It’s important to know how to wash and clean a dog bed.
Not only does it help the bed stay looking and smelling nice, but it also helps with odors in your home too.
It’s also good for your dog to have a clean dog bed.
In this guide, we outline what might be good general cleaning/washing steps to follow.
Depending on the type of dog bed you have and what washing and cleaning tools you have available to you, this can vary, so we’ve set out to give you some guides for specific types of dog beds as well.
Let’s get into it!
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
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Summary Of How To Wash And Clean Dog Beds
Washing and cleaning dog beds can be summarised in these main steps:
1. Absolutely the most important thing is to follow any washing and cleaning instructions given to you by bed manufacturers – they know their beds best, and you don’t want to void any guarantees or warranties
Follow the instructions given to you by cleaning product manufacturers – including what materials to use the products on and what amounts + how to wash and clean with them
2. Consider anything specific about the dog bed you are cleaning e.g. does it have a removable cover? Is the bed fully machine washable? Does the bed have memory foam in it?
Make allowances and change your cleaning practices to cater for these specifics.
3. Consider what washing and cleaning tools and equipment you have available to you e.g. do you have a vacuum? do you have a washing machine?
Get the necessary cleaning tools and products for the job.
4. A general wash and clean generally consists of – picking off hairs and immediate debris, a vacuum, a wipe down, a wash, removing odors and stains (sometimes with spray), and airing and drying out
Consider a general wash and clean in your cleaning practice.
1. Follow The Cleaning and Washing Instructions From The Dog Bed Manufacturer
Who knows their bed better than the people who made it?
Also importantly, making sure to follow the bed manufacturer instructions and directions means you won’t void any guarantees or warranties you have on the bed.
You can find instructions and directions on or at:
The product description of the seller you buy it from
On the manufacturer’s website
On the label or packaging that the dog bed comes with
By emailing or calling the manufacturer
2. Follow The Cleaning and Washing Instructions From The Cleaning Product Manufacturer
We are talking laundry powders, stain removal sprays and the like.
They usually have usage instructions and amounts on the label of the product – make sure you read them.
Combine these instructions with the cleaning instructions from the bed manufacturer.
Laundry Detergent and Powder
Some people who have dogs with sensitive skin or allergies sometimes choose to use a natural laundry detergent like the following to minimise the risk of irritation:
- Nellie’s All Nautral Laundry Soda (on Amazon)
- Molly’s Suds Natural Laundry Powder (on Amazon)
- Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent (on Amazon)
Stain Removal Spray
Some people choose to use a natural pet stain remover like
- Puracy Free & Clear Natural Pet Stain Remover (on Chewy)
- Puracy Natural Stain Remover (on Amazon) – it is plant based so it has natural ingredients.
3. Consider Anything Specific About Your Dog Bed When Cleaning and Washing It
For example:
Is the bed fully machine washable? – If so, you can put it straight in the washing machine
Does the bed come with removable covers? – If so, you’ll want to unzip the covers and put them in the wash
Does the bed come with memory foam? – If so, you’ll want to ask the manufacturer how to best clean the foam in the bed
4. Consider What Washing And Cleaning Tools You Have Available To You
For example:
Do you have a vacuum? – If not, you may have to remove dog hairs and surface dirt with a damp cloth
Do you have a washing machine? – If not, you may have to use your shower, bath tub or an outside hose
5. General Cleaning and Washing Procedure
A general clean and wash might look like the following:
Picking Off Immediate Hairs & Debris
Hairs and debris that you can see.
Vacuum
Vacuuming the external and internal of the bed to get rid of any pet hairs and dirt and surface level mess
Wipe down and Spray
With a damp cloth, you might like to get rid of any surface level mess you couldn’t vacuum off. You might spray the cover or foam with water to dissolve any solids.
Also, you can spray and wide down any stains or marks you can see on the bed fabric or outer cover.
Wash
Throw any covers, or the whole bed if it’s machine washable, into the washing machine
Remove Odors and Stains
Using any pet stain removers, or any odor removers, you might like to apply them to the covers or the dog bed and dilute them with water
Air and Dry Out
Air and dry out the dog bed and covers outside where there is ventilation and sunlight which might also help kill any bugs and mites
How To Clean & Wash Specific Types Of Dog Beds
You can read about specific washing and cleaning information in these guides:
- How To Wash and Clean An Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
- How To Wash and Clean A Dog Bed Without A Removable Cover
- How To Clean and Wash A Dog Bed Without A Washing Machine
- How To Clean & Wash A Dog Bed With Stuffing Or Polyester Inside
- How To Clean & Wash An Extra Large or Giant Dog Bed
- How To Clean & Wash A Dog Bed With Pee/Urine, Poop, Vomit, Blood, Dirt & Pet Stains On It
Best Washable Dog Beds
You can read this guide where we list the best washable dog beds on the market right now.
Best Dog Beds On The Market Right Now
Why Dogs Might Pee On Their Bed
You can read more in this guide for potential reasons why dogs might pee on their bed, and how you might be able to prevent it.
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