Maltese brilliantly white takes a little more than soap and water. The breed’s fine, silky single coat picks up dirt and yellowing easily, especially around the mouth, paws, and eyes, and the pink skin underneath can be sensitive. Maltese are also bathed more often than many breeds, so a harsh shampoo used every couple of weeks can dry out skin and make hair brittle. This guide explains how to choose shampoos and conditioners for a Maltese, how often to bathe, and how to deal with tear and mouth staining safely.
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Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best dog shampoo for maltese is the Gentle moisturizing shampoo — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
How often should you bathe a Maltese?
Many Maltese do well with a bath every one to three weeks, depending on coat length, lifestyle, and how clean you want the coat to be. Show dogs may be bathed weekly. Because baths are frequent, a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are important to prevent dryness and breakage.
Healthy Breeds Maltese Bright Whitening Shampoo 12 oz, Pina Colada
Included for 'Best Dog Shampoo for Maltese' because the listing specifies Pina Colada, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Wahl USA 4-in-1 Calming Dog Shampoo with Lavender Chamomile Scent – Cleans, Conditions, Detangles, & Moisturizes - Pet Friendly Formula - 24 Oz - Model 820000A
Included for 'Best Dog Shampoo for Maltese' because the listing specifies Cleans and Conditions, details this guide uses to compare options.
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BioSilk for Dogs Silk Therapy Whitening Dog Shampoo, 12 Fl Oz
Included for 'Best Dog Shampoo for Maltese' because the listing specifies 12 Fl Oz, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Lillian Ruff PRO Formula Berry Blue Brightening Pet Shampoo - Ultra-Hydrating Professional Whitening Dog Shampoo, Vivid Show-Quality Coat Enhancer, Tear Stain & Odor Eliminator With ProVitamin B5 16oz
Included for 'Best Dog Shampoo for Maltese' because the listing specifies Ultra-Hydrating Professional Whitening Dog Shampoo and Vivid Show-Quality Coat Enhancer, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonWhat to look for in a Maltese shampoo
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
Gentle and pH-balanced
Choose a dog-specific, soap-free or mild shampoo. Human shampoos are not formulated for dog skin and can cause irritation.
Brightening without harsh bleach
Whitening or brightening shampoos use optical brighteners or bluing agents to counter yellow tones. Use them occasionally rather than at every bath, and avoid products with harsh bleaching chemicals near the face.
Tearless face formula
A tearless or face-specific cleanser is useful for washing around the eyes and muzzle, which are common stain areas.
Conditioner
Maltese hair tangles easily. A light, rinse-out conditioner makes brushing easier and helps protect the hair from breakage.
Shampoo and conditioner options compared
| Product type | Typical price range (16 oz) | Best use | Notes for Maltese |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle moisturizing shampoo | $10 – $25 | Regular baths | Main everyday shampoo |
| Whitening or brightening shampoo | $12 – $25 | Occasional brightening | Use every few baths |
| Tearless face wash | $8 – $18 | Eye and muzzle area | Keep out of eyes anyway |
| Rinse-out conditioner | $10 – $25 | After every bath | Reduces tangles and breakage |
| Hypoallergenic or oatmeal shampoo | $10 – $25 | Sensitive or itchy skin | Fragrance-free is best |
Bathing a Maltese step by step
Brush first
Always brush and comb out tangles before bathing. Water makes mats tighter and harder to remove.
Wash gently
Use lukewarm water. Dilute the shampoo if the label allows, and work it through the hair in the direction of growth rather than scrubbing in circles, which can create tangles.
Rinse thoroughly and condition
Rinse until the water runs clear, apply conditioner, then rinse again. Leftover product can cause itching and dull the coat.
Dry carefully
Blot with a towel instead of rubbing. Blow dry on low heat while brushing, which keeps the coat straight and reduces tangles. Small dogs chill quickly, so dry fully and keep the room warm.
Dealing with tear and mouth staining
Reddish-brown staining around the eyes and mouth comes largely from pigments called porphyrins in tears and saliva. Daily gentle wiping and keeping the area dry reduces staining. Shampoo alone will not fix it. Heavy tearing, eye redness, or sudden changes should be checked by a veterinarian, as blocked tear ducts, eyelash problems, or infections can be the cause.
Skin sensitivity
Some Maltese have allergies that cause itching, redness, or paw licking. If a shampoo seems to irritate your dog, switch to a fragrance-free hypoallergenic formula. Persistent itching or skin changes warrant a vet visit.
Spot cleaning between baths
Paws, the beard, and the rear end get dirty long before the rest of the coat. Rather than giving a full bath every few days, rinse these areas with lukewarm water and a small amount of diluted shampoo, then dry them completely with a towel and a low-heat dryer. Damp hair on the feet and muzzle can turn rusty brown and develop a yeasty smell, so drying matters as much as washing. Waterless foam cleansers made for dogs can refresh a small area in a pinch, but rinse-free products can build up if used every day, so use them sparingly.
FAQ
How often should I bathe my Maltese?
Every one to three weeks suits most Maltese. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying the coat.
Can whitening shampoo remove tear stains?
It can brighten the coat but will not fix the cause of tear staining. Daily face cleaning and a vet check for heavy tearing work better.
Bottom line
For a Maltese, the best routine is a gentle moisturizing shampoo and rinse-out conditioner every one to three weeks, a brightening shampoo used occasionally, and a tearless face wash for stain areas. Brush before bathing, rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and let a vet check persistent tearing.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Gentle moisturizing shampoo.
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