Breaking news! Your dog is a gold medallist at tracking in dirt and mud. 🥇 And that’s not all...
She also brings in pollen and mould, germs and microbes, dust mites and parasites.
Want to know where much of it ends up? In her warm and cosy doggy bed!
This is our step-by-step guide to washing dog bedding and how to keep it clean for a whole week.
How to wash pet bedding: Your 4-step guide to deep clean, disinfect and deodorize your dog’s bed
Step 1: Remove dog hair
Know how wet pet hairs clump together? Unless you rid pet cushions and covers of dog hairs first, those hairs will:
- Stick to your washer drum;
- Transfer to other fabrics;
- Clog your pipes or drain;
- And, in time, even ruin your washing machine. (Costly mistake!)
So don’t skip this step! ⚠️
Our secret weapon? We use the two-in-one Grubby Paw Grooming Mitt.
Whether you’re grooming your pet or wiping down the dog’s mattress, the rubbery side (with soft nubs) does an excellent job trapping short and long hairs.
Congrats on getting a third use out of just one product!
Remove excess hair & dry your pup fast with the Grubby Paw Grooming Mitt
Step 2: Remove unsightly stains
We can all agree that stains are ugly.
But with a dog in the house, stain marks from mud, bodily functions (usually during the toilet training period), and your pup generally #livingherbestlife are inevitable. 😁
That includes on her dog mattress! Well, no one wants that.
Here is our pro tip: Pre-treat spots with an enzymatic stain and odour remover before you throw the dog bed in the wash.
Enzyme-based products like PetLab Urine Stain and Odour Remover Ready To Use Formula work on even the toughest stains.
Spray on trouble areas, leave to soak, and then air dry. Done!
Eliminate urine stains & odours permanently with the PetLab Stain & Odour Remover
Step 3: Wash pet bedding (and dry thoroughly)
This part only applies to removable pet bed covers, dog blankets, and washable dog cushions.
If your dog’s bed cannot be washed, wipe it down or skip to step 4 instead.
A few friendly reminders about washing dog bedding:
- Follow product-specific fabric care instructions. Some dog beds can be washed in hot water; others need cold water only.
- Whether you put it in the machine, launder it by hand, or even stomp on your dog’s mattress with your feet: Make sure you use pet-safe laundry detergent.
Tumble dry at the recommended temperature.
Add 3 clean tennis balls/dryer balls with the cushion to prevent irreversible lumps from forming in the dog bed stuffing.
Or, leave it out to dry in the sun. That works, too. ☀️
Leave Your Pet Families Laundry Clean, Disinfected & Smelling Fresh Without Chemical Nasties
Step 4: Keep it clean between washes, folks
The fourth and final step is all about maintenance.
Sound like a lot of work? It isn't when you have a 3-in-1 product like Healthy Habitat!
A triple threat that cleans, disinfects, and eliminates odours (with minimal effort on your part) so that your dog’s bed is good to go for another week.
Just spray as needed.
Healthy Habitat Your Everyday Eco Cleaner For A Clean, Sanitary & Fresh Smelling Home
FAQ on washing pet bedding
No dog parent "cleaning 101" guide would be complete without a Q&A segment.
Here are the top questions asked by pet parents.
How often should you wash your dog’s bed?
Wash pet bedding regularly. Experts say once a week or at the very least every two weeks.
The trick is not to let things get too gnarly.
Remember that your dog’s bed is where all sorts of germs (and dander) accumulate—and they can make you and your pet sick. 🦠
Does washing dog bedding kill fleas?
Hot, soapy water kills fleas. There's a caveat, though.
If your dog has fleas, washing dog bedding alone isn't enough to solve this pesky problem.
For a long-term solution, take your dog to the vet for treatment and always maintain a clean home.
How do you wash a dog bed without a washing machine?
The good old-fashioned way with a basin or in the bathtub. 🛁
Make sure the dog bed is fully submerged.
Leave the cushion to soak for around 15 minutes before scrubbing or stomping on it to get it clean.
Again, make sure you use non-toxic laundry detergent!
Can you use fabric softener on your dog’s bed?
It’s not advised. Fabric softeners and commercial laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog’s sensitive skin.
Not just that, ingesting fabric softener (like if you don't rinse the dog bed properly) can make your pet ill.
