Does your furry friend’s bed sometimes smell a little… lived-in? You love your dog, but their favorite sleeping spot can become a magnet for dirt, dander, and those not-so-pleasant doggy odors. Washing their bedding is a must, but picking the right detergent can feel like a puzzle. You want something that gets it clean and fresh, but you also worry about harsh chemicals that might bother your dog’s sensitive skin or lungs. It’s a common struggle for pet parents!
Choosing the wrong detergent can lead to dingy bedding, lingering smells, or even skin irritation for your beloved companion. But what if there was a way to achieve a truly clean and fresh dog bed without the guesswork? This post is here to help you navigate the world of dog-bedding detergents.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a detergent great for washing dog bedding. We’ll break down the key ingredients to look for and the ones to avoid, empowering you to make a smart choice. Get ready to discover how to keep your dog’s bed spotless and smelling wonderful, ensuring a happy and healthy naptime for your furry family member.
Top Detergent To Wash Dog Bedding Recommendations
- Concentrated Powder Detergent: ACTIVE Pet Detergent is a Powerful, High Efficiency Compatible Odor Destroyer & Stain Eliminating Detergent. Every Scoop has a Natural Cleaning Power to Handle any Mess, Stain, or Smell left behind by your pet.
- Suitable for all Pet Laundry: Including Pet Bed, Clothing, Leash, Harness, Blankets, Towels, Furniture Covers & More! ACTIVE is an All-in-One Laundry Detergent Compatible With All Fabric Types, Even Use on your own Clothing and Bedding that smells like your pet!
- Bio Based Enzyme Cleaner: ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Detergent is Formulated to Target Pesky Stains and Odors, Including Pet Urine, Cat & Dog Pee, Vomit, Slobber, Dirt, Grime, Oils and Protein Stains. ACTIVE Enzymes even get rid of Wet Dog Odor, and others stubborn scents
- Natural & Fragrance Free: ACTIVE Pet Detergent is a Natural Laundry Stain Remover, Free of Harsh Chemicals and Gentle for Pets and Sensitive Skin. ACTIVE Actually Removes Odors rather than using scents to cover them up like some alternatives
- Best Value 64 Loads: Compare ACTIVE Dog Laundry Detergent to liquids that take up more space with less uses. Our Value Pack Comes in a Bulk 2 Lb bag so you can Keep Your Pet Laundry Taken Care Of!
- Cleans & Deodorizes What Your Pet Loves Most: Uses naturally derived enzymes to help break down the messy stuff like drool, oils, and food stains on your pet’s favorite blankets, beds, and soft toys
- Odor Remover: Fragrance-free formula helps neutralize and eliminate dog and cat odors at the source, instead of masking them with synthetic scents like many conventional detergents
- Kind to Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and made without dyes, added scents, phthalates, or sulfates; just a gentle clean you can feel good about using around allergy-prone pets and people
- Made Thoughtfully, Close to Home: Made in the USA with carefully chosen ingredients and packaged in a recyclable bottle; never tested on animals
- Concentrated Formula: Lasts up to 32 loads with no booster needed; use two capfuls for regular laundry or four capfuls for larger or heavily soiled loads; for deep stains or heavy messes, a separate pre-soak treatment may be helpful; to sanitize, follow your washer's sanitize cycle settings
- Get the dog off with DOGOFF! You’re probably thinking: Wow. Another laundry detergent option to choose from. But we’ve made the choice so simple, a dog could sniff out the awesomeness.
- Pet Safe - 100% safe for washing items such as towels, clothes, bedding, and more belonging to dogs, cats, and other pets.
- Naturally Derived, High-Powered Ingredients - Everything we use in our formulas is derived from nature. With super concentrated, biodegradable formulas, you can rest assured that you're using a product not only good for your doggo but also for the environment.
- Made by Grooming Supply Experts - We've been making products for the grooming industry for over 23 years, so we know a thing or two about high-quality pet products that perform. In fact, this professional-grade product was created with the grooming industry in mind!
