How to Wash Dog Beds and Pet Blankets Without Ruining Them

A washable dog bed sounds like an easy purchase—until the cover shrinks, the filling clumps and the zipper refuses to close. There is a more useful buying question than “is it washable?”: Can you follow the care label with the machines and time you actually have?

Check the label before anything gets wet

Find the manufacturer's instructions for the cover and inner cushion separately. A washable cover does not mean the foam can go in the washing machine.

Look for temperature limits, whether the item should be air-dried, and instructions about bleach, fabric softener or detergents. If the label is missing or unclear, avoid guessing with hot water or high heat.

Remove the hair and grit first

Shake bedding outside where appropriate. Vacuum the surface with a suitable upholstery attachment, focusing on folds and corners. This helps keep a large amount of fur and debris out of the washer.

For stubborn hair, try a fabric-compatible lint tool gently. Test it in a hidden area. Rough scrapers may pull fibers or snag a delicate cover.

Photo: Cristina Glebova / Unsplash.

Washing removable covers

If the instructions allow machine washing, close fasteners and wash the cover according to the label. Use a detergent suitable for the material and household. Rinse thoroughly, especially if your pet has sensitive skin.

Check whether the laundry can be washed alone rather than mixing heavily soiled bedding with clothing. Follow the washer's capacity limits: stuffing a bulky cover into an undersized machine can reduce cleaning performance.

Washing blankets and towels

Sort by fabric and label, then wash accordingly. Some microfibers behave differently from cotton. Heavy blankets absorb a lot of water, so confirm that your machine can handle the wet weight.

Avoid heavily fragranced products when the pet may be sensitive. If bedding remains strongly scented after washing, an additional rinse may be helpful when allowed by the care instructions.

Photo: Dex Ezekiel / Unsplash.

Dry completely before putting bedding back

Trapped moisture inside foam or thick seams can produce lingering odors and create an unpleasant sleeping surface. Air-dry where instructed. If a machine dryer is permitted, use the specified setting and check seams before reassembly.

Don't put a damp cover over a dry foam insert. If an insert can't be cleaned well enough after repeated accidents, it may be more practical to replace it.

Clean the surrounding area as well

Vacuum the floor beneath the bed, wipe any washable base and keep cleaning chemicals away from pets until the area is safe and dry.

A dog bed with replaceable covers may reduce long-term upkeep. Our guide to choosing a dog bed explains how to compare sleeping area, support and washability.

How often should I wash pet bedding?

It depends on shedding, dirt, allergies, accidents and the material. Inspect regularly, spot-clean promptly and follow the manufacturer's cleaning frequency. Do not rely on a rigid schedule that ignores actual conditions.

Can I wash dog beds in the same machine as my clothes?

Many washable covers can use a household machine when the label allows, but separate heavily soiled items and clean the washer when necessary. Consider household infection-control needs and follow medical or veterinary advice where relevant.

Is scented fabric softener necessary?

No. Follow the label; softener can affect some fabrics and strong fragrances may bother certain pets.

Takeaway: Remove fur before washing, respect fabric-specific limits and put bedding back only when it is completely dry.

Washable pet bedding

• Browse available pet beds and washable bedding — check sizes, construction and current availability before ordering.

Further reading and safety guidance

• CDC — cleaning and disinfecting pet supplies