Sometimes dog beds get beyond dirty. Aside from the usual dirt stains and hair, they can also be subject to things like urine, poop, and blood. This can make keeping canine sleeping spots sanitary and tidy much more difficult.
So what’s the best way to wash dog beds?
Before getting started, be sure to check the material and care instructions on the dog bed. Most will be either hand- or machine-washable (we’ve run into a few that were “spot clean only” and wouldn’t recommend buying any dog bed you can’t thoroughly wash). Follow any care instructions listed—improper cleaning can damage a dog bed.
How to Wash Dog Beds
For dirt- and hair-covered dog beds, start by removing any large clumps of debris by shaking the bed. Next, vacuum the flat part of the bed using a dusting attachment. Then change to the crevice attachment to remove debris, dust, and insects from the folds and stitching. Remove stubborn patches of dirt using a toothbrush or damp paper towel or washcloth.
“Once done, the dog bed should be relatively clean now, but if you have to remove a spot or stain, try using soap and water first or a non-bleach spot treatment product,” says veterinarian Dr. Athena Gaffud. “However, if you must use a bleaching agent, use a non-chlorinated product and thoroughly rinse [the beds]. Finish by washing them at a temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit—if the fabric can stand it.”
The purpose behind soaking the bed entirely in boiling water is to kill pests and their larvae.
How To Clean a Dog Bed Without Harsh Chemicals
Try these options if the dog bed is covered in:
- Hair: Use a lint roller or adhesive tape before washing the bed. If you have a pet hair vacuum or a pet hair removal tool, you can use it before and in-between washings.
- Urine: Mix baking soda, vinegar, and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the urine stain and let it soak for 10 minutes or generously sprinkle baking soda on the urine stain. Let it sit until dry and then vaccum it up.
- Blood: Immediately soak the section of the bed with blood on it in cold or warm water. If the blood has dried, set the section in a mixture of cold water, baking soda, and white vinegar for 30 minutes, then blot the mixture out.
- Poop: Immediately pick up and properly dispose of the waste. Mix an equal amount of cold water and distilled white vinegar into the affected area, then gently scrub it using a soft-bristle brush. Repeat until the stain is removed. Sprinkle baking soda and let it stay overnight. Once the bed is dry, vacuum it.
- Tough stains: Clean the stain using a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and water. If that doesn’t work and it is possible to wash the bed, do so using a non-toxic, pet-safe option that doesn’t contain bleach or chlorine.
How Often Should Dog Beds Be Cleaned?
How often you need to clean your dog’s bed depends on factors including your dog’s habits, activity level, shedding, and any other cleanliness concerns.
“As a general guideline, it is recommended to clean your dog’s bed at least once every one to two weeks,” says Julie Reva, marketing, social, and PR manager at California-based Skout’s Honor.
Using Dog Beds with Washable Covers
In many cases, a removable, washable cover makes cleaning a dog bed easier because it helps keep dirt from getting into the cushioned part of the bed.
When it comes to fabrics, cotton is a good way to go since it is typicaly breathable, machine washable, and can withstand regular washings without losing its shape or texture. Polyester is another good option since the synthetic fabric is durable and resistant to stains, making it easier to clean than some natural fibers. It can also be machine washed, but it’s important to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Dog beds take a lot of abuse, so finding one that’s relatively easy to clean can help keep things more manageable. Using protective covers, removing excess hair and dirt as needed, and keeping canine sleeping areas clean—and in areas with plenty of sunlight and fresh air—will help keep things crisp and sanitary.
