🧺 Quick Answer:
Most fabric dog beds: remove the cover, shake out loose hair, machine wash on gentle/cold with a pet-safe detergent, air dry or tumble dry low. Foam beds: spot-clean only or hand-wash — never put foam in a machine. Waterproof beds: cold machine wash, no fabric softener. Full details for every bed type below.
Your dog’s bed is one of the most bacteria-laden surfaces in your home. Studies have found dog beds harbor thousands of bacterial colonies per square centimeter — including staph, E. coli, and yeast that can cause skin infections, allergies, and respiratory issues in both dogs and humans.
The good news: washing a dog bed properly takes about 20 minutes of active effort. The bad news: most owners do it wrong — using the wrong temperature, wrong detergent, or skipping steps that cause beds to stay damp inside (which breeds mold). This guide covers everything, for every type of dog bed.
How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?
The answer depends on your dog — but here’s a practical baseline:
| Dog Situation | Recommended Washing Frequency |
| Healthy adult dog, indoors mostly | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Dog with allergies or skin conditions | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Dog that goes outdoors frequently / muddy | Weekly |
| Puppy or senior dog (accidents more likely) | Weekly or as needed |
| Multiple dogs sharing a bed | Weekly |
| Dog post-illness or vet visit | Immediately |
🦠 Why Frequency Matters:
Dog beds accumulate shed hair, dander, saliva, paw dirt, flea eggs, and body oils every single day. Beyond odor, unwashed beds are a leading source of re-infestation after flea treatment — flea eggs can survive in bedding for months.
Step 1: Before You Wash — Prep the Bed
Skipping prep is the #1 reason dog bed washing fails. Loose hair clogs machines, reduces cleaning effectiveness, and can damage your washer’s pump.
Remove Loose Hair First
- Take the bed outside and shake it vigorously to dislodge surface hair and debris
- Use a rubber lint roller, rubber gloves (rub in circles), or a stiff brush to lift embedded hair from the fabric
- Run a dry cycle in the dryer for 10 minutes with a dryer sheet before washing — the heat loosens hair and the sheet helps it collect in the lint trap
- Check and clean your washer’s lint trap and drum before loading the bed
Read the Care Label
Every dog bed sold in the US is required to have a care label. Check it before washing — especially for:
- Water temperature restrictions (many foam-filled beds say cold only)
- Machine wash vs. hand wash only
- Dryer safe vs. air dry only
- Whether the cover is removable and washable separately
⚠️ Warning:
Ignoring care label temperature limits is the leading cause of dog bed shrinkage and stuffing damage. Hot water can melt synthetic fill, compress memory foam permanently, and shrink covers so they no longer fit.
Check for Damage
Before washing, inspect seams, zippers, and stuffing. A torn seam will become a gaping hole in the washer. Repair or replace before washing.
Step 2: Machine Washing (Most Fabric Beds)
Most fabric dog beds with polyester or cotton fill are machine washable. Here’s the full process:
Detergent Selection — This Matters More Than You Think
Standard laundry detergents contain fragrances, optical brighteners, and surfactants that are safe for humans but can cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and respiratory issues in dogs. Dogs sleep nose-to-fabric for hours — residue matters.
| Detergent Type | Safe for Dogs? | Notes |
| Unscented, dye-free human detergent (e.g. All Free & Clear) | ✅ Yes | Best budget option — widely available |
| Pet-specific detergent (e.g. Nature’s Miracle Laundry) | ✅ Yes | Formulated for pet odors and dander |
| Regular scented detergent (Tide, Persil, etc.) | ⚠️ Caution | May irritate sensitive dogs — avoid if dog has skin issues |
| Bleach | ❌ No | Toxic to dogs even in trace amounts — never use |
| Fabric softener / dryer sheets | ❌ Avoid | Coats fibres with chemicals dogs will inhale — use dryer balls instead |
| Vinegar (white) | ✅ Yes | Natural deodorizer — add 1/2 cup to rinse cycle |
| Baking soda | ✅ Yes | Odor neutralizer — add 1/2 cup to wash cycle |
Washing Settings
- Temperature: Cold or warm (max 30°C/86°F) — hot water shrinks covers and damages fill
- Cycle: Gentle or delicate — reduces agitation that can clump and damage stuffing
- Spin: Low speed — high spin puts stress on seams and can deform fill
- Extra rinse: Yes — ensures all detergent residue is removed
- Load: Wash the bed alone or with similar items — overloading prevents thorough cleaning
💡 Pro Tip:
If your home washer is too small for the bed, use a laundromat’s large front-loader. Top-loader agitators are harder on dog beds than front-loaders — if given the choice, always use front-load.
Step 3: Hand Washing (For Non-Machine-Safe Beds)
Some beds — particularly those with delicate covers, orthopedic foam inserts, or waterproof liners — require hand washing.
Hand Wash Method
- Fill a bathtub or large sink with cold or lukewarm water
- Add a small amount of pet-safe detergent (1–2 tablespoons for a full tub)
- Submerge the bed and agitate gently with your hands for 5–10 minutes
- Pay extra attention to high-contact areas: where the head rests, edges, and any visibly soiled spots
- Drain the soapy water and refill with clean cold water
- Rinse thoroughly — press and squeeze the bed repeatedly to flush out all soap
- Repeat the rinse at least twice — soap residue is the biggest issue with hand-washed beds
- Press (don’t wring) excess water out — wringing damages fill and causes clumping
⚠️ Important:
Never submerge memory foam or shredded foam in water. Foam is extremely absorbent and almost impossible to fully dry — retained moisture causes mold growth inside the bed within 24–48 hours in warm environments.
