How to Wash Your Dog’s Bed

Just like humans, dogs need their bedding to be washed regularly. Dogs are notorious for hauling in mud, germs, bacteria, poop, and other unmentionables, and oftentimes those things end up in their beds! Unclean dog beds not only start to stink and become an eyesore but can be a breeding ground for unexpected visitors, like fleas. Dog beds need to be cleaned, but how? Follow along to find out the best tips on how to wash your dog’s bed!

Dog Bed Washing Guide

Different dog beds require different types of cleaning, which is a big thing to consider before starting. The first step? Indicate if your dog’s bed has a removable cover (and if it’s machine washable) or if the cover is sewn on.

Beds with Removable Covers

When washing these types of beds, you will want to wash both the bed and the bed’s cover. Remove the cover and check the label for wash instructions (like is it machine washable, cold water, hot water, etc.). If it’s machine washable, wash as you would any other fabrics, but consider:

• Vacuum excess dirt or hair before washing
• Wash at a high temperature to kill off bacteria
• Use a dog-friendly detergent and/or run 2 cycles to make sure all detergent is washed off before drying
• Air dry or dry on low heat (without any fabric softener/sheets)
• Clean out your washer after to get rid of any pet remnants (you can do this with a washing machine cleaner or a white vinegar rinse)

*If your bed cover isn’t machine washable, wash it by hand (either in the sink or tub) and continue the process

Beds with Non-Removable Covers

These beds will need to be washed by hand to get the best result! To do this follow:

• Vacuum excess dirt or hair before washing
• Fill up a basin, bucket, sink, tub, etc. with enough water to submerge the bed completely
• Allow the bed to soak in dog-friendly detergent for about 15 minutes
• Scrub gently (all over and in crevasses) to remove any lingering odors
• Rinse out thoroughly until water runs clear
• Squeeze excess water and allow it to dry in a sunny spot

Washing a Bed with Urine or Other Problem Stains

Dogs sometimes have accidents, but usually, urine and other stains are easy to clean, especially if they’re new!

Surface or mild stains:

• Stains like mud may fall under this category and just need a bit more attention than regular washing. Try using a dog-friendly detergent to spot clean an area. Use a gentle scrubber, like a designated toothbrush, to cleanse the detergent into the stain with circular motions. The stain will begin to lift after it’s agitated and you can resume washing as normal.

Aggressive or severe stains:

• Stains like feces or urine require more care to get out of dog beds. Enzyme cleaners will help with the ease of cleaning the stains fully. Follow the instructions on the cleaner you are using to get the best results then wash as usual. Shy away from tough chemicals, like bleach, as they can irritate your dog’s skin and the bed’s integrity.

Keeping Clean

Your dog’s bed should be washed the same amount as you would wash your sheets, about once every 1-2 weeks! To maintain the bed’s cleanliness, try:

• Frequently vacuuming the bed regularly
• Wash your dog’s paws when coming from outside
• Place in a sunlit area to kill off bacteria
• Wash after any out of the home animals visit