How To Wash Dog Bed: Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning and Sanitizing

Can you put a dog bed in the washing machine? Yes, most dog beds can be washed in a standard washing machine, provided you check the care label first. The key to a fresh, healthy sleeping spot for your pet lies in regular, thorough cleaning.

Dog beds collect a lot of dirt, dander, hair, and sometimes accidents. Left unclean, they become breeding grounds for germs, odors, and pests. Keeping your dog’s bed clean is vital for their health and the hygiene of your home. This guide walks you through every step, from preparation to drying, ensuring your dog bed is spotless and safe.

Why Regular Dog Bed Washing Matters

A dirty dog bed is more than just smelly. It impacts your pet’s well-being.

Health Risks Associated with Dirty Bedding

Allergens and Dander: Beds trap pet dander, which can cause allergies in both pets and people.
Pests: Damp, unwashed bedding can attract fleas, ticks, and mites.
Bacteria and Mold: Accidents, drool, and general moisture can lead to bacterial growth and mold, especially in the padding.
Odor Buildup: Oils from your dog’s coat and trapped dirt create lingering, unpleasant smells.

Knowing the frequency of washing dog beds is important. Experts suggest washing them at least once every two weeks. If your dog has skin issues, allergies, or frequently goes outside, wash them weekly.

Step 1: Pre-Washing Preparation and Inspection

Before you toss the bed into the machine, proper preparation prevents damage and improves cleaning results.

Checking the Care Label

Always look for the manufacturer’s tag. This tag holds the key to successful washing. It tells you if you can machine wash dog bed components or if they require spot cleaning.

Disassembling the Bed

Most modern dog beds come apart. Take these actions:

Remove all covers: Zippers often hide along seams. Pull off all outer fabric covers.
Remove inserts/cushions: Separate the main filling from the outer shell.
Inspect for damage: Look for ripped seams, loose stuffing, or wear and tear. If the bed is severely damaged, it’s time for a replacement, not a wash.

Dealing with Heavy Soiling and Odor Control

If the bed has heavy stains or a strong smell, pre-treatment is a must.

Shaking Out Debris: Take the bed outside. Vigorously shake out loose dirt, crumbs, and excess fur. Use a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner attachment to remove as much loose material as possible. This is key for removing pet hair from dog bed components before they hit the water.
Spot Treatment for Stains: For urine spots or muddy areas, use an enzymatic cleaner. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Blot the area gently with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid harsh bleaches, as these can ruin fabric and irritate your dog’s skin.

Step 2: Tackling Pet Hair Removal

Pet hair is often the biggest hurdle in cleaning dirty dog bedding. Hair can clog your machine’s filter or wrap around the inner workings.

Effective Hair Removal Techniques

Use these methods before the wash cycle:

The Rubber Glove Trick: Put on a pair of damp rubber cleaning gloves. Rub your hands over the fabric. The friction grabs the embedded hair, balling it up for easy removal.
Lint Roller or Tape: For small beds or stubborn spots, a heavy-duty lint roller works well. Wrap duct tape around your hand (sticky side out) for a budget-friendly alternative.
Dryer Sheet Tumble: Toss the cover (and only the cover) into the dryer on a no-heat or air-only setting for about 10 minutes with a dryer sheet. The static helps release the hair, which you can then shake out or vacuum.

Step 3: Machine Washing Different Bed Types

The way you wash depends heavily on what the bed is made of.

Washing Removable Covers

Most covers are durable and can handle standard washing. Follow these washing machine instructions:

Water Temperature: Use warm or cool water. Hot water can cause shrinking or fade colors.
Load Size: Do not stuff the washer. Wash covers in small loads. This allows water and detergent to circulate freely.
Detergent Choice: Use a gentle, hypoallergenic, or fragrance-free detergent. The best detergent for dog beds is one that cleans well without leaving harsh chemical residues that might bother sensitive skin.

Washing Small to Medium Beds (All-in-One)

If the entire bed fits easily inside your machine without compressing the filling too tightly, you can wash the whole thing.

Test First: If you are unsure, try a small, less expensive bed first.
Use a Gentle Cycle: Select the gentle or delicate cycle on your machine.
Extra Rinse Cycle: Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap residue is gone. Leftover soap is itchy for pets.

Washing Large Dog Beds

Washing large dog beds often requires a trip to the laundromat. Home washers may struggle with the bulk, leading to uneven cleaning or damage to the machine.

Use a Commercial Washer: Large, front-loading commercial machines offer more space for proper agitation.
Balance the Load: If washing a very bulky item, add a few towels to balance the weight and prevent the machine from shaking violently.

Washing Memory Foam Dog Beds

Washing memory foam dog beds requires special care, as foam can break down in harsh cycles.

Foam Cannot Go in the Washer: Never put solid memory foam or thick fiberfill inserts into the washing machine. They absorb too much water, become heavy, and will likely tear apart or ruin your washer.
Foam Cleaning Method: Clean foam inserts via spot cleaning or gentle hand washing. Lay the foam flat in a tub with mild soap and cool water. Squeeze the soapy water through gently. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

Sanitizing Dog Beds

To truly sanitize the bedding and kill lingering germs, use one of these methods during the wash cycle:

Vinegar Rinse: Add one cup of plain white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar naturally deodorizes and acts as a mild sanitizer.
Disinfecting Wash: Use a pet-safe laundry sanitizer product. Follow the product instructions carefully. Some owners opt for a short cycle in hot water (if the fabric allows) for sanitizing, followed by a cool rinse.