- 1 oz = 128 loads! (Please note this product does not come with a scoop/cup)
- Cleans & Deodorizes What Your Pet Loves Most: Uses naturally derived enzymes to help break down the messy stuff like drool, oils, and food stains on your pet’s favorite blankets, beds, and soft toys
- Odor Remover: Fragrance-free formula helps neutralize and eliminate dog and cat odors at the source, instead of masking them with synthetic scents like many conventional detergents
- Kind to Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and made without dyes, added scents, phthalates, or sulfates; just a gentle clean you can feel good about using around allergy-prone pets and people
- Bundle includes large mesh laundry bag, ideal for soft toys, pet clothing, collars and leashes.
- Concentrated Formula: Lasts up to 32 loads with no booster needed; use two capfuls for regular laundry or four capfuls for larger or heavily soiled loads; for deep stains or heavy messes, a separate pre-soak treatment may be helpful; to sanitize, follow your washer's sanitize cycle settings
- MULTI-ACTION MACHINE CARE BOOST: Our upgraded pet hair dissolver for washing machines is designed to help break down pet hair buildup more effectively during high-heat cleaning cycles. Under tested conditions, it helps dissolve up to 96.7% of pet hair while also helping descale residue and deodorize the drum. Now upgraded from 75 g to 100 g per sachet, it delivers more product per use for deeper washer care in pet hair homes.
- DEEP-CLEAN WITH TUB/SELF-CLEAN CYCLE: For best results, add the sachet of this hair dissolving laundry detergent directly to an empty drum and run
- GENTLE FORMULA FOR WASHER CARE: Designed as a specialized pet hair dissolver for washing machine care, this formula may also be used on durable, machine-washable pet-care items that are compatible with the recommended wash conditions. Not recommended for cotton, linen, silk, wool, or delicate fabrics prone to fading. Avoid use on items labeled for cold-water wash only to help prevent damage or discoloration.
- FIRST USE DEEP CLEAN: For best results, use 2 sachets for the first application or for heavier buildup, including washer drum deep cleaning. Use 1 sachet for routine washer maintenance. A follow-up rinse cycle may help clear loosened residue after the first use.
- EXTENDED SUPPLY, CONSISTENT RESULTS: Rely on our pet hair dissolver for washing machine care as a simple month-by-month routine, with 6 pre-measured sachets (100g) providing a ready supply for up to half a year so you never run out mid-shed season, supporting steady hair dissolving laundry detergent performance for pet parents who prefer predictable, low-effort maintenance.
- Cleans & Deodorizes What Your Pet Loves Most: Uses naturally derived enzymes to help break down the messy stuff like drool, oils, and food stains on your pet’s favorite blankets, beds, and soft toys
- Odor Remover: Fragrance-free formula helps neutralize and eliminate dog and cat odors at the source, instead of masking them with synthetic scents like many conventional detergents
- Kind to Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and made without dyes, added scents, phthalates, or sulfates; just a gentle clean you can feel good about using around allergy-prone pets and people
- Made Thoughtfully, Close to Home: Made in the USA with carefully chosen ingredients and packaged in a recyclable bottle; never tested on animals
- Concentrated Formula: Lasts up to 32 loads with no booster needed; use two capfuls for regular laundry or four capfuls for larger or heavily soiled loads; for deep stains or heavy messes, a separate pre-soak treatment may be helpful; to sanitize, follow your washer's sanitize cycle settings
- 96.7% EFFECTIVE PET HAIR DISSOLVER:Our advanced enzymatic formula is scientifically designed to dissolve away up to 96.7% of stubborn pet hair from fabrics in the wash. It breaks down hair deep within fibers, preventing clogging in your machines
- OXYGEN-POWERED STAIN & ODOR ELIMINATION: Targets and eliminates the source of tough stains and unpleasant odors with oxygen activation, leaving your laundry deeply cleaned and refreshed with a natural fragrance
- IDEAL FOR COLORFAST FABRICS & PRECISE USAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Specially formulated for colorfast cotton, polyester, and durable synthetic apparel. For best results, Use the "Tub/Self Clean" mode with water reaching 194°F. Not recommended for delicate wools, silks, leathers, or printed patterns
- MACHINE-SAFE & FABRIC-GUARD: The non-corrosive, additive-free powder is safe for all HE, top-load, and front-load washers. It gently cleans without damaging pumps or drains
- LINT ROLLER ALTERNATIVE: Prevents fuzz and fabric pilling caused by sticky lint rollers. Our low-abrasion enzymatic action loosens hair gently, extends clothing life, and protects delicate fabrics wash after wash
- Upgraded Pet Laundry Detergent – Pet Hair Separation: Up to 90% of fur is separated from fabrics for easy rinsing—no chemical breakdown of hair. This pet hair remover for laundry is ideal for cat and dog owners seeking a gentler alternative to harsh products. By reducing static and surface oils, it prevents clogs while preserving fabric integrity.
