Dogs are instinctive animals who like to roll around in the mud, garbage, and sometimes, feces, and their beds are usually a reflection of it. Keeping a dog bed clean is not the easiest task in the world, but it is not impossible either.
So, how to wash a dog bed? We’ve developed a 4-step list to help you wash your pup’s bed easily, providing a safe space for him.
How often should you wash a dog bed?
Let’s start by talking about the washing frequency of a dog’s bed. Contrary to what people might think, your dog’s bed needs to be washed on a regular basis, at least once every two weeks.
Think of your dog’s bed as your own: don’t you like to sleep in fresh clean bedding?
Besides, the germs and bacteria carried by your dog can live on your dog’s bed for up to 12 months! So, it’s very important to get rid of them sooner than later.
Naturally, the washing frequency can vary depending on your dog’s level of activity, how much the bed is used, and if someone in the house suffers from dog allergies (in which case it should be washed more than twice a month)
How to wash a dog bed
Before choosing a bed for your pup, it is important to assess how you are going to address its washing. The fabric, stuffing, and covers are important things to take into account.
Dogs’ beds are not an expensive item, but dry cleaning them is. For most pet parents, there is no point in spending 50 dollars on dry cleaning when it basically equals the full cost of the bed. Depending on the bed’s material and size, you can use a washing machine or hand wash it. However, we strongly recommend to hand wash it regardless of its fabric, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Remove the dog hair from the bed
You can use a vacuum, a brush, or you can give the bed a good shake outside, but this step is the most important. You need to get rid of all the extra hair in order to clean it properly, especially if you are going to use a washing machine as the hair can get stuck and block it.
- Apply stain removers
It’s very common for dog beds to have difficult spots or hard-to-remove stains from mud, food, etc. That is why it’s super important to apply stain removers and let them act for approximately 10 minutes or as recommended. Important: Make sure the stain removers you are using don’t contain harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine, which can be toxic for dogs.
- Wash it
Use hot water to kill bacteria and a pet-friendly soap detergent to avoid further irritations or skin allergies. Scrub it gently and rinse with plenty of water. Repeat if necessary.
- Dry it
This final step is super important. Remove the excess water, but don’t squeeze it too hard! Let the bed drain and dry in the sun. Depending on the size and fabric of the bed, it might take a few hours until it is completely dry.
