How To Clean Dog Beds

As our pups go about their daily activities and live their best life, their beds inevitably accumulate dirt, hair, dander, and any other messes they’ve stuck their noses in. 

No matter whether your furry friend has a single favorite bed or dozens, it’s crucial to wash them for several reasons. These include: 

• Removing bacteria and allergens that can be harmful to dogs and people 
• Eliminating odors 
• Reducing fur in your home 
• Controlling flea infestations 
• Prolonging the bed’s lifespan (as opposed to throwing it away if it becomes too soiled)  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regularly cleaning all pet bedding as often as you would your own items (once a week) to reduce the risk of disease-causing organisms for both pets and people. 

When cleaning your dog’s bed, it’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as they may vary depending on the bedding material. 

Here are general steps on how to clean your dog’s bed: 

The first step to cleaning your dog’s bed is to use a pet hair remover, like a lint roller or brush, to pull any loose fur off the bed. This will prevent hair buildup in the washer and dryer, and make the bed easier to clean.  

You can also vacuum the bed to remove both dirt and dog hair, which may be more convenient if your dog loves being a little messy or is a super shedder. 

Next, check for stains from dirt, drool, grass, vomit, or potty accidents (these happen!). If there are any, a stain remover may help restore the bed to its pre-stained condition. 

You can pre-treat the stain with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner, says Joe Shammah, president of LaundryFarm, a pet laundry service serving shelters and rescues, veterinary clinics, and other animal organizations across the U.S. Nature’s Miracle advanced stain and odor eliminator is a good option.

You can also make a pre-treat stain remover by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, he adds.

Try these tips to effectively treat fresh stains on your dog’s bed: 

1. Remove the cover to prevent the plush polyfill from getting wet. 
   • If the cover can’t be removed, apply pressure to soak up the mess. Then, squeeze a wet washcloth over the affected surface and slightly around the edge of it to dilute the stain. 
2. Apply pressure with a dry cloth to remove the moisture. 
3. Spray your pet’s bed with an enzyme cleaner. (A few sprays are sufficient.) 
4. Once the cleaner is applied, follow the instructions on the bottle. Typically, you can feather out the cleaner to avoid obvious marks of where it stops and starts just in case the cleaner part is too starkly clean compared to the rest of the bed. 
5. Use a cloth or sponge to work the solution into the fabric. Avoid rubbing the stains. 

For more pronounced stains, Shammah recommends letting the cleaner sit for 15–30 minutes or longer. 

If your dog’s bed needs a down-deep clean, your washing machine may be the way to go. In addition to keeping your dog’s bed clean, knowing how to properly machine wash their bed can maintain its durability so you get more use out of it.  

Here’s a general step-by-step on how to machine wash dog beds: 

1. Check the washing instructions on the tag. Some dog beds aren’t machine washable. It’s important to check the instructions on your dog’s bed before putting any part of it in the washing machine. 
2. Remove the cover (if removable). 
   • If only the removable cover is dirty, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean it. If the entire bed is soiled (cover and cushions), move on to the next step. 
   • If the cover isn’t removable, hand wash the bed. You may also wash the entire bed in the washing machine or take it to a laundromat to use a larger washing machine. However, this depends on the specific bed and care label. 
3. Machine wash the bed in cold water on a delicate cycle. When washing your dog’s bed, use pet-safe laundry detergent, like the Pet Parents hypoallergenic pet detergent, or any detergent made without dyes and fragrances. Use only nonchlorine bleach when necessary.
4. Lay flat to air dry. In some cases, you may be able to tumble dry some plush fabrics on low heat and reshape them as needed. 

Hand washing your dog’s bed is the best approach if it needs a light cleaning, or if their bed is too large or delicate for the washing machine. 

To hand wash your dog’s bed, follow these instructions from our experts: 

1. Fill a tub or large basin with enough water to submerge the dog bed. The water temperature can be anywhere from cool to warm. 
2. Add a few tablespoons of odor-free detergent. Add ½ cup of white vinegar for extra deodorizing. 
3. Squeeze the bed a few times while soaking. Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach spots. 
4. Drain the tub, refill with clean water, and rinse thoroughly. 
5. Squeeze out excess water. 
6. Lay flat outside to air dry. 

Does your pooch’s bed make you go “Pee-ew!” upon giving it a quick sniff? Whether you’re looking to get rid of dog pee smell or any other stinky scents, here’s how to remove offensive odors from your dog’s bed: 

1. Remove any liquid, vomit, waste, etc., with a paper towel. 
2. Saturate the affected area with an enzymatic cleaner, like Nature’s Miracle urine destroyer stain and odor remover or Skout’s Honor professional strength stain and odor remover. 
3. If the bed is washing machine-safe, run it through the washer with white vinegar or a laundry booster like the Pooph odor eliminator. 
4. Lay the bed out flat to fully dry. 

Whether you’re between washes or need to spruce up your dog’s bed for any reason, there are a few ways to clean one of your pup’s most prized possessions. These include: 

• Fluffing the bed 
• Using a lint roller or vacuum to remove hair and dirt at least once a week 
• Sprinkling baking soda on the bed and leaving it on for a few hours before vacuuming it 
• Using a damp cloth with an enzymatic cleaner to remove spots or stains 
• Spritzing the bed with a dog-safe odor eliminator 
• If the bed has a foam insert, hosing it down outside, then letting it dry in the sun 

Pro Tip: Wipe your dog’s paws when they return from walks to help keep their bed clean. 

Whether it’s machine washing, hand washing, or other cleaning methods, it’s best to read the care label on your dog’s bed for instructions on how to properly clean it and prevent damage. You can also check the product website or packaging copy for wash instructions. 

To keep your dog’s bed as spotless and sanitary as possible, Shammah recommends washing it thoroughly every two weeks. 

You may want to wash your furry pal’s bed more often depending on: 

• How much your dog sheds 
• If your dog has allergies 
• If any household members have pet allergies 
• How much time your dog spends outdoors (and tends to roll in dirt, and get into other dirty or stinky messes)