How to Wash a Dog Bed

Remove Debris Before You Wash The Dog Bed

Dog beds are usually covered in a layer of dirt and dander. While they provide your pup with some comfort and security, they also collect a lot of germs. If not properly cleaned on a regular basis, they can become a breeding ground for disease-causing organisms. The best way to prevent your pet's bed from becoming unhygienic and causing health concerns for your pet is to clean the bed regularly.

First, you should find out what type of dog bed you have. Some dog beds are machine washable, while others are not. If you can use a machine, you should opt for a pet-safe laundry detergent, usually mild. This is safer for your dog's skin because it will help to avoid skin irritation and allergies.

Now, use a dog hair removal brush, lint roller, or any other pet hair remover to remove the dog hair, fur, and dander from the dog's bed. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt or remaining debris from the protective cover and inside of the bed. This will save you time during the washing process.

Spot Clean Pet Stains on The Dog Bed

If your dog bed is small enough, you can probably get away with spot cleaning. Simply dampen a cloth and use it to gently wipe away any pet stains or excess dirt from the bed.

To remove stains, use a pet stain remover. Look for one that doesn't contain chlorine or artificial fragrances. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly to get rid of any harsh chemicals.

You can also try spot cleaning a dog bed by using an enzyme cleaner for more stubborn stains. You can either make this at home or purchase an enzyme cleaner or stain remover at your local pet store.

If you have a larger dog bed, you'll need to use something more powerful than just water. Hand washing can be done in small amounts of water without detergent by simply rubbing the dirt off with your hands (or applying soap). If this doesn't work, add a few drops of mild laundry detergent per gallon of warm water and scrub using a wet cloth or soft brush until all the stains are gone. Rinse thoroughly then hang outside in direct sunlight for about eight hours before drying completely on the back porch or clothesline.

Remove Stuffing and Wash The Dog Bed Cover

If you have a removable cover on your pet bed (as most dog beds do), you can take the stuffing or the foam filling out, and simply throw the dog bed cover into the washing machine. If the label does not allow for machine-washing, the removable cover will at least be easier to hand wash.

Hand washing: First soak the cover in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then gently scrub any stains with an old toothbrush and rinse until all of the soap suds are gone.

Machine washing: Place your dog bedding in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase (the latter being safer if you have a zippered case). Next, pop it into the machine with your dog blankets on a gentle cycle with plenty of water. 

Hand Wash or Machine Wash the Dog Bed Cover

Hand washing a dog bed is probably best if the fabric of the dog bedding is delicate. On the other hand, if you have a machine that can handle bulky items like pillows and comforters, then by all means go ahead and throw the entire bed in there!

Wash Your Dog's Bed on a Cold/Gentle Cycle

Preferably use a mild, pet-safe detergent to protect your dog's skin.

After the cycle, it's crucial to let the removable cover of your dog bed air dry as much as you can. This will lessen the chance of mold and mildew growing. Try hanging it in the sunroom or on a veranda with lots of sunlight if you don't have access to a clothesline.

In order to fully sterilize your bed, you might also toss the entire bed into a front-load washer and dryer. Don't forget to add in hypoallergenic dryer sheets for some added long-lasting freshness. Of course, before beginning this process, check to see if your washer and dryer are in good operating order and that the entire pet bed is fully machine washable.

Also, check to make sure that you are adhering to the washing instructions for washing and drying in the machine. The bedding tag or packaging should indicate whether the bedding can be washed in cold water or hot water, if it should be on a gentle cycle, and whether or not you can tumble dry the bedding. That way, you can ensure it’ll stay fresh and comfortable over the long term. 

Dog Beds Need to be Cleaned Often

Dog beds are dirty. This is a fact of life, and it's also why you should clean your dog's bed—whether it's a memory foam mattress or a simple pillow with a cover—regularly. Many dog beds can be machine washed with detergent and warm or hot water, but you can also add baking soda and/or white vinegar to the wash cycle to prevent fabric-destroying pet odors. 

If you don't have time for that, spot cleaning using soap and water will do the trick just fine. Washing by hand is another option if you're willing; machine washing will likely damage your pet's bed unless it specifically says "machine washable" on the tag.

All in all, regular upkeep is important for both human homes and canine domiciles alike!

Conclusion

Washing your dog’s bed weekly will help keep your pup fresh and clean, and protect their skin and fur from exposure to harmful bugs. A dirty bed can harbor bacteria, parasites, and other microbes, so regular cleaning keeps pet beds fresh and help protect your pupster’s health. 

The takeaway from this article should be that knowing how to wash a dog bed is an important part of being a pet parent. It is important to know how to clean a dog bed so that your pet can enjoy a comfortable, healthy sleep too. 

We hope this article has been helpful for you in understanding how best to care for your furry friend, but if you're simply looking for new pet beds instead, we've got you covered there, too! Check out ShopHiddin for pet beds, feeders, and everything else your pet may need!