How to Wash a Dog Bed: A No-Nonsense Method for a Fresh and Clean Bed

That Telltale Whiff: When You Know It’s Time to Wash the Dog Bed

There’s a certain aroma that can only mean one thing. It’s not the pleasant smell of rain on the fells or a Sunday roast in the oven. No, this is the lingering, all-pervading scent of ‘eau de damp dog’ that has slowly matured in its favourite sleeping spot. The other day, after a particularly joyous and muddy romp across the moors, my own furry menace trotted in, did his obligatory full-body shake in the hallway, and promptly curled up in his bed. An hour later, the living room had developed a distinct, earthy pong. It was time. The dog bed needed a proper seeing-to.

Washing the dog bed is one of those jobs we all put off, but it’s more than just about getting rid of a bit of a niff. A clean bed is better for your dog’s skin and health, and let’s be honest, it makes your home a much nicer place to be. Here’s a straightforward, no-faff approach to getting it done right.

A Quick Glance: Which Wash for Which Bed?

Not all dog beds are created equal. Before you start wrestling it towards the washing machine, have a quick look at this chart to see what you’re dealing with.

First Things First: Your Pre-Wash Prep

A little bit of prep work makes the main job ten times easier. Don’t just chuck it straight in the machine unless you want a washer clogged with hair and a bed that’s still a bit grim.

What You’ll Need on Hand

• A Hoover: Your trusty vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment is your best friend here.
• Pet-Safe Laundry Detergent: This is non-negotiable. Dogs have sensitive skin, and normal detergents can cause irritation. Look for one that’s non-bio and fragrance-free.
• Stain Remover: Again, opt for one that’s pet-safe. Alternatively, a simple mix of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can work wonders.
• A Bathtub or Large Sink: For those beds that won’t go in the machine.

Step 1: De-Fur and De-Gunk

Before any water gets near it, give the entire bed a thorough hoovering. Get right into the crevices and corners to suck up as much loose hair, dirt, and stray biscuit crumbs as you possibly can. If the hair is really woven in, a rubber glove (the kind you use for washing up) wiped over the surface works a treat to ball it all up.

The Main Event: Washing Methods for Every Dog Bed

Right, with the prep out of the way, it’s time to get washing. Always, always check the care label on the bed first – it’s the ultimate authority.

For Beds with Removable Covers (The Easy Win)

This is the dream ticket. Having a removable cover makes life so much simpler.

1. Unzip and separate: Take the cover off the inner cushion or foam.
2. Pre-treat any stains: Dab a bit of your pet-safe stain remover on any particularly nasty spots. Let it sit for 15 minutes or so.
3. Machine wash: Pop the cover in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with cool or warm water and your pet-safe detergent. A hot wash might be tempting, but it can shrink the cover, and then you’ll never get it back on.
4. Check the inner cushion: While the cover is washing, give the inner part a sniff and a check. It might need airing out or a bit of a spot clean itself.

For Beds Without Removable Covers (The Bathtub Job)

This requires a bit more elbow grease but is perfectly doable.

1. Fill the tub: Fill your bathtub or a large sink with lukewarm water and add your pet-safe detergent.
2. Submerge and soak: Plunge the entire bed into the water. You might need to hold it down as it will try to float. Let it soak for a good 20-30 minutes to loosen all the grime.
3. Get scrubbing: Gently squeeze the bed to work the soapy water through the filling. You can use a soft brush on any stubborn patches.
4. Rinse, rinse, and rinse again: Drain the dirty water and refill with clean water. Keep squeezing and rinsing the bed until the water runs clear and there are no more soap suds. This is the most important bit – leftover detergent can irritate your dog’s skin.

Tackling a Solid Foam Bed (The Awkward One)

Crucial takeaway: Never put a solid memory foam or orthopaedic foam bed in the washing machine. It can tear the foam to shreds.

• Spot clean first: For minor spills, a spot clean is best. Mix a solution of mild soap and water, and gently blot the affected area with a cloth.
• For a full clean: If it needs more than a spot clean, follow the hand-washing steps above. Be extra gentle when squeezing the water out to avoid damaging the foam structure.

Getting it Dry Without a Damp Dog Smell

A poorly dried bed will develop a musty, mildewy smell that’s even worse than the original pong. Proper drying is key.

• For machine-washed covers: Many can be tumble-dried on a low heat setting. Chucking in a couple of clean tennis balls can help fluff it up. If in doubt, air-drying is the safest bet.
• For hand-washed beds: Gently squeeze out as much excess water as you can – don’t wring it aggressively. Roll it up in a couple of old, clean towels and press down firmly to absorb more moisture.
• Air-dry everything else: Place the bed in a well-ventilated spot, preferably outside on a breezy, sunny day. Drape it over a washing line or clothes airer. You’ll need to flip it over every few hours to make sure it dries evenly all the way through. It can take a day or two, but it’s worth the wait.

How Often Should You Be Washing It, Really?

There’s no single right answer, as it depends on your dog. But a good rule of thumb is to wash your dog’s bed properly once every one to two weeks.

You might need to wash it more often if:

• Your dog has allergies or skin conditions.
• They are a heavy shedder.
• They love rolling in mud (or worse!).
• You have multiple pets sharing the bed.

Top Tips for Keeping the Bed Fresher for Longer

To make wash day less frequent, a bit of regular upkeep helps.

• Hoover it weekly: A quick run over with the vacuum when you’re doing the house makes a huge difference.
• Use a blanket: Pop an old, easily washable blanket or fleece on top of the bed. You can then just whip this off and chuck it in the machine for a quick wash.
• Air it out: On a dry day, take the bed outside for a few hours. A bit of fresh air and sunshine can work wonders.

And that’s it. A bit of a chore, yes, but seeing your dog curled up, clean and cosy in a fresh bed makes it all worthwhile. Now, time for a well-earned cuppa.