A dog bed is one of the dirtiest items in most homes, and one of the least washed. A sensible routine keeps smells down, reduces allergens and helps break the flea life cycle if your dog picks up unwelcome passengers.
A realistic schedule
- Weekly: vacuum or shake out the bed, and wash the cover if your dog is a heavy shedder, swims, or has skin allergies.
- Every two weeks: wash the cover for most dogs.
- Monthly: wash or deep-clean the inner cushion or foam.
- Immediately: after any toileting accident, sickness or a flea treatment.
Temperature and detergent
Washing at 60°C kills flea eggs, larvae and dust mites and removes most bacteria; 40°C is adequate for routine freshening. Always follow the care label — many foam liners and some covers are 30°C only. Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent; strong perfumes can irritate a dog’s skin and some dogs avoid a bed that smells unfamiliar. Skip fabric conditioner, which coats fibres and reduces absorbency.
How to wash each type of filling
Fibre-filled cushions
Most can go in a large-capacity machine on a gentle cycle. Add a couple of clean tennis balls to the dryer, or dry flat and plump regularly, to stop the filling clumping.
Memory foam and orthopaedic foam
Never put solid foam in a washing machine or tumble dryer. Vacuum it, spot-clean with a damp cloth and a little detergent, and air it in the sun. A waterproof liner between the foam and the cover means you rarely need to clean the foam itself.
Raised or cot beds
Hose down the mesh, scrub with a soft brush and mild detergent, rinse and leave to dry outdoors.
Getting hair off before washing
Hair in the drum clogs the filter and redeposits on the fabric. Use a rubber glove, a lint roller or a dedicated pet-hair remover on the cover first, then run the machine with the cover inside out. A short extra rinse at the end helps flush loose hair away.
Drying matters more than you think
A damp bed smells within a day and can grow mould inside the filling. Tumble dry on low only if the label allows, otherwise dry outdoors or near (not on) a radiator, turning regularly. Make sure the centre of a thick cushion is completely dry before putting the cover back on.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash a dog bed with my normal laundry?
It is better not to. Wash dog bedding on its own to avoid transferring hair and dander to your clothes, and clean the filter afterwards.
What temperature kills fleas on bedding?
Washing at 60°C kills fleas at all life stages. If the label allows only 30 or 40°C, tumble drying on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes also works.
How do I get the smell out of a dog bed?
Wash with a fragrance-free detergent and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Make sure the filling is completely dry. Persistent smells usually mean the inner cushion, not the cover, needs cleaning.
Is it safe to use bleach or strong disinfectant?
Avoid them. Residues can irritate your dog’s skin and paws. Hot water, a pet-safe enzyme cleaner for accidents and thorough drying are enough.