- Enzyme-Powered Stain Removal for Daily Messes: Formulated as a concentrated enzyme laundry detergent, this booster targets sweat, grease, oil, blood, and pet-related stains. Perfect for activewear, pet bedding, and uniforms—deep cleans without harsh chemicals.
- Flexible Dosage for Effective Pet-Hair Separation: Use 25 ml (0.85 fl oz) for up to 4 items or 50 ml (1.69 fl oz) for up to 8; select a high water level and add a brief pre-soak or extra rinse so our plant-based, cedar-scent detergent can detach stubborn fur, soften fabrics, and leave a long-lasting fresh fragrance (removes hair, does not dissolve it).
- Great for Clothing & Smaller Pet Bedding: This laundry pet hair remover excels with everyday clothing, blankets, and lighter bedding. For bulky pet beds, ensure enough space for water to circulate or consider hand‑washing. Hair that becomes separated inside thick padding may remain trapped without adequate water flow.
- Safe for Colors & Gentle on Skin: Made with plant‑based enzymes, it does not contain bleach, parabens, or dyes. We have no reports of fading or irritation, though sensitive users may run an extra rinse if needed. By focusing on gentle cleaning, this detergent addresses both odor and hair issues without harsh aftereffects.
Choosing the Best Detergent for Your Dog’s Bedding
Keeping your furry friend’s bed clean is important for their health and your home’s freshness. But what’s the best way to wash it? Using the right detergent makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect cleaner for your dog’s bedding.
Why Special Detergents?
Dog beds can get smelly and hold onto dirt, dander, and even germs. Regular laundry detergents might not be strong enough to tackle these issues. They can also leave behind residues that might irritate your dog’s skin. Special dog bedding detergents are made to be tough on odors and stains while being gentle on your pet.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for dog bedding detergent, keep these important features in mind.
Odor Elimination
The best detergents really fight smells. They don’t just cover up odors; they break them down. Look for words like “odor-neutralizing” or “odor-eliminating” on the label. This is super important for keeping your home smelling fresh.
Stain Removal Power
Dogs can be messy! Accidents happen, and muddy paws leave marks. A good detergent will lift tough stains like mud, drool, and food spills. Some detergents have special enzymes that target and break down these types of messes.
Hypoallergenic and Gentle Formulas
Your dog’s skin is sensitive. Harsh chemicals can cause itching or allergic reactions. Choose detergents that are labeled “hypoallergenic,” “gentle,” or “free from dyes and perfumes.” This protects your dog’s skin.
Pet-Safe Ingredients
Always check the ingredient list. You want to avoid harsh chemicals like phosphates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Natural ingredients are often a better choice. Some detergents use plant-based cleaners, which are safer for your pet and the environment.
Concentrated Formulas
A concentrated detergent means you use less product per wash. This saves you money and reduces waste. A little goes a long way, making it a cost-effective option.
Important Materials and Ingredients
Understanding what’s in your detergent helps you make a smart choice.
Enzymes
Enzymes are powerful cleaners. They are natural proteins that break down specific types of stains. For example, protease enzymes break down protein-based stains like blood and vomit. Amylase enzymes tackle starch-based stains. These are great for pet messes.
Plant-Based Surfactants
Surfactants are the cleaning agents that lift dirt and oils. Plant-based surfactants, like those derived from coconuts or corn, are a gentler and more eco-friendly option compared to petroleum-based ones.
