How to Care for and Clean Cedar Dog Beds

Some dog beds have filling made with cedar chips.

Dog beds are important. They keep your dog off the furniture while giving him a comfortable place to rest. Dog beds are especially useful for old or injured dogs who would be uncomfortable sleeping on a hard floor. Cedar chips sometimes are used as dog bed filling. Such beds have a pleasant smell, and cedar also naturally repels fleas. Cedar dog beds may smell pleasant, but with use they will get dirty.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Stain remover
• Towel
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Remove the cover of the dog bed. In most cases, the covers have hidden zippers. Set aside the inside bag filled with cedar chips. Keep it out of reach of your dog, as some dogs may have an allergic reaction if they come into direct contact with cedar.

2. Treat any significant stains, such as urine or blood, with a spot cleaner. Let the cleaner soak in for a half hour or so, then wash the cover in cool water and a mild detergent.

3. Hang up the cover to dry. Drying it with heat may cause it to shrink and then it no longer would fit over the bag of cedar chips.

4. Once the cover is completely dry, place the cedar chips bag inside the cover and zip it up securely. If the cover is very wrinkled and you don't like how it looks, iron it first. Just make sure the cover is completely dry before you reassemble the dog bed, or mold and mildew may develop.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the cedar chips every few months to keep the scent fresh.

• If your dog's bed cover is not removable, vacuum it thoroughly first, then spot-clean it with a damp towel and stain remover. Try not to overly wet the fabric, so water doesn't soak into the cedar chips.

References

• Perfect Puppy Care: How to Properly Clean a Dog Bed
• Eartheasy: Natural Insect Pest Control
• Vetinfo: Healthy Dog -- Routine Maintenance