How to Wash a Dog Bed: Complete Cleaning Guide
How to Wash a Dog Bed: Complete Cleaning Guide
Last Updated: February 2026
A dog bed cleaning guide covers the specific methods required to wash, sanitize, and maintain every major type of dog bed — from machine-washable polyester covers to hand-wash-only sheepskin and memory foam inserts. Dogs spend 12–14 hours per day on their beds, and that surface accumulates saliva, skin oils, dander, dirt, fecal bacteria, dust mites, and environmental allergens at a rate that most owners underestimate. A study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice found that pet bedding harbors significant concentrations of Staphylococcus and E. coli — organisms that can cause skin infections, respiratory issues, and digestive problems in both dogs and humans sharing the home.
The challenge is that different bed materials require completely different cleaning methods. Machine washing a memory foam insert destroys it. Putting a sheepskin bed in the dryer ruins the hide. Using bleach on any dog bed creates chemical residues that contact your dog's skin and respiratory system for hours daily. This guide covers the correct method for every major dog bed type — so you clean effectively without destroying the materials you paid for.
How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?
Cleaning frequency depends on the bed material, your dog's shedding level, and whether your dog has health conditions that increase hygiene needs.
| Bed Component | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Removable fabric cover | Weekly |
| Foam insert (spot clean) | Monthly |
| Full deep clean (any bed type) | Monthly |
| Sheepskin / wool bed | Every 4–8 weeks |
| Waterproof liner | Bi-weekly |
| Crate pad | Weekly (high-use) to bi-weekly |
Dogs with allergies, skin conditions, or compromised immune systems benefit from more frequent washing. Senior dogs and dogs recovering from surgery also need cleaner bedding to reduce infection risk. Dogs with anxiety may benefit from maintaining a consistent scent on their bed — for calming dog beds specifically designed for anxious dogs, washing slightly less frequently preserves the familiar scent associations that help reduce stress.
Cleaning frequency also scales with bed size — large breed dog beds accumulate more debris due to greater surface contact area and typically need washing more frequently than small breed beds.
How to Wash a Dog Bed with a Removable Cover
Most mid-range and premium dog beds feature a removable, zippered cover designed for machine washing. This is the most common cleaning scenario and the easiest to maintain.
Step 1: Remove and Shake
Unzip the cover and remove the insert. Take the cover outside and shake vigorously to release loose hair, dirt, and debris. Use a lint roller or vacuum on the cover surface to remove embedded hair before washing.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains
For drool stains, mud, or food spots, apply a pet-safe stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water directly to the stain. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes before washing.
Step 3: Machine Wash
Wash the cover on a warm cycle (not hot) with a fragrance-free, pet-safe detergent. Avoid detergents with dyes, perfumes, or optical brighteners — these leave chemical residues that can irritate your dog's skin. Add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odors and break down residual bacteria.
Step 4: Dry
Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. High heat can shrink covers and damage waterproof linings. If the cover has a waterproof backing, air drying is always safer.
How to Wash a Memory Foam Dog Bed
Memory foam inserts cannot be machine washed. The agitation and water saturation destroy the viscoelastic cell structure that gives memory foam its pressure-relieving properties. Machine-washed memory foam becomes lumpy, loses its support, and takes days to dry — creating a mold and mildew risk.
Step 1: Vacuum the Insert
Use an upholstery attachment to vacuum all surfaces of the foam insert. This removes hair, dander, and dust mite debris embedded in the foam pores.
Step 2: Spot Clean
Mix a small amount of pet-safe detergent with cool water. Dampen a clean cloth (not soaking) and blot stained or soiled areas. Avoid saturating the foam — surface moisture only. For odor, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire surface, let it sit for 30–60 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Step 3: Deep Clean (When Needed)
For a deep clean, fill a bathtub with enough cool water to submerge the foam insert. Add a small amount of pet-safe detergent. Gently press the foam in the water — do not wring or twist. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then drain and press (don't wring) to remove water. Rinse by pressing under clean running water until suds are gone.
Step 4: Dry Completely
This is the critical step. Memory foam retains water deep in its cell structure. Squeeze gently to remove as much water as possible, then place the insert flat on a clean surface in a well-ventilated area. A fan directed at the foam significantly speeds drying. Allow 24–72 hours for complete drying. If the foam retains any moisture when you reassemble the bed, it will develop mold.
How to Wash a Sheepskin Dog Bed
Sheepskin is a natural material that requires its own specific care protocol. The wool contains lanolin — a naturally occurring compound that makes sheepskin antimicrobial, odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating. Proper washing preserves these properties; improper washing destroys them permanently.
The short version: Cool water, wool-safe detergent, hand wash, air dry flat. Never use regular detergent, hot water, bleach, fabric softener, or a machine dryer.
For the complete step-by-step process with troubleshooting, common mistakes, and lanolin preservation tips, see our dedicated guide: how to wash a sheepskin dog bed.
Sheepskin's natural properties mean it needs washing far less frequently — every 4–8 weeks for normal use. Between washes, shaking and brushing keeps it fresh. The lanolin that coats each fiber actively resists bacteria and odor, which is why sheepskin dog beds outlast synthetic alternatives by a significant margin.
How to Wash a Bolster Dog Bed
Bolster beds (beds with raised edges) present a unique challenge because the bolster walls and base often use different fill densities, and the bolster structure can lose its shape in a washing machine.
If the Cover Is Removable
Follow the removable cover instructions above. For the fill insert, check the care label — many bolster inserts are machine washable on a gentle cycle with cool water. Use a front-loading machine if possible (top-loading agitators can deform bolster shapes). Dry on the lowest heat setting or air dry.
