Are Dog Beds Washable? Cleaning Guide

Are Dog Beds Washable? Cleaning Guide

Dog beds not only provide a resting place for your dogs. It also gives you some respite, especially if your dog is fond of sleeping in yours! Just like any of our sleeping gears and items, dog beds also need to be clean and odor-free at all times.

Why Do We Need To Clean Dog Beds?

Our pets’ fur, saliva, urine, and other bodily discharges are great media where disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi feed on and grow. What makes it worse is that these microorganisms can live up to a year or even longer on your dog’s bed, even without a host.

Are Dog Beds Washable?

We have to admit it; there really aren’t any dog beds that don’t smell at least a little bit. Fortunately for us, many dog beds in the market come with a removable cover, so cleaning is not a problem. For those dog beds that aren’t washable, don’t worry, as they can still be spot-cleaned and vacuumed.

 

How Often Do We Need To Clean And Wash Dog Beds?

A dog’s bed needs to be washed once a week or once every two weeks depending on:

  • your dog’s activity level, 
  • how much they shed, 
  • the amount of their outdoor exposure or activity, and; 
  • whether or not you have allergies

If you dally and take time between your washes, it will be more difficult for your washing machine to remove all the debris and stains. Remember this; dog beds that don’t smell also mean that you help stop the disease-causing microorganisms' potential to infect you and your entire household.

 

Image - Keep your furry friends happy and healthy with a properly washed, clean bed.  

washing-your-dogs-bed

Here Are A Few Ways To Clean Dog Beds:

  • Spot-clean your pet’s bed and the surfaces surrounding it. Make sure to use gloves and paper towels when removing poop or mud. Wear a mask to prevent any of your pet hairs from flying up your nose, causing rhinitis and other forms of allergies.
  • Vacuum the dog bed. Vacuuming removes the hair and other debris on the bed. This is an essential step before washing the dog bed, as you can no longer remove dog hairs if the fabric is already wet. Use a lint roller for hairs that you can't see or hairs that are too fine. You can also use a vacuum hose with an upholstery attachment for better results.
  • Spray with a pet-safe stain remover. This ensures that most of the poop, urine, or mud stains are removed before you place the dog bed in the washing machine.
  • Wash the bed cover. The question is, are dog beds washable and removable? Simple! Read the washing instructions or tag on your dog bed first. If it is removable and washable, load it on the machine, making sure that it is washed separately from your other laundry. Use a pet-safe laundry detergent so as not to harm your dogs. Make sure also that you use hot water (at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill any insects or parasite eggs from the dog bed. If your dog bed is too big, you can take it to the laundromat, or you can handwash it using hot water and a pet-friendly detergent. Furthermore, if your washing machine doesn’t gauge temperature, set it to the highest setting to eliminate most germs.
  • For dog beds that don’t have removable covers, run it on a delicate cycle with a small amount of pet-friendly detergent in the washing machine. Partially dry it on low-heat then air-dry it the rest of the way.
  • Dry the dog bed. Tumble-dry the dog bed for 20 minutes, then air fluff it with a pet-safe dryer sheet to reduce static and ensure the bed doesn’t shrink. You can also air-dry the bed and its cover in a well-ventilated area. This is to guarantee that the growth of mildew and molds are inhibited.
  • Keep the air smelling fresh and clean daily. You can mix your own homemade carpet or floor cleanser to keep pet scents at bay. Making and using your own spray solution is healthier for you and your pets. We suggest spraying with a solution of 1 teaspoon baling soda mixed in a cup of water. You can also add in your favorite scent like cinnamon or tea tree oil since it acts as a natural disinfectant.

 

Final Thoughts

Having a washable pet bed makes it easier for you to maintain hygiene in your home. Dog beds that don’t smell give you an assurance that you and your family are safe as you cuddle and play with your pet(s). Head on to Ozdingo’s website to find an array of washable dog beds you can choose from.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

SUBHEADING

Blog posts