How to Clean Pet Bedding

Pet bedding is one of the biggest sources of odor, dander, and bacteria in a pet-friendly home. Regular cleaning keeps your pet healthy, reduces allergens, and eliminates the persistent pet smell that builds up over time. Here's how to clean pet bedding properly.

How Often Should You Clean Pet Bedding?

• Weekly: For most households with healthy pets.
• Every 3–4 days: If your pet has skin conditions, allergies, or is prone to accidents.
• After every accident: Immediately wash any bedding affected by urine, feces, or vomit.
• After illness: Wash immediately after any illness to prevent reinfection.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Pet Bedding

Step 1: Shake Out Loose Hair and Debris

Take the bedding outside and shake vigorously to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. This prevents your washing machine from clogging with pet hair.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

Apply enzyme cleaner to any stained areas — urine, feces, or vomit spots. Allow to sit for 10–15 minutes before washing.

👉 Recommended: Rocco & Roxie Stain & Strong Odor Eliminator, 1-Gallon — enzyme pre-treatment for pet stains on fabric.

Step 3: Dryer Pre-Cycle

Toss the bedding in the dryer on a low heat or no-heat setting for 10 minutes before washing. This loosens embedded hair and collects it in the lint trap, preventing it from clogging the washer drain.

👉 Recommended: Gain Dryer Sheets Plus Wrinkle Release, 120 Count — reduces static so hair releases from fabric more easily.

Step 4: Wash on Hot Cycle

Wash pet bedding on the hottest cycle safe for the fabric. Hot water kills bacteria, dust mites, and flea eggs more effectively than cold water. Use a pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent.

Step 5: Add White Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar neutralizes odor compounds and helps release remaining hair from fabric fibers. It also acts as a natural fabric softener.

👉 Recommended: Lucy's Family Owned Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon

Step 6: Dry Completely

Dry on the highest heat setting safe for the fabric. Ensure the bedding is completely dry before returning it to your pet — damp bedding develops mold and mildew quickly. Clean the lint trap before and after drying pet bedding.

Cleaning Non-Washable Pet Beds

If your pet bed has a non-removable cover or is too large for your washer:

• Vacuum thoroughly with the upholstery attachment.
• Spot clean stains with enzyme cleaner and blot dry.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface, leave overnight, then vacuum.
• Air in sunlight when possible — UV light kills bacteria and eliminates odor.

👉 Recommended: Nutricost Pantry Baking Soda, 1 LB

Choosing Easy-to-Clean Pet Bedding

The easiest pet beds to maintain have removable, machine-washable covers and waterproof bases. This allows you to wash the cover frequently without dealing with the entire bed.

👉 Recommended: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed with Washable Removable Cover — waterproof base, machine-washable cover, non-skid bottom. Easy weekly maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Weekly washing is the single most important habit for clean pet bedding. The dryer pre-cycle prevents hair from clogging your washer, hot water kills bacteria, and white vinegar in the rinse cycle eliminates odor. For easy ongoing maintenance, choose a pet bed with a removable, machine-washable cover.