All Things Snooze

How To Wash A Dog Bed

March 10, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

Table of Contents

Just as you would with your own bedsheets, it’s important to wash your dog’s bed often. More so than your own bed.

Dogs are pros at bringing love and wags to any room—but they’re also quite good at tracking in mud and debris from outside inside, including into their beds. Dog beds that are left uncleaned can not only become smelly, but they can also play host to all sorts of harmful bacteria and fleas.

Maybe your pet’s bedding has some serious pet odor, a lint roller or two isn’t getting the loose dirt and hair off, or the stain remover isn’t getting out this one stubborn urine stain. If you’re wondering how to clean a dog bed, look no further. We’ve assembled this guide on how to wash a dog bed to help give your pet a safe and comfortable place to rest their head at night.

A Guide to Washing Your Dog’s Bed

The first thing to consider when getting ready to wash your dog’s bed is what type of bed they have, as different types of beds will receive different treatment.

When it comes to cleaning, there are two main types of dog beds: those with removable covers and those without.

Dogs Beds With Removable Covers

When washing dog beds, you’ll want to wash both the dog bedding and the removable cover. To clean a dog bed with a removable cover first take off the cover and double-check the label to see if it can be machine washed. If it can, wash it as you usually would, keeping in mind the following tips:

Before washing, vacuum your dog bed to get rid of any excess dirt or fur.
Use a non-toxic detergent that’s safe for pets.
Wash at the highest temperature to kill off bacteria.
Use an extra cycle to make sure that all of the detergent is washed off.
Air dry the bed or put it in the dryer at a low heat – do not use dryer sheets.
Clean the machine of any lingering dirt or pet hair by running the washer on empty with one cup of vinegar .

For dog bed covers that aren’t machine washable, you’ll want to wash by hand and follow the same steps you would for dog beds with non-removable covers.

Looking for an amazingly comfy bed for your dog that’s easy for you to keep clean? Look no further than Casper’s memory foam dog beds. These pup-friendly beds come with a durable nylon covering that protects your pet’s bed and is machine washable. You (and your dog) can rest easy knowing you’ve given your furry friend the best and most hygienic in sleep technology.

Dogs Beds With Non-Removable Covers

Beds without removable covers will have to be washed by hand. Here are step-by-step washing instructions to doing this safely:

Vacuum your dog bed for any excess dirt or fur.
Fill up a large basin or bath with enough water to completely submerge your dog’s bed.
Soak the bed in warm water with a non-toxic detergent for 10-15 minutes.
Scrub with baking soda to remove any lingering odors, using a toothbrush to get into the corners.
Rinse thoroughly.
Wring it out and leave it in a sunny place to dry.

Following these steps will give your dog’s bed a general cleaning, though some extra steps may need to be taken for pet beds with stains.

How to Wash Dog Bed With Urine and Other Stains

Now that you know how to keep a dog bed clean in general, you may be wondering how to wash a dog bed with urine or other stains on it. If your dog’s bed has lingering stains even after being washed, the good news is that there are several ways to clean them.

For mild, surface-level stains that just need a bit more attention, like those from dirt and mud, you can use a pet-friendly detergent to spot clean the stain. Use a towel or a brush to work the detergent into the stain in small circular motions, and after the stain has been lifted, continue to wash the bed as normal.

For stains that need a more aggressive treatment, like those from urine or feces, try an enzyme cleaner. Enzyme cleaners work by attaching to the organic matter causing the stain and breaking it down at its roots. To use an enzyme cleaner, follow the specific instructions on the bottle before washing the pet bed. Avoid any vinegar products—vinegar products could negate the cleaner’s effects.

For tougher stains, try and stay away from using harsh chemicals on the entire bed to protect your dog’s skin.

Keeping Your Pet’s Bed Clean

One of the easiest ways to make sure that your dog’s bed stays clean is by washing it regularly. According to PetMD, dog beds should be washed once a week or at a minimum of once every two weeks to maintain the optimum health and safety of your pet.¹

Here are some other things you can do to keep your dog’s bed clean between washes:

Vacuum your pet’s bed regularly.
Wash your dog’s paws when they come in from outside.
Buy a waterproof cover.
Place the bed in direct sunlight to kill off bacteria.
Wash the bed in a 1:1 mix of water and apple cider vinegar to prevent fleas.

If you follow these steps, you can help keep your pet’s bed clean and your home a safer place.

Easy to Clean Casper Dog Beds

If you’re looking for a bed that your dog will love just as much as you love your own, Casper offers the best dog beds. Our dog beds were designed with your pet needs in mind with a supportive memory foam base and durable covers built to withstand dogs who love to dig and scratch.

Plus, Casper’s dog beds come with a removable machine washable cover to help make cleaning your dog’s bed a little bit easier. Imagine how easy it would be to toss the dog bedding in the machine wash on the gentle cycle. Sounds like a dog bed dream.

Get your furry friend a washable dog bed that you both will be grateful for.