How to Wash a Dog Bed: A Simple Guide

If you're a pet parent, you know how quickly your dog’s bed can become dirty. From shedding dog hair to muddy paws, stains, and general wear and tear, a dog bed needs regular cleaning to maintain its comfort and hygiene.

As much as we love our furry friends, it’s important to keep their beds fresh to ensure they get a peaceful, clean spot to rest. Not only does a clean dog bed benefit your dog’s well-being, but it also helps your home stay fresh and odour-free.

In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to wash a dog bed whether it's machine washable, needs hand washing, or just a quick spot clean. We'll also share tips on how to keep your dog bed fresh and clean between washes. TABLE OF CONTENTS

What You’ll Need to Wash a Dog Bed:

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of washing dog beds, let’s first take a look at what you’ll need to get started. The tools and products you use will depend on the type of dog bed you have and how soiled it is.

Mild, pet-safe detergent – Essential for washing your dog’s bed is a pet safe laundry detergent that will not cause irritation to your dog’s skin.

Baking soda – A natural deodoriser that helps eliminate stubborn smells and odours.

Stain remover (pet-safe) – Use this for any dog bed stains that need extra attention before the wash.

Vacuum cleaner – A vacuum with an upholstery attachment is perfect for removing dog hair and other debris.

White vinegar (optional) – White vinegar can help eliminate odours and soften fabrics.

Stiff brush – For scrubbing stains or debris on beds that require a bit more cleaning power.

How to Wash a Dog Bed by Washing Machine

Most dog beds come with removable covers, which makes cleaning them a whole lot easier. If yours has a washable dog bed cover, here's a simple step-by-step guide for machine washing. Don’t worry if your dog’s bed doesn’t have a removable cover; we’ve got tips for that too!

Step 1: Check the Care Instructions

Always start by checking the washing instructions that came with your dog’s bed. These instructions will tell you whether your dog bed is machine washable and which washing methods are best.

If the bed has a removable cover, that’s great – it means cleaning the washable cover will be easier. You’ll also need to check the type of fabric and whether it can withstand washing in hot water or requires cold water to prevent shrinking.

Step 2: Shake and Vacuum

Before you throw the entire bed in the wash, take it outside and give it a good shake. This will help get rid of any loose dirt, dog hair, or other debris. It’s also a good idea to give it a quick vacuum using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to ensure that no dirt or hair is left behind in the cracks of the fabric.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

If your dog bed has any visible stains (such as mud or food stains), it’s a good idea to spot clean them before washing. Apply a pet-safe stain remover to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the stain. Gently blot the area with a damp cloth to lift the stain. Make sure you’re using a pet-safe cleaning product to avoid any irritation to your dog’s skin.

Now that the bed is prepped, unzip the removable cover and toss it into the washing machine. Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle and wash the cover with pet safe laundry detergent.

You can also add a bit of white vinegar to the wash to help neutralise any odours and a small amount of baking soda can help deodorise the fabric. Be sure to follow the washing instructions for temperature. 

Step 5: Wash the Inner Bedding
For dog beds without removable covers, or for the inner bedding if you have a multi-part bed, you may need to wash the entire dog bed. Use a front-load washer if you have one, as it’s gentler on bulky items like dog beds.

For non-removable beds or inserts, use a large front-loading washing machine if available. Use a gentle cycle a pet-safe enzyme cleaner. Add white vinegar to combat odours.

Step 6: Dry Thoroughly
After washing, it’s important to dry the bed completely to prevent any mould or mildew. If possible, air-dry the dog bed in outside in direct sunlight to speed up drying and ensure the bed stays fresh.

How to Wash a Dog Bed by Hand

Not all dog beds are fully machine washable, and some may require a gentler approach. If you have a dog bed with non-removable covers or one that can’t be washed in a machine, you can still give it a thorough clean by hand.

Step 1: Check the Care Instructions

Read the washing instructions that came with your dog’s bed to provide the best hand washing results for your dog and their dog bed.

Step 1: Fill a Tub or Basin
For hand washing, fill a large tub or basin with warm water and add a mild, pet-safe detergent. You’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals, as these can irritate your dog’s skin.

Step 2: Soak the Bed
Place the entire dog bed in the tub and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. The warm water will help loosen dirt, debris, and oils from your dog’s body.

Soaking is also useful for lifting up any embedded dog hair and should also remove all the stains on the fabric.

It maybe more practical using a large plastic tub outside to hand wash your dogs bed

Step 3: Scrub Gently
After soaking, take a soft brush or cloth and gently scrub any stains or heavily soiled areas. Focus on areas that tend to get dirty more often, like around the edges or any spots where your dog might sleep. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and rinse the bed thoroughly with fresh water to ensure all soap and detergent are removed. You can repeat this process until the water runs clear.

Step 5: Squeeze Out Excess Water
Once you’ve rinsed the bed, gently press out any excess water. Be careful not to wring or twist the bed, as this can damage the filling or fabric. Simply press down gently to remove as much water as possible.

Step 6: Air Dry
Lay the bed flat to air dry in a well-ventilated area or outside in direct sunlight. If you can, hang the bed on a clothesline or use a drying rack to allow air to circulate freely around the bed.

Regardless of how you wash your dog bed have strong durable pegs when hanging outside.A portable clothesline can be your saviour if you have a large or heavy dog bed to dry, as this style of clothes line is lower to the ground and easier to lift the wet, but clean dog bed.

Bonus Dog Bed Wash Tips

• Washing Frequency: To keep your dog’s bed in tip-top condition, it’s recommended to wash it every 2-4 weeks, or more frequently if your dog sheds a lot, plays outside often, or spends a lot of time in the bed.

• Waterproof Liner: Consider investing in a waterproof liner or protective cover for your dog’s bed. This can help protect the inner bedding from accidents, dirt, and water, reducing the need for frequent washes.

• Use a Lint Roller: A lint roller is perfect for removing loose hair from your dog’s bed between washes. Simply roll it over the surface of the bed to pick up dog hair and other debris.

• Spot Clean Regularly: Regularly spot clean stains as soon as they appear to prevent them from setting in. This will reduce the need for deep cleaning, making your regular dog bed maintenance quicker and easier.

• UV Benefits: Washing dog beds and haning them outside is the best way to kill nasty's like flea larvae and eggs. In fact uv rays is the most eco way to kill a number of insect eggs that can cause skin irritations for your furry family members.

• Freshen the Dog Bed Cover Between Washes: Sprinkle baking soda on the bed between washes to absorb odours. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up.

Conclusion

There you have, how to wash a dog bed! Let's face it a clean dog bed is not just about keeping your home tidy – it’s about creating a comfortable, healthy, and inviting space for your furry friend.

Whether you choose to machine wash or hand wash your dog’s bed, regular cleaning ensures your dog’s bed stays fresh and free from odours, dirt, and bacteria.

With the right products and a little care, you can easily keep your dog’s bed in great condition and make sure your pet always has a cosy, clean place to rest.

Happy washing, and enjoy a fresh-smelling bed for your dog!

The Clothesline Store is the only retailer in Australia with its own dedicated clothesline warehouse, offering the largest inventory of stocked products. This allows for same-day or next-business-day shipping, ensuring faster delivery of all stocked clotheslines and accessories.