How To Properly Wash A Dog Bed

Dogs are known as man’s best friends for a reason. They are loyal and always happy to see their owner, no matter what. They also make great cuddlers, and who can resist those big brown eyes?

But another thing dogs are good at is making a mess. And one of the messes they make more often than not is in their bed. 

If you’re a dog owner, then you know how frustrating it can be trying to keep your pup’s bed clean. Not only does dirt and mud accumulate quickly, but dogs also tend to shed a lot of hair.

In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to wash a dog bed properly so that it stays clean and comfortable for your furry friend.

But first…

Why Should You Wash Your Dog’s Bed?

A dog’s bed is one of the places where they spend a lot of their time. It’s also a place where they shed hair, skin cells, and other things that can be harmful to their health if not cleaned properly.

Washing your dog’s bed regularly will help to remove any dirt, mud, or other debris that has accumulated on it. This is especially true of a travel dog bed. It will also help to remove any bacteria or other organisms that could cause your dog to become sick.

Washing your dog’s bed is important for their health and wellbeing. It will also help to keep your home clean and free of any bad odors that can come from a dirty dog bed.

A dirty dog bed can also attract other pests, such as fleas or ticks. This is why it’s important to wash your dog’s bed regularly, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. 

The last thing you want is for your dog to bring fleas or ticks into your home, particularly if you have other pets or small children.

This is often overlooked, but another important reason to wash your dog’s bed is to remove any allergens that may be present. If you or someone in your family is allergic to dogs, then washing the bed is a necessary step to take to prevent any reactions.

Allergens can also be present in the form of dust mites. Dust mites thrive in humid and warm environments.

They are known to cause respiratory problems in people who are allergic to them and feed off of dead skin cells.

Washing your dog’s bed will help to remove any dust mites that may be present, as well as any other allergens.

This will make it a safer environment for everyone in your home, particularly if someone has asthma or another respiratory condition.

Steps on How to Wash Dog Bed

Washing a dog bed may seem like a daunting task, but it’s pretty simple.

Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Remove all of the bedding from the dog bed, including any pillows, blankets, or toys. These can all be washed separately from the actual bed.

2. Vacuum the dog bed to remove any dirt, hair, or other debris that has accumulated on it. If you have an upholstered dog bed, you may want to use a lint brush to remove any hair that is embedded in the fabric.

3. Spot clean any areas of the bed that are particularly dirty or stained. You can do this with a damp cloth and some mild soap. Be sure to rinse the area well afterward so that no soap residue is left behind.

4. If your dog bed is machine washable, then wash it on a gentle cycle with warm water. You may want to add a small amount of bleach to the wash cycle to kill any bacteria or other organisms that may be present.

5. If your dog bed is not machine washable, then you will need to clean it by hand. This can be done by filling a tub with warm water and some mild soap. Soak the bed in the tub for a few minutes before scrubbing it clean with a soft brush. Rinse the bed well afterward to remove any soap residue.

6. Allow the dog bed to air dry completely before putting any bedding or toys back on it. You may want to place it in a sunny spot or near a fan to speed up the drying process.

7. Once the bed is completely dry, put any bedding or toys back on it and let your dog enjoy their clean and comfortable new bed!

How To Clean a Non-Washable Dog Bed?

Non-washable dog beds, like some calming dog beds, will require a little more effort to clean, but it is still possible to keep them clean and fresh. The most important thing is to vacuum or brush the bed regularly to remove any dirt, hair, or other debris.

You can also spot clean the bed as needed using mild soap and warm water. If your dog bed starts to smell, you can dredge baking soda on it and leave it for a couple of hours before vacuuming.

You may need to deep clean a non-washable dog bed every few months, or more often if your dog is particularly messy. To do this, you can use a mild detergent and warm water.

Be sure to rinse the bed thoroughly and let it dry completely before your dog uses it again. Similar to a washable dog bed, you can also use a disinfectant spray or flea spray for furniture on a non-washable bed to help keep it clean and fresh.

In addition to regular cleaning, you should also inspect your dog’s bed periodically for signs of wear and tear. If the bed is starting to fall apart, it will need to be replaced.

Cleaning and maintaining a non-washable dog bed may take a little more effort, but it is still possible to keep them clean and fresh.

Can You Put a Dog Bed in the Dryer?

It’s generally not a good idea to put a dog bed in the dryer. Dog beds are typically made with materials that can shrink or become misshapen when exposed to high heat.

Additionally, the stuffing in most dog beds is not meant to be laundered and can become lumpy or matted if it’s put in the dryer.

However, if you must clean your dog’s bed in the dryer, use the lowest setting possible and remove the bed while it’s still slightly damp to avoid damage. 

Some dog beds can be tumble dried on the gentle cycle if they are designed for it, so check the care instructions before laundering.

It is recommended to put it on for about 15-20 minutes. This should be more than enough time to fluff it up and help remove any smells. If your pet’s bed is very large, you may need to put it on for a little longer. 

Just make sure that you don’t overdo it, as this can damage the fabric.

Our Readers Favorite Questions

Is It Ok to Wash Dog Bed in Washing Machine

Yes, as long as the fabric and design of the bed can withstand a washing machine, you can wash the dog bed in a washing machine.

Just remember to use mild detergent and cold water, and avoid using the dryer if possible as it can damage the bed.

How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?

It’s a good idea to wash your dog’s bed every one to two months, or more often if it’s become particularly dirty. You may also want to spot clean the bed as needed in between full washes.

A clean bed is important for your dog’s health and comfort, so be sure to keep up with regular cleaning to ensure their bed stays fresh and clean.

Can You Wash and Dry Dog Beds?

Yes, most dog beds can be washed and dried. However, it is important to check the care instructions that come with the bed to ensure that you are not damaging it. Some beds may need to be air dried or washed on a gentle cycle.

How Do You Wash a Dog Bed Without a Removable Cover?

If your dog bed does not have a removable cover, you will need to take extra care when cleaning it. Vacuum or brush the bed regularly to remove any dirt, hair, or other debris. You can also spot clean the bed as needed using mild soap and warm water.

Conclusion

It’s important to keep your dog’s bed clean and fresh to provide a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment.

Vacuum or brush the bed regularly, and spot clean as needed using mild soap and warm water. You may also need to deep clean the bed every few months.

If the bed is starting to fall apart, be sure to replace it to avoid any accidents. With proper care and cleaning, you can keep your dog’s bed in good condition for years to come.

Remember, a clean bed is a happy dog!

How do you wash your dog’s bed? Let us know in the comments below.