How to Clean a Dog Bed (Fast, Safe & Vet-Approved)

Your dog’s bed is more than just a cozy spot—it’s where your furry friend spends most of their time. But over weeks of naps, muddy paws, and shedding, pet beds collect dog hair, dander, odors, and even harmful bacteria. Regular cleaning keeps your pet’s bed clean, protects your dog’s health, and helps your home smell fresh.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to wash your dog’s bed safely—whether it’s machine-washable or not—plus how to use pet-friendly detergents, remove pet odors, and keep the dog bed in good shape longer.

FunnyFuzzy's Orthopedic Dog Bed

Supplies Checklist

Know Your Bed Type

Not every pet bed survives a spin on the normal cycle. Identify your model first:

• Pillow or bolster beds (poly-fill): Machine wash on hot with an extra rinse cycle; tumble on low heat.

• Memory-foam slabs: Remove cover only. Hand-wash the core in a large basin of warm water and pet-friendly detergent; then gently squeeze—never wring—to avoid cracks.

• Cooling-gel beds: Spot-clean with mild soap, rinse, and air dry away from direct sun.

• Cedar-chip or shredded-foam beds: Empty fill into a trash bag, wash the shell, then replace with fresh chips or new foam.

Check the care tag or the manufacturer’s instructions before you dunk the entire bed—ignoring them can void warranties or trap excess moisture inside the foam, leading to mold.

Step-by-Step: Beds With Removable Covers

1. Remove Loose Dirt and Hair

Shake the bed outdoors or use a vacuum or lint roller to remove loose dirt, fur, and debris.

Tip: For heavy shedding, do this every few days to keep the bed clean between washes.

2. Check the Care Label

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some high-quality materials require cold water, handwashing, or low heat drying.

3. Pre-Treat Stains and Odors

Use an enzyme cleaner or a mix of white vinegar and baking soda to spot treat organic stains like urine, mud, or feces. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot gently with a towel.

4. Machine Wash or Hand Wash

If the entire bed is machine washable, toss it in the washer using warm water and a pet-friendly detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or dyes, which can irritate your dog’s skin. For non-machine beds, use a large basin or tub with soapy water and hand wash gently.

5. Dry Properly

Use low heat or tumble dry low. You can also air dry the bed outdoors in sunlight, which helps kill germs naturally and reduce mold. Make sure it’s fully dry before letting your pup use it again.

Step-by-Step: One-Piece or Foam Beds

If your dog bed is a single foam slab—or the cover is sewn shut—skip the washer and use a large basin or bathtub:

1. Vacuum first to remove pet hair and surface dirt.

2. Fill the tub with enough warm water to completely submerge the foam (lukewarm protects the glue seams).

3. Add ¼ cup pet-friendly detergent plus ½ cup white vinegar for odor control; swish until sudsy.

4. Place the bed in; gently squeeze like a sponge to push soapy water through. Avoid twisting—foam tears easily.

5. Drain and refill with clean water twice; a final extra rinse cycle by hand prevents residue that can irritate sensitive skin.

6. Towel-press the foam to pull out excess moisture, then set it on a drying rack with two box fans. Dry 24–48 h until the core feels crisp. Fast airflow stops mold—the same rule mattress experts give for wet memory foam.

7. Finish with a quick sniff test. Any damp, musty scent means more fan time—mold loves hidden moisture.

Stain & Odor Rescue Guide

How Often to Wash a Dog Bed

Most vets suggest a full wash every two weeks, but factors like shedding and outdoor play change the math. Hot-water research shows a 160 °F wash kills 100 % of dust mites; mites trigger itching in both dogs and people. Use this rule of paw:

• Indoor lap dog → every 3 weeks.

• Heavy shedder / allergy family → weekly.

• Adventure hound (park, mud, lake) → after each dirty outing.

Post these targets on the fridge and set calendar reminders—regular cadence beats deep-clean panic.

Between-Wash Hacks

Staying fresh doesn’t always need soap:

• Daily shake-out outside to ditch loose debris.

• HEPA vacuum the cover every 48 h; a Kansas State pet-hygiene test found this cuts hair build-up by ≈60 %.

• Sun-bathe the bed for 30 min—UV helps tame odor-causing bacteria.

• Keep a paw-wipe station at the door; less dirt on paws = fewer washes.

• Slip a light fleece dog bed cover over luxurious beds. It’s faster to toss a thin cover into the washing machine than the entire bed.

These micro-steps stretch time between full wash cycles and save energy.

FAQs

Can I wash a memory-foam dog bed in the washer?

No—machine agitation can crack the foam. Remove the cover and hand-wash the core as shown above.

What water temperature kills fleas and bacteria?

Hot water (≥140 °F) kills most pests; the CDC recommends 160 °F for full sanitize cycles.

Is bleach safe for pet bedding?

Bleach strips waterproof coatings and can irritate skin. Use unscented detergent plus vinegar or enzyme cleaners instead.

How do I dry a dog bed fast indoors?

Towel-press, then aim two box fans at the core. Finish on low heat in the dryer if the care label allows.

Conclusion

Hot water + unscented, pet-safe soap = germ-free bed. Match your method to the bed type, vacuum hair first, and dry until bone-dry to stop mold.