If the Cover Is Not Removable
Vacuum thoroughly, then spot-clean with a damp cloth and pet-safe detergent. For a deep clean, hand wash the entire bed in a bathtub with cool water and pet-safe detergent. Gently squeeze and knead — don't twist or wring. Rinse until water runs clear. Press excess water out with towels and air dry flat. Bolster beds can take 48–72 hours to dry completely due to the dense fill in the walls.
How to Wash a Polyester-Filled Dog Bed
Polyester-filled beds are the most forgiving to wash. Most can handle full machine washing.
- Remove and pre-treat stains
- Machine wash on a warm, gentle cycle with pet-safe detergent
- Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle for odor control
- Tumble dry on low heat
The limitation with polyester fill is that it compresses and clumps with repeated washing. After several wash cycles, the fill loses its loft and may distribute unevenly. Manually fluff and redistribute the fill after each wash. When the fill no longer recovers its shape, it's time to replace the bed.
Dog Bed Cleaning Products: What to Use and What to Avoid
| Product | Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pet-safe laundry detergent | ✅ Yes | Fragrance-free, dye-free formulas preferred |
| White vinegar | ✅ Yes | Natural deodorizer and mild disinfectant |
| Baking soda | ✅ Yes | Odor absorber; sprinkle, wait, vacuum |
| Enzymatic pet stain remover | ✅ Yes | Best for urine, vomit, fecal stains |
| Wool-safe detergent | ✅ Yes | Required for sheepskin and wool beds |
| Regular laundry detergent | ⚠️ Caution | Residues can irritate dog skin; avoid for sensitive dogs |
| Bleach | ❌ No | Destroys fibers, leaves toxic residue, strips lanolin |
| Fabric softener | ❌ No | Coats fibers with chemicals, reduces absorbency |
| Essential oils | ⚠️ Caution | Many are toxic to dogs (tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus) |
| Dryer sheets | ❌ No | Chemical coating transfers to fabric, dog contact risk |
For complete information on which chemicals to avoid in your dog's sleeping environment, see our guide to toxic chemicals in dog beds.
How to Remove Specific Stains from Dog Beds
Urine
Blot immediately with paper towels. Apply enzymatic pet cleaner directly to the stain — enzymatic cleaners break down uric acid crystals that cause lingering odor. Let it sit for the time specified on the product (usually 10–15 minutes), then wash the bed normally.
Vomit
Remove solid matter. Blot the area. Apply enzymatic cleaner or a baking soda paste. Wash on the next cycle.
Mud
Let mud dry completely, then brush or vacuum off the dried residue. Spot-treat any remaining stain with detergent and water before washing.
Blood
Rinse immediately with cold water (never hot — heat sets blood protein stains). Apply hydrogen peroxide to a small test area first, then treat the stain. Wash with cold water.
General Odor
Baking soda is your best tool. Sprinkle liberally, wait 30–60 minutes, vacuum. For persistent odor, a full wash with white vinegar in the rinse cycle usually resolves the issue. If odor persists after washing, the fill material may be saturated and the bed may need replacing.
Drying Tips: The Step Most People Rush
Incomplete drying is the most common cause of mold and mildew in dog beds — and both are serious health hazards for dogs. Mold spores cause respiratory irritation, and mildew produces musty odors that indicate active fungal growth inside the fill.
For synthetic covers: Tumble dry on low heat or hang in a well-ventilated area.
For foam inserts: Air dry flat with a fan directed at the foam. Test for dampness by pressing firmly in the center — if it feels cool or produces any moisture, it's not dry.
For sheepskin and wool: Air dry flat, wool side up, away from direct sunlight and heat. Stretch and reshape periodically during drying.
For polyester fill: Tumble dry on low with dryer balls to maintain loft, or air dry flat.
Universal rule: Never reassemble a dog bed until every component is completely dry. If you can feel any coolness or dampness when you press firmly into the material, keep drying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Dog Beds
Can you put a dog bed in the washing machine? Removable covers and polyester-filled beds are generally machine washable. Memory foam inserts, sheepskin beds, and some bolster beds should not be machine washed. Always check the care label first. When in doubt, hand washing in cool water with pet-safe detergent is the safest approach.
What is the best detergent for washing a dog bed? A fragrance-free, dye-free, pet-safe laundry detergent is the safest universal choice. For sheepskin and wool beds, use only wool-safe detergent (Eucalan, Soak, or Woolite). Avoid standard detergents with enzymes, optical brighteners, or fragrances — these leave residues that can irritate your dog's skin.
How do you get the dog smell out of a dog bed? Baking soda is the most effective natural deodorizer. Sprinkle generously, let sit for 30–60 minutes, then vacuum. For persistent odor, wash the bed with white vinegar added to the rinse cycle. If odor remains after a full wash-and-dry cycle, the fill material is likely saturated and the bed should be replaced.
Can I use Lysol or disinfectant spray on a dog bed? Chemical disinfectant sprays leave residues that can irritate a dog's skin and respiratory system. If you need to disinfect, wash the bed cover in hot water (if the fabric allows) or use a pet-safe disinfectant specifically formulated for pet bedding. Natural alternatives like white vinegar provide mild disinfecting properties without chemical residue.
How long does a dog bed take to dry? Removable covers dry in 1–3 hours in a machine dryer or 4–8 hours air dried. Foam inserts take 24–72 hours to air dry completely. Sheepskin beds typically take 24–48 hours. Never reassemble until all components are fully dry.
Related Reading
- How to Wash a Sheepskin Dog Bed (Without Ruining It)
- How Often Should You Replace Your Dog's Bed?
- Best Dog Beds of 2026: Expert-Tested Guide
- Guide to Non-Toxic Dog Beds
- Toxic Chemicals in Dog Beds
East Perry sheepskin dog beds are naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant — requiring less frequent washing than synthetic alternatives. Browse East Perry's expert-tested sheepskin dog beds.