How often should you wash your dog’s bed? As frequently as you wash your own sheets. Dogs are the best, but they are good at bringing dirt and debris inside, including into their beds. To add to that, dog beds can not only stink but can also host all kinds of harmful bacteria.
One or two lint rollers may not remove all the dirt and soft hair, and a stain remover may not remove all stains. For instructions on how to clean a dog bed, look no further. We’ve put together a guide for washing your dog’s bed, so you can provide your pet with a safe and comfortable place to sleep at night.
Dog Bed Washing Guide
When you are ready to wash your dog’s bed, the first thing to do is consider what kind of bed it is, as different styles are treated differently.
There are two main types of dog beds: those with removable covers and those without.
1. Dog Bed with removable cover
You’ll need to wash both the dog bed and the removable cover. To clean a dog bed with a removable cover, remove the cover and double-check the label to see if it is machine washable. Keep the following points in mind:
- Before washing, empty your dog’s bed to get rid of excess dirt or hair.
- Use detergent that is non-toxic and safe for animals.
- Wash in hot water to kill bacteria.
- Use the extra rinse cycle to make sure all detergent is thoroughly rinsed.
- Air dry the bed or use the dryer on low heat. Do not use a drying sheet.
Rinse the washer with a cup of vinegar to clean out any debris or animal hair.
For dog bed covers that cannot be machine washed, you must clean them by hand and take note of the same considerations detailed in the above list.
Are you looking for a comfortable dog bed that is easy to keep clean? Look no further than the Casper Memory Foam dog bed. This dog-friendly bed comes with a durable nylon cover that protects your pet bed and is machine washable. You (and your dog) will know that you have given your best friend the best dog bed on the market.
2. Dog bed with non-removable cover
Non-removable cover dog beds should be washed by hand. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to safely wash a dog bed:
- Clean the dog bed of excess dirt or pet hair.
- Fill a large sink or bathtub with plenty of water to completely immerse the dog bed.
- Soak the bed in warm water with non-toxic detergent for 10–15 minutes.
- Use a toothbrush to get into the corners.
- Wipe with baking soda to remove any odor.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air-dry it in a sunny place.
How to Wash a Dog Bed in the Washing Machine
The best way to clean a dog bed depends on its contents. If the cover is removable, it can be machine washed and dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Six Steps to Washing a Dog Bed
Dog beds can be challenging to clean, especially if they are not machine washable. However, we’ve got you! Follow these five steps to manually your dog’s bed:
1. Get out your vacuum
Use your vacuum’s attachments to clean every inch of the dog bed, including the outside, inside, and between the cells. The goal is to remove all of the dog hair and debris, even debris that is invisible to the naked eye.
2. Spot-clean any stains
If the dog bed is stained, you may need a stain remover. Just make sure it is free of harsh chemicals and safe for animals and that it won’t trigger asthma or allergies.
3. Soak the bed in warm, soapy water
Fill a sink or tub with warm water and add your animal-safe, perfume-free, dye-free laundry soap. Soak the bed for 10–15 minutes. If the dog bed is very dirty and the water becomes brown, drain the water, refill the sink or tub, and soak the bed for another 5–10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with baking soda
Sprinkle a cup of baking soda over the bed and take a scrub brush and thoroughly clean any nooks and crannies. Baking soda is also ideal for removing unpleasant odor and is an excellent cleaning agent.
5. Rinse well
When you have finished cleaning the dog bed with baking soda, drain all the water from the sink or tub you are using, then refill it again. Wipe the bed to remove excess soap and baking soda residue. You may need to drain and refill the water several times to make sure all the soap is completely rinsed.
6. Wring and dry
Once the bed is clean, gently wring out any excess water. When all the excess water is removed, place the dog bed outside on a rack, or other item, to dry in direct sunlight. Depending on the type of bed you have, it may take several hours to dry completely.
Conclusion
If you own a dog, make sure to wash your dog’s bed frequently. When you change the sheets on your own bed, consider washing your dog’s bed at that time too. A dirty bed can make your dog uncomfortable and restless, possibly causing them to roam from one place to another throughout the house. Hopefully, you’ve found the tips in this article useful for keeping your furry friend happy.
