How to Wash Dog Bed

A dog bed accumulates hair, dander, dirt, saliva, and odor rapidly — making it one of the most important items to clean regularly in a dog-friendly home. Here's how to wash a dog bed properly, whether it has a removable cover or not.

How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?

Wash your dog's bed at least once a week. If your dog has skin conditions, allergies, or is prone to accidents, wash every 3–4 days. Always wash immediately after any accident.

For Dog Beds with Removable Covers

Step 1: Remove the Cover and Shake Outside

Remove the cover and shake it vigorously outside to dislodge loose hair and debris. This prevents your washing machine from clogging.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

Apply enzyme cleaner to any stained areas and allow to sit for 10–15 minutes before washing.

👉 Recommended: Rocco & Roxie Stain & Strong Odor Eliminator, 1-Gallon

Step 3: Dryer Pre-Cycle

Toss the cover in the dryer on low heat for 10 minutes to loosen embedded hair before washing. Clean the lint trap immediately after.

👉 Recommended: Gain Dryer Sheets Plus Wrinkle Release, 120 Count — reduces static for better hair release.

Step 4: Wash on Hot Cycle

Wash the cover on the hottest cycle safe for the fabric with a pet-safe detergent. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odor and release remaining hair.

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

Step 5: Clean the Foam Insert

While the cover washes, clean the foam insert:

• Vacuum with the upholstery attachment to remove hair and debris.
• Spot clean any stains with enzyme cleaner and blot dry.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the foam, leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum off.
• Air in sunlight if possible — UV light kills bacteria and eliminates odor.

👉 Recommended: Nutricost Pantry Baking Soda, 1 LB

Step 6: Dry Completely

Dry the cover on the highest heat setting safe for the fabric. Ensure both the cover and foam insert are completely dry before reassembling — damp foam develops mold quickly.

For Dog Beds Without Removable Covers

1. Vacuum thoroughly with the upholstery attachment.
2. Spot clean stains with enzyme cleaner and blot dry.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface, leave overnight, then vacuum.
4. If the bed fits in your washer, wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and pet-safe detergent.
5. Air dry completely — do not use high heat on beds without removable covers.

Choosing a Dog Bed That's Easy to Wash

The easiest dog beds to maintain have removable, machine-washable covers and waterproof bases. The waterproof base prevents accidents from soaking into the foam, and the washable cover means weekly cleaning is quick and easy.

👉 Recommended: Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed with Washable Removable Cover, 35" — waterproof base, machine-washable cover, non-skid bottom, orthopedic foam insert. Available in grey.

Final Thoughts

Weekly washing is the most important habit for a clean, odor-free dog bed. The dryer pre-cycle removes hair before washing, hot water kills bacteria, and white vinegar in the rinse eliminates odor. For the easiest maintenance, invest in a dog bed with a removable, machine-washable cover and a waterproof base.