Step 4: The Crucial Drying Process

Improper drying dog beds is a common mistake. A damp bed encourages mildew growth, even if the outer cover is clean.

Drying Removable Covers

Air Dry Preferred: If possible, air-dry covers away from direct, harsh sunlight to prevent fading.
Machine Drying: If you use a dryer, use low heat. High heat can shrink fabric and damage hidden foam layers. Check the care label first.

Drying Inserts and Foam

This is the most time-consuming part of the process, especially for thick cushions.

Air Dry Only: Foam and thick stuffing must air dry completely.
Positioning: Stand thick inserts on their edges, or prop them up so air can circulate on all sides. Turn them frequently (every few hours).
Humidity Check: Dry them indoors in a well-ventilated area, or outdoors on a dry, sunny day. Do not put the bed back together until you are absolutely sure the interior is bone dry to the core. This prevents mold from forming inside the filling.

The Dryer Trick for Hair Removal (Again)

If you need one last pass to get any remaining hair off a dry cover, toss it back in the dryer on an air-only setting with a couple of dryer balls or tennis balls. This fluffs the fabric and releases missed hairs.

Maintenance Cleaning: Keeping Beds Fresher Between Washes

Washing the whole bed every week is often impractical. Use these tips for daily upkeep:

Daily and Weekly Spot Cleaning

Daily Shake-Out: Give the bed a quick shake each morning to redistribute the filling and release surface dust.
Vacuuming: Use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner every few days. This removes surface hair and dust mites.
Quick Wipe-Down: For smooth fabric or vinyl beds, wipe them down with a damp cloth containing a mild pet-safe cleaner.

Odor Refreshers

Use natural deodorizers between full washes:

Baking Soda: Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the dry cover. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes. Vacuum it up thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs odors naturally.

Troubleshooting Common Dog Bed Washing Issues

Issue	Cause	Solution
Dog hair won’t come out.	Not pre-treated enough; too much hair for the wash load.	Use the rubber glove method or air dry in the dryer first. Wash covers separately on high agitation if label allows.
Bed smells moldy after washing.	Did not dry completely; mildew started forming.	Immediately rewash using a vinegar rinse. Air dry in a sunny, low-humidity location for much longer.
Foam insert tore.	Put solid foam in the washing machine instructions when it shouldn’t have been.	If minor, you might be able to sew it. If major, the insert needs replacing.
Faded colors on covers.	Used hot water or harsh bleach/detergent.	Always use cool water and mild detergent for future washes.

Selection of Detergents and Softeners

Choosing the right product is key for pet safety.

What to Avoid

Strong Fragrances: Perfumes designed for humans often irritate a dog’s highly sensitive nose and skin.
Fabric Softeners: These liquids coat the fibers, making them less breathable. More critically, they can leave residues that trap dirt or irritate skin, even if they seem to remove static cling.

Preparing for the Next Purchase: Washability Considerations

When buying a new bed, prioritize ease of cleaning. This saves time and ensures better hygiene in the long run.

Features that Simplify Washing

Multiple Zippers: Beds with multiple zippers that allow you to remove the inner foam/stuffing separately from the outer cover are the best choice.
Durable Fabrics: Look for rugged upholstery or outdoor-grade fabrics that can withstand frequent washing cycles.
Machine Washable Fill: If buying a stuffed bed, confirm that the manufacturer explicitly states the entire bed is machine wash dog bed safe, or that the fill is designed for repeated washing without clumping.

Making the Job Easier: The Two-Bed System

If you have an enthusiastic digger or a muddy dog, consider investing in two beds.

When one bed is in the wash, the other one is ready to go. This prevents your dog from being without a comfortable spot and ensures you never have to rush the drying dog beds process. When the first bed is clean and dry, swap it out for the second one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I wash my dog’s bed?

For the best hygiene, aim to wash the covers every one to two weeks. Deep clean the entire bed (including the stuffing, if removable) at least once a month, or more often if your dog has allergies or accidents.

Can I use bleach to sanitize my dog’s bed?

It is generally best to avoid chlorine bleach. While it sanitizes, it leaves strong chemical residues that can severely irritate your dog’s skin and respiratory system. Use pet-safe sanitizers or white vinegar instead.

My dog’s bed is too big for my home washer. What now?

For washing large dog beds, take them to a local laundromat and use their largest capacity, front-loading machines. These machines offer better tumbling action and can handle the bulk without stressing your home appliance.

Will washing ruin the stuffing in my dog’s orthopedic bed?

Yes, if the stuffing is memory foam or very dense polyfill, putting it in the washer can ruin it. Always remove the foam core before washing the cover. If the foam itself is dirty, wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it air dry completely before reinserting it into the cover.

How do I get rid of persistent odors if washing doesn’t work?

If odors persist after washing, the problem is likely deep within the internal stuffing or foam. After thoroughly drying the interior, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the completely dry stuffing, seal it in a large garbage bag, and let it sit for 24 hours. Remove and vacuum thoroughly. If the smell remains, the interior components may need replacement.