Essential Oils (Use with Caution)
Some detergents use essential oils for a natural scent. While some oils can be beneficial, others can be harmful to pets if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. If you choose a detergent with essential oils, make sure they are pet-safe. Lavender and chamomile are often considered safer options.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain aspects of a detergent directly impact its effectiveness and safety.
What Makes a Detergent Better
- Natural Preservatives: These help the detergent last longer without using harsh chemicals.
- Biodegradable Formulas: These break down easily in the environment, making them eco-friendly.
- Clear Ingredient Lists: Transparency about what’s in the product builds trust.
What Can Make a Detergent Worse
- Artificial Dyes and Fragrances: These can irritate your dog’s skin and cause allergic reactions. They also don’t help with cleaning.
- Harsh Bleaches and Brighteners: These can damage the fabric of the dog bed and are often too strong for pet-safe cleaning.
- Excessive Foaming: Too much foam can be hard to rinse out completely, leaving residue.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the detergent and what results you expect.
Easy to Use
The best detergents are simple to add to your washing machine. They should work well in different water temperatures and machine types (top-loader or front-loader). Good instructions on the bottle are a plus.
Effective Cleaning
Users want to see a noticeable difference after washing. Their dog’s bed should look cleaner, smell fresher, and feel softer. A detergent that tackles tough smells and stains is a winner.
Safe for Pets
The most important thing is that the detergent doesn’t harm your dog. Users often look for reviews that mention their pets didn’t have any skin reactions after sleeping on the cleaned bedding.
When to Use Dog Bedding Detergent
- Regular Washing: Wash your dog’s bed every few weeks, or more often if it gets dirty.
- Accidents and Spills: Clean up messes immediately with a pet-safe cleaner.
- Seasonal Cleaning: Wash bedding more thoroughly at the start of different seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent on my dog’s bed?
A: While you can, it’s not ideal. Regular detergents might contain strong chemicals that could irritate your dog’s skin or leave behind residues that are not pet-safe. Special dog bedding detergents are formulated to be gentler and more effective for pet items.
Q: How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
A: It’s best to wash your dog’s bed at least once a month. If your dog is prone to accidents, has allergies, or spends a lot of time outdoors, you might need to wash it more often, perhaps every two weeks.
Q: What if my dog has sensitive skin?
A: If your dog has sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free detergents. These formulas are designed to minimize the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Always check the ingredient list for gentle components.
Q: How do I get rid of stubborn odors from the dog bed?
A: For tough odors, choose a detergent specifically designed for odor elimination. You can also try pre-soaking the bed in a solution of water and a pet-safe odor remover before washing it with your chosen detergent. Ensure the bed is completely dry afterward.
Q: Are “natural” or “eco-friendly” dog bedding detergents better?
A: Yes, generally they are. Natural and eco-friendly detergents often use plant-based ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. This makes them safer for your pet and better for the environment. Look for biodegradable formulas and clear ingredient lists.
Q: Can I use essential oils in my dog’s bedding detergent?
A: Some detergents include pet-safe essential oils. However, it’s important to be cautious. Not all essential oils are safe for dogs. If you are unsure, it’s best to stick with detergents that are fragrance-free or use only known pet-safe scents.
Q: What are enzymes in detergents and why are they good for dog beds?
A: Enzymes are special proteins that help break down specific types of stains and odors. For dog bedding, enzymes are excellent at breaking down organic messes like urine, vomit, and food stains, making them easier to wash away.
Q: How much detergent should I use?
A: Always follow the instructions on the detergent’s packaging. The amount needed can vary depending on the detergent’s concentration and the size of the load. Using too much detergent can leave residue, while too little might not clean effectively.
Q: Can I wash dog bedding with my own clothes?
A: It’s generally not recommended to wash dog bedding with your own clothes. Dog beds can harbor bacteria, allergens, and strong odors that you don’t want to transfer to your personal laundry. Washing them separately ensures a more hygienic clean for both.
Q: What should I do if my dog’s bed is heavily soiled?
A: For heavily soiled beds, you might need to pre-treat stains before washing. You can also consider a longer wash cycle or an extra rinse cycle in your washing machine. Some detergents also offer a pre-soak option for tougher cleaning jobs.