How to Wash a Dog Bed: A Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Keeping your dog’s bed clean is essential—not just for your home’s cleanliness but also for your furry friend's health and comfort. Over time, dog beds accumulate dirt, hair, and even bacteria that can irritate your pet's skin or trigger allergies. The exact steps for how you wash your dog's bed depends on the manufacturer's instructions, but most are pretty similar. This guide will walk you through how to wash a dog bed to keep it fresh and odor-free.

How Often Should You Wash Dog Beds?

As a general rule:

• Spot clean weekly to manage small messes.

• Deep clean the cover every 2-4 weeks depending on how often your dog uses the bed.

• Wash the waterproof liner monthly if your dog is prone to accidents or drools excessively.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:

• Pet-safe detergent (free of harsh chemicals or fragrances)

• Cold water

• Gentle cycle setting on your washing machine

• Dryer for the removable cover

• A well-ventilated space to air dry the waterproof liner

• A vacuum or lint roller for pre-cleaning

• Soft brush or cloth for spot cleaning

Step 2: Remove and Prep the Cover

Since Bully Beds pet beds are built with convenience in mind, removing the cover is a breeze. Each bed, including our chew-proof dog bed, is designed with a heavy-duty zipper that makes it easy to take off the outer fabric cover and waterproof liner without struggling.

Before you toss the cover in the wash, taking a few extra minutes to prep it can make the cleaning process much more effective. Dog beds tend to trap pet hair, dirt, and loose debris deep in the fabric. If you don’t remove as much of it as possible before washing, you may find your washing machine overloaded with fur—or worse, clogged with excess pet hair.

• Take it outside. Bring the cover outdoors and give it a few good shakes to remove loose dirt and hair. Doing this outside prevents dog hair from getting all over your floors.

• Use a lint roller. Some dog breeds shed more than others, and if you have a heavy shedder, you may need to take an extra step. A lint roller or pet hair remover (like a rubber glove or damp sponge) can help pull stubborn hair off the cover.

• Vacuum the cover. If your dog’s bed collects a lot of hair, dander, or crumbs, vacuuming it before washing is a smart move. Use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a brush attachment to go over the entire surface of the cover, including the seams and zipper area where dirt can hide.

Pro Tip: Dog fur can clog your washing machine over time. To prevent this, always remove as much hair as possible before tossing the cover in the washer. If your washing machine has a pet hair filter, be sure to check and clean it after washing your dog’s bed cover.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

Dogs are experts at making a mess—whether it’s muddy paws, slobber, or the occasional snack crumbs left behind after a treat session. While a full wash is necessary from time to time, spot cleaning small messes can keep your dog’s bed looking and smelling fresh between washes.

• Mix a Cleaning Solution: Combine mild detergent or dish soap with warm water in a small bowl. Avoid using bleach, harsh chemicals, or strong-scented detergents, as they can irritate your dog’s skin.

• Gently Scrub the Stain: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and dab, don’t rub the stain. For tougher stains (like mud or food), use a soft-bristled brush and work in circular motions to lift dirt from the fabric.

• Blot with a Clean Towel: Once the stain is gone, use a dry towel to soak up excess moisture. Let the spot air dry completely before allowing your dog to use the bed again.

• Repeat if Necessary: Some stains, like those from saliva or oils, may need a second treatment. If the stain persists, let the soap sit on the spot for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing again.

Step 4: Machine Wash the Fabric Cover

Once you’ve removed loose hair and spot-treated stains, it's time to wash the fabric cover.

1. Use cold water. Hot water can shrink, weaken, or fade the fabric over time. Cold water is gentle on the material while still effectively removing dirt and odors.

2. Select the gentle cycle. Your dog’s bed cover is designed for durability, but harsh agitation from a normal or heavy-duty wash cycle can cause unnecessary wear. Always use the gentle cycle to protect the fabric.

3. Use mild detergent only. Avoid using bleach, strong chemicals, or heavily fragranced detergents. These can irritate your dog’s skin and degrade the fabric over time. A simple, unscented detergent works best.

4. Do an extra rinse cycle for sensitive dogs. If your dog has allergies or sensitive skin, consider running an extra rinse cycle to remove any leftover soap residue.

Step 5: Dry the Fabric Cover

Dry the cover in your dryer on low heat and a gentle cycle setting. This helps prevent shrinking and keeps the fabric soft. Avoid fabric softeners or scented dryer sheets. While these products can make fabric feel soft, they also leave a residue that might irritate your dog’s skin.

Pro Tip: Adding a couple of clean, dry towels to the dryer can speed up drying time and fluff the fabric.

Step 6: Clean the Waterproof Liner

The waterproof liner is the unsung hero of your Bully Bed. It protects the foam mattress from accidents, drool, and dirt, keeping the inner cushion in top condition. While it’s also machine washable, it requires special care to maintain its waterproof barrier.

How to Wash the Waterproof Liner

1. Use cold water only. Just like the fabric cover, cold water prevents damage to the liner’s waterproof layer.

2. Use the delicate cycle only. Harsh agitation can weaken the liner’s protective coating, so always select the gentle cycle setting.

3. Use mild detergent. Avoid bleach, strong chemicals, or anything abrasive, as they can break down the waterproof material over time.

4. Do NOT put the waterproof liner in the dryer. Heat exposure can warp, melt, or degrade the waterproof backing, reducing its effectiveness.

How to Dry the Waterproof Liner

1. Air dry only. Lay the liner flat in a well-ventilated area. Hanging it up may cause stretching or creasing, so it’s best to let it dry on a flat surface.

2. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.Too much sun exposure can cause the liner’s material to break down over time.

3. Allow it to fully dry before reassembling. A damp liner can trap moisture inside the bed, leading to mildew or mold growth.

Step 7: Clean the Foam Mattress (Without Water)

The foam mattress inside your pet bed is NOT machine washable. Water exposure can break down the foam’s structure, and heat can permanently damage it.

To keep the foam mattress fresh:

• Vacuum it regularly with a brush attachment to remove dust and hair.

• For odors, sprinkle baking soda over the foam, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.

• For minor spills or accidents, lightly dab the foam with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry completely before replacing the cover.

NEVER:

• Put the foam mattress in the washer or dryer

• Use a hairdryer, iron, or other heat source to dry the foam

• Soak or saturate the foam with water

Step 8: Reassemble the Dog Bed

Once the fabric cover and waterproof liner are clean and dry, carefully put everything back together. Make sure the foam mattress is completely dry before sealing the clean bed to avoid trapped moisture.

FAQs About Washing a Dog Bed

Can I use vinegar or baking soda to wash my dog’s bed?

Yes! Adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle can help neutralize odors. Baking soda can also be sprinkled directly onto the dog bed with cover before washing for extra odor-fighting power.

How can I prevent my dog’s bed from smelling bad between washes?

• Use a washable throw blanket over the bed for easier cleaning.

• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the bed weekly to neutralize odors.

• Vacuum the bed regularly to remove dirt and dander.

What if my dog had an accident on the bed?

If your dog’s accident soaked through to the foam of their orthopedic dog bed, dab the foam with a mixture of mild detergent and water, then sprinkle baking soda to absorb odors. Let the foam dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area.

Can I wash a dog bed with human laundry detergent?

It’s best to use a detergent made for pets or one that’s free of dyes, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Dogs are more sensitive to these irritants than humans.