To dry a dog bed, you can machine dry on low heat with dryer balls to prevent clumping, or air dry flat in the sun or a well-ventilated area, ensuring it's completely dry inside and out to prevent mold, using methods like hanging or a drying rack for better circulation. Always check the care label first and remove inserts for faster drying if possible.
Dry the Dog Bed
At the end of the washing cycle, squeeze any excess moisture from the dog bed, if needed. Place it in an automatic dryer on low heat. Add wool dryer balls to help keep the filling from clumping. Stop the dryer frequently to fluff the bed by hand.
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.
If you can, blow dry in a small room with a dehumidifier, or if you're really worried about hotspots, extension-cord your dryer to the backseat of your car and run your car's a/c on warm and it will pull moisture out of the air while you dry pup in your lap.
Always check the product label for any special cleaning instructions. 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.
A mattress accident doesn't mean your bed is ruined. By learning how to get pee smell out of a mattress quickly and using the right cleaning methods, you can remove stains, neutralize odors, and protect your investment.
If the soiled item can be put into the washing machine, use an enzymatic cleaner with laundry detergent to effectively get rid of urine stains and smells. A pet urine remover like Nature's Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Stain & Odor Remover is a good option.
If your dog's bed is not machine washable or you don't have a washing machine handy, then you can wash your dog's bed by hand.
Laundromats have commercial-grade washing machines and dryers that can effectively clean and dry large and bulky pet items like bedding. These machines are more powerful than household washers and dryers, ensuring a thorough cleaning process.
If you don't have a lot of time to dry your dog, quick-drying dog sprays can help speed up the drying process. These grooming tools help save time after a bath. They reduce moisture in your dog's coat, and encourage water to drip off more quickly.
In order to keep your dog's bed clean and comfortable, you should wash it about once a week or once every other week, depending on the soil level. If you notice that the bed is particularly dirty or visibly soiled, you can wash it more often. Learn how to wash dog collars and stuffed animals in the washer as well.
To machine wash a dog bed without a removable cover, first remove loose hair and debris with a lint brush or vacuum. Next, spot treat stains with a mild detergent, then machine-wash the dog bed on a gentle cycle with lukewarm water. Air dry flat or use a low-heat dryer. Use your hands to gently reshape the stuffing.
How to Dry a Dog After a Bath Without a Dryer
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.
How Not To Wash Your Dog
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.
To get rid of dog pee smell, immediately blot fresh messes, then use a DIY solution of vinegar and water (to break down uric acid) followed by baking soda (to absorb odors). For tough, set-in odors, an enzymatic cleaner is essential, as it breaks down the proteins and ammonia causing the smell, neutralizing it at the source, which is key to stopping repeat offenses. Always thoroughly dry the area and avoid heat (like dryers) as it sets the smell.
Vinegar method for pee removal
Jessica Samson, a cleaning expert at The Maids recommends mixing two parts water with one part vinegar. “Spray the stain until it is really wet with the solution,” she says. “Give the solution about 15 minutes to set and do its magic, and then blot the area and dry up the stain.”
Dried urine does not support microbial growth and is thus considered safe and suitable for regular shipment and storage. This is in contrast to liquid urine samples, which must be treated as biohazardous material at all times.
Dilute one part white vinegar with one part water and spray it directly on the affected area. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes – the vinegar will help remove the urine smell from the sofa, as well as any stains. After using the vinegar, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area.
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.
To hand wash your dog's bed, follow these instructions from our experts: