You should generally wash a dog bed on cold or warm water on a gentle cycle, especially if it has foam or delicate parts, to prevent shrinking and damage, using a pet-safe or mild detergent; check the care label for specific instructions, as some beds can handle hot water for disinfection, but cold/warm is safer for most. Always ensure it's completely dry before reassembly to prevent mold.
Wash the dog bedding in your washing machine as directed by the label, using the highest recommended temperature setting or at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Test the fabric for color fastness by applying the detergent on an inside seam or inconspicuous area on the bottom.
3. Machine Wash the Bed
If the mattress has a hollow-fibre fill, wash on a low temperature (e.g. 30° C), on a gentle wash cycle with a low spin speed. Re-shape while damp and air-dry naturally in a warm, well-ventilated room. Make sure the mattress is bone dry before the bed is re-assembled and put back into use.
Lots of people actually get it wrong! The ideal bath water for dogs is lukewarm — between 98°F (37°C) and 102°F (39°C). That's about what feels comfortably warm on your inner wrist or elbow.
To ensure the removable cover for your pet bed maintains its shape, it may be best to air dry. If the laundry care label gives a green light for using a dryer, you might want to try a lower heat setting.
Always opt for a pet-safe, hypoallergenic detergent to wash your dog bed. Regular detergents may contain harsh chemicals that could irritate your pet's skin. Additionally, avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue that may also irritate your dog.
Most pet beds can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with warm water to help kill germs. Use a pet-safe detergent, as harsh chemicals or fragrances found in regular laundry detergents can irritate your pet's skin or coat.
If the bed is particularly smelly, sources say to clean the dog bed with baking soda by spraying a solution of baking soda, white vinegar, and water and allow to sit for an hour before vacuuming. Spot clean as well with this solution.
If your dog bed has a removable cover, you can most likely wash it in the washing machine, but should hand wash the bed insert or take it to the laundromat.
Step 2: Clean the Memory Foam Insert
Use a daily spray such as Tide's Antibacterial Fabric Spray to keep odors at bay, kill pesky microorganisms and keep your pet bed sanitized in between washes. Make sure you use TIDE stain removers so you know it is gentle enough for your pet's sensitive skin and paws.
Clean With Soapy Water
Fill the container with warm water, pet-safe laundry detergent, and a cup of vinegar. Squeeze and knead soft beds in the water repeatedly or scrub plastic beds thoroughly with a sponge. Empty the tub and rinse the bed until the soap is gone, then thoroughly disinfect the tub.
The water should be lukewarm, between 90-98 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above this temperature can be too hot for your dog to handle and could potentially burn them.
Pet-Safe Detergent for Your Household
Select a bulky wash cycle using the hottest water temperature permitted by the instructions on the blanket's care label. Before transferring blankets into the dryer, inspect them for any lingering stains. If stains are found, repeat pretreatment and run the blankets through another wash cycle.
Most dog beds come with a removable cover, which can be washed separately in your washing machine. If the cover is not removable, you can still wash the entire bed in the machine.
Wash On Cold, Dry On Low Heat
Simply select cold water for the wash cycle and tumble dry on low heat.
Bed, bedding and blankets should all be washed at at least 60 degrees celcius (the optimum temperature for killing bacteria) - and should be washed separately from the remainder of your household laundry.
If using a washing machine, run urine soaked pads on a cycle at a temperature up to 90° F / 30° C with laundry detergent. For tougher stains and odors, wash with hot water up to 140° F / 60° C. If tackling resistant stains or odors, oxygen-based bleach (such as OxiClean or Clorox for Colors) is recommended.
Mild, pet-safe detergent – Essential for washing your dog's bed is a pet safe laundry detergent that will not cause irritation to your dog's skin. Baking soda – A natural deodoriser that helps eliminate stubborn smells and odours.
Air dryers are especially beneficial when it comes to dogs with thick fur or an undercoat. Sometimes, a groomer will use a kennel attached to a blow dryer. Oftentimes, the noise of the dryer or sensation of the air blowing may cause panic or distress in a pet. In this instance, you may use the Happy Hoodie.