We all enjoy the sensation of clean bedding, and your dog is no exception. Like with human bedding, the frequency of washing depends on how active your dog is, how much time he spends playing outside, and how frequently you bathe him. Dog beds should be cleaned every two weeks, but you should wash them more regularly if your pet has an accident or is sick. Fortunately, cleaning a dog bed is straightforward. It only requires a few laundry products that you will likely already have.
Instructions
How to Clean a Dog Bed
Detergent that is gentle and odorless
Water from cool to warm
Low-heat or air-dry cycles for delicate drying
Stains must be pretreated.
What You’ll Require
Instruments and Tools
- A washing machine that lacks a central agitator.
- Bathtub or large laundry sink
- Using a clothes dryer, a drying rack, or a clothesline
- Nylon scrub brush with soft bristles
- Three to four wool dryer balls
Materials
1-liter Enzyme-based laundry detergent with no fragrances or dyes
Optional: baking soda
Washing a Dog Bed in the Washing Machine
Remove the bed cover if possible for easier cleaning. Even if it is not removable, the bed can be washed. Dog mattresses filled with polyester fiberfill or shredded foam can be washed in a front-load washer or a top-load washer without a center agitator.
Hand-washing is required for solid foam beds.
Tip
If you have a large dog bed but do not have a large-capacity washer, consider washing it at a laundromat. Overloading a washer is terrible for the washer and will only partially clean the dog bed. Examine the dog bed’s care tag to identify the fill content.
Stains Must Be Pretreated
Pretreat stains and badly dirty areas using a tiny dose of enzyme-based washing detergent. With a soft-bristled nylon brush, work the detergent into the stains. Allow at least 15 minutes for the detergent to begin working on the cloth to break away stains before washing the dog bed.
Clean the Dog Bed
Choose the delicate cycle for a slower spin and less agitation in excellent to warm water.
Pour in the unscented, dye-free laundry detergent.
To help remove any unpleasant smells from your laundry, add one cup of baking soda to the wash water. Add more similar-colored pet bedding or towels to the load to balance the washing. The bed and its cover can be washed together.
The Dog Bed Must Be Dried
If the dog bed is too wet, wring it out before placing it in the washing machine. Could you place it in a low-heat automatic dryer? Wool dryer balls can be used to keep the filler from clumping. Stop the dryer regularly to fluff the bed by hand.
Alternatively, hang the dog bed to dry on a drying rack or a clothesline. Depending on the size of the bed, air drying can take up to 24 hours.
Hand Washing a Dog Bed
Stains Must Be Pretreated
Remove the cover to make cleaning easier.
Pretreat each stained spot with an enzyme-based, odorless, and dye-free laundry detergent.
With a soft-bristled nylon brush, work the detergent into the stains. Allow 15 minutes for the detergent to work before washing the dog bed.
Make a Washing Solution
Fill a large wash sink or bathtub halfway with cool water, deep enough to thoroughly submerge the dog bed. Add one to two tablespoons of laundry detergent and stir the water to spread the detergent.
To help neutralize unpleasant smells, add a cup of baking soda to the water when doing laundry.
Hand-wash and rinse the dog bed.
Make sure the dog bed is completely submerged. Squeeze the bed gently with your hands to ensure the water reaches the middle of the bed filler.
The bed and its cover can be washed together.
Allow the bed to soak for around 15 minutes before gently squeezing the washing water through it. If the mattress is constructed of solid foam, do not wring it. Drain the tub and push out the excess water gently.
Fill the tub with clean water, and lightly squeeze the bed to remove the soapy water. To ensure the removal of all soap, please drain the tub and refill it with clean water. Repeat the process until there is no visible soap residue.
The Dog Bed Must Be Dried
Squeeze out the excess water gently.
Could you place it in a low-heat automatic dryer? Wool dryer balls can be used to keep the filler from clumping.
Stop the dryer regularly to fluff the bed by hand.
Alternatively, hang the dog bed to dry on a drying rack or a clothesline. Depending on the size of the bed, air drying can take up to 24 hours.
Tip
Place the bed between two large terrycloth towels to drain excess water. Repeat the process until no more water is transferred to the towels.
Tips for Cleaning Dog Beds
Remember the care label: The care tag on most dog beds tells you what type of fabric and stuffing were used to make the bed. Cleaning instructions will also be included.
Do not wash solid foam mattresses. The agitation during the wash and spin cycles is too intense and can shatter the foam.
Do not wash a bed with seam rips. Repair any minor tears before cleaning the dog bed to avoid a sloppy cleanup.
Remember to sanitize your washing machine. After washing pet bedding, a cleaning cycle will help drain excess dog hair.
Questions and Answers
How frequently should you wash your dog’s bed?
It is advisable to wash your dog’s bedding every two weeks, depending on how active it is. This will assist in avoiding disease as well as long-term stains and odors.
What is the best washer setting for washing a dog bed?
To clean your dog’s bed, wash it using a gentle cycle with cool water. Hot water may discolor the cloth and cause the fibers to shrink.
Can I use fabric softener on my dog’s bed?
When washing dog beds, avoid using fabric softeners or smell enhancers. Allergies and sensitive skin can occur in dogs.