How to Clean a Dog Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your dog’s bed isn’t just dirty – it’s a toxic time bomb. While you sleep, invisible invaders are multiplying in your pet’s bedding. Bacteria, allergens, and odors can impact your pet’s health and your home’s cleanliness. Therefore, you should wash your dog’s bed every week to prevent skin infections, reduce allergens in your home, and keep your furry friend comfortable.

However, many pet owners unknowingly make critical mistakes when cleaning their dog’s bedding because they don’t know the right method for their specific bed type. Read this guide to walk through the exact steps to clean any dog bed properly. You’ll learn how often to wash it, what products work best, and simple maintenance tips to keep your dog’s sleeping area fresh between washes.

How to Wash Your Dog’s Bed: Step-By-Step

Start by removing loose hair and debris before washing. Use cold water and pet-safe detergent for best results.

Preparing the Dog Bed for Cleaning

• Check the care label on your dog bed before starting. Most machine washable dog beds have washing instructions on the tag.
• Remove any toys, blankets, or accessories from the bed. If your bed has a removable cover, unzip it carefully. Keep the cover and inner filling separate for cleaning.
• Look for any tears or damaged areas that might get worse during washing. Small holes can become bigger problems in the washing machine.
• Check for heavy stains or odors that need special treatment. Mark these spots so you can treat them before washing.

Removing Pet Hair and Debris

Use a lint roller to remove pet hair from the bed surface. Roll it over the entire bed in different directions. A pet hair remover tool works better than a lint roller for thick fur. These tools have special edges that grab stubborn hair. Focus on seams and corners where hair collects.

Shake the bed outside to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents your washing machine from getting clogged.

Machine Washing Removable Covers

1. Turn removable covers inside out before washing.
2. Wash covers in cold water on a gentle cycle. Hot water can shrink fabric and set in odors.
3. Add pet-safe laundry detergent without harsh chemicals. Regular detergent can irritate your dog’s skin.
4. Run a gentle or delicate cycle to protect the bed covers from damage.
5. Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove odors naturally. Use half a cup for standard loads.
6. Air dry the covers when possible. High heat from dryers can damage fabric and cause shrinking.

Cleaning Non-Machine Washable Dog Beds

For non-removable parts, follow these steps:

1. Mix warm water with pet-safe cleaner, white vinegar, or baking soda in a spray bottle. Test the solution on a hidden area first.
2. Spray the cleaning solution over the entire bed surface. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down odors and stains.
3. Use a clean cloth to scrub problem areas gently. Work from the outside of the stains toward the center.
4. Rinse with clean water using a damp cloth. Remove all soap residue to prevent skin irritation.
5. Use fans or open windows to speed up drying time.

How Often to Wash Your Dog’s Bed?

Most experts recommend washing your dog’s bed at least once a month. This keeps it clean and fresh for your pet.

However, you should wash it more often in certain situations:

• Weekly washing if your dog spends lots of time outside
• Weekly washing if you or your dog has allergies
• Every 2 weeks for dogs that shed heavily
• Weekly washing if your dog sleeps on the bed every night

Signs your dog’s bed needs washing:

• Strong odors
• Visible dirt or stains
• Your dog scratching more than usual
• Fleas or other pests

Clean beds help your dog sleep better and stay healthier. Make washing part of your regular pet care routine.

Tips for Dog Bed Maintenance

Keep your dog’s bed clean and fresh with simple daily habits and the right cleaning supplies. Regular maintenance prevents tough stains and odors from building up.

• Use protective covers on your dog’s bed to catch dirt and spills before they reach the main cushion. Waterproof covers work best for dogs that drool or have accidents.
• Vacuum the bed weekly to remove hair, dirt, and debris. This stops the buildup that leads to bad smells.
• Air out the bed daily by placing it in a sunny spot for 15-30 minutes. Fresh air and sunlight kill germs naturally.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the bed once a week and let it sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming. This absorbs odors between washes.
• Clean accidents right away using paper towels to blot up liquid. Don’t rub the stain, as this pushes it deeper into the fabric.
• Make sure to clean your dog regularly.

Recommended Cleaning Products from Heou

Sticky Pet Hair Removal Brush

Heou’s pet hair removal brush is a high-quality grooming tool designed to effortlessly remove pet hair from sofas, carpets, and clothing. Available in three sizes (L, M, S) and stylish light blue or grey colors, this brush is made from durable PP plastic and stainless steel for long-lasting use. With a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 28 sets, it’s ideal for retailers and pet care businesses. The product meets strict quality standards, certified by BSCI and SGS, ensuring safety and reliability. Perfect for pet owners seeking an efficient and reusable solution for stubborn fur!

liquid-able avocado pet massage bath brush

Heou’s Pet Spray Massage Comb is a premium grooming tool designed for both long-haired and short-haired cats and dogs. Made from durable ABS plastic + silicone, it features a self-cleaning function for hassle-free maintenance. The comb comes in a fresh white/green color scheme, weighs just 72.5g, and has compact 11×7.5×5.5 cm dimensions for easy handling. Its unique design allows for a soothing massage effect while distributing sprays or liquids evenly, promoting a shiny, healthy coat. Perfect for pet parents who want a gentle yet effective way to groom their furry friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method for cleaning a dog bed without a removable cover?

Start by vacuuming the bed to remove loose hair and debris. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to spot clean stains on the surface.

For deeper cleaning, fill a bathtub with warm water and pet-safe detergent. Submerge the bed and gently scrub with a soft brush.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water until no soap remains. Squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting the bed.

Air dry the bed completely in a well-ventilated area. This may take 24-48 hours depending on the thickness.

What are the steps to effectively wash a dog bed in the washing machine?

Remove the cover from the bed insert if possible. Check the care label for washing instructions and weight limits.

Pre-treat any stains with enzyme cleaner or stain remover. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.

Use cold or warm water with pet-safe detergent. Add an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap residue.

Wash on a gentle cycle to protect the fabric. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners as they can irritate your dog’s skin.

Dry on low heat or air dry to prevent shrinkage. High heat can damage the fabric and cause the bed to lose its shape.

What is the proper way to clean dog bed stains?

Act quickly when you notice fresh stains. Blot liquid stains with paper towels instead of rubbing them in.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

For protein-based stains like urine or vomit, use an enzyme cleaner. These break down the organic matter that causes odors.

Blot the area with clean towels after treatment. Rinse with water and blot again to remove cleaning solution.