How to Wash a Dog Bed

Dirty dog beds can result in dirty dogs.

Dogs aren’t the cleanest creatures in the world and a dirty dog bed is evidence. Dogs roll in dirt and are low to the ground, so naturally, some debris is going to collect in their coats. When they lie in their dog beds, that dirt rubs off. If you bathe your dog, but not the bed, the dirt on the bed will go back on the dog. Therefore, in order to have a clean pooch, you must also have a clean dog bed.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Mild detergent
• Dryer
• Washcloth or sponge

Instructions

Washing a One-Piece Bed

1. Place the bed inside a washing machine, if it will fit. Set the machine to the gentle cycle.

2. Fill the washing machine with cool or warm water. Pour mild detergent inside the washing machine.

3. Dry the bed in your dryer on the gentle or delicate setting. Allow the bed to air-dry, if it is too large to fit inside the dryer.

Cleaning a Bed That Contains a Cover

1. Remove the bed’s cover. Place the cover inside the washing machine.

2. Place the bed inside the washing machine, if it will fit, but make sure there is enough room in the washer so that the bed and cover can both be cleaned. If not, wash them separately, or hand-wash the bed, if it is too large to fit inside the machine.

3. Place the washer on the gentle cycle. Fill the washing machine with cool or warm water and pour mild detergent inside the machine.

4. Place the dryer on the delicate or gentle setting and dry the bed and cover. Allow the bed to air-dry, if it will not fit.

Hand Washing the Bed

1. Hand wash the dog bed, if it will not fit inside a washing machine. Wet the bed with cool or warm water.

2. Rub mild detergent all over the bed with a washcloth or sponge. Scrub the bed and pay special attention to areas that are extra dirty.

3. Rinse the soap off with water. If the bed will fit in the dryer, dry it on the gentle or delicate setting. If it is too large, allow the bed to air-dry.

Cleaning Foam Beds

1. Fill your bathtub or large container with warm water. Add mild detergent to the water and incorporate it with your hand or a large spoon.

2. Place the bed inside the tub. Use your hands to squeeze the bed and work the soapy water throughout.

3. Empty the tub, then refill it with clean water. Squeeze the bed to release the dirty water and allow the clean water to enter. Avoid using a brush to clean the foam bed, as it will destroy the material.

4. Air-dry the foam bed. Never place a foam bed in the dryer, as doing so can destroy or alter the bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Only wash the covers of heated beds and not the beds themselves. Doing so could result in injury and destruction of the bed.

• Place blankets, sheets or towels over the bed to protect it from dirt and to make for easy clean up.

• Wash the dog bed in hot water if your canine has fleas, ticks or mange. The heated water can destroy the pests and any eggs or larvae. In addition, the bed may also require an application of insecticide spray to completely eliminate the bugs.

References

• Perfect Puppy Care: How to Properly Clean a Dog Bed
• Orvis: Washing and Drying Instructions for Beds