Step 4: Cleaning Foam and Orthopedic Beds
Foam dog beds — including memory foam, orthopedic, and egg-crate foam — require a completely different approach. The foam insert itself should never be submerged or machine washed.
Cleaning the Cover (Removable)
- Most foam beds have a removable, zippered cover — remove it and machine wash according to the label
- Wash covers alone — don’t add the foam insert
- Air dry covers when possible — high heat can cause zipper damage and shrinkage
Cleaning the Foam Insert
- Vacuum the foam with an upholstery attachment to remove hair and debris
- Spot-clean stains with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild dish soap
- For odor, lightly spritz with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution and let air dry completely
- If the foam needs a deeper clean, take it outside and use a garden hose — spray gently, avoid soaking
- Allow to dry in open air with good airflow for a minimum of 24–48 hours before replacing the cover
🌿 Odor Tip:
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the foam insert, leave for 2 hours, then vacuum off. This neutralizes odor without moisture — ideal for regular maintenance between washes.
Step 5: Waterproof and Water-Resistant Beds
Waterproof beds have a special liner or coating that can be damaged by the wrong washing method.
Key Rules for Waterproof Beds
- Never use fabric softener — it coats the waterproof membrane and degrades its effectiveness
- Cold water only — heat degrades waterproof coatings and can cause delamination
- Air dry or tumble dry on no-heat/air-only setting — heat destroys the waterproof layer
- Do not iron — direct heat ruins the coating
- Use minimal detergent and an extra rinse cycle to prevent soap buildup
| Bed Type | Wash Method | Dry Method | Avoid |
| Standard fabric fill | Machine, cold/gentle | Air dry or low tumble | Hot water, bleach |
| Memory foam (cover) | Machine, cold/gentle | Air dry | High heat on cover |
| Memory foam (insert) | Spot-clean / hose only | 24–48hr air dry | Submerging, machine |
| Waterproof liner | Machine, cold only | Air dry or no-heat | Fabric softener, heat |
| Elevated/raised beds | Wipe with damp cloth + disinfectant | Air dry (minutes) | Submerging the frame |
| Bolster / donut beds | Machine, cold/gentle | Air dry — takes longer | High spin, hot dry |
Step 6: Drying — The Step Most People Get Wrong
Improper drying causes more dog bed problems than improper washing. A bed that looks dry on the outside can retain moisture in its fill for days, breeding mold and bacteria that create the musty smell many owners mistake for a ‘clean dog’ smell.
Dryer Method (Where Appropriate)
- Use low heat or air-only setting — never high heat
- Add 2–3 wool dryer balls to prevent clumping of fill and speed drying
- Stop every 30 minutes and manually break up any clumps in the fill
- Total dry time for most beds: 2–4 hours on low heat
- Before removing: push down firmly on multiple spots — if any area feels even slightly damp, continue drying
Air Dry Method
- Place flat in direct sunlight if possible — UV light has natural antibacterial properties
- Prop up on a drying rack or over a fence to allow airflow on all sides
- Flip every few hours to ensure even drying
- Minimum drying time: 4–8 hours in warm weather; up to 24 hours in cool/humid conditions
- Squeeze the thickest parts of the bed to test for moisture before bringing inside
⚠️ Never Put Away a Damp Bed:
A dog bed that goes back into use even slightly damp will develop mold within 48 hours in most home environments. The mold smell is nearly impossible to remove once established — and can cause respiratory issues and skin problems in dogs.
Removing Specific Stains and Odors
Urine Stains and Odor
- Blot (don’t rub) fresh urine with paper towels immediately
- Apply an enzyme-based pet stain remover (Rocco & Roxie, Nature’s Miracle, Zymox) directly to the stain
- Allow to sit for 10–15 minutes — enzyme cleaners need time to break down uric acid crystals
- Wash as normal with an extra rinse cycle
- Air dry in sunlight — UV light helps destroy remaining odor compounds
🔬 Why Enzyme Cleaners Work:
Urine odor comes from uric acid crystals that don’t dissolve in water. Standard detergents mask the smell temporarily but leave crystals behind — which re-activate when wet (causing dogs to re-mark). Enzyme cleaners chemically break down the crystals permanently.
Flea Treatment
- Wash at the highest temperature the care label allows — heat kills fleas and eggs
- Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash — it’s a natural flea deterrent
- Dry on high heat if fabric allows — heat above 50°C kills fleas at all life stages
- Treat the bed with a pet-safe flea spray after washing if infestation was confirmed
- Repeat washing every 1–2 weeks during active flea treatment
Mud and Outdoor Grime
- Allow mud to dry completely before attempting to clean — wet mud spreads and sets deeper
- Brush off dried mud outdoors before bringing inside
- Pre-treat heavily soiled areas with a small amount of dish soap before machine washing
- Wash on gentle/cold with an extra rinse
General Odor (No Visible Stain)
- Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash cycle along with detergent
- Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle (don’t combine with baking soda in the same step)
- Dry in direct sunlight when possible
- Between washes: sprinkle baking soda on the bed, leave 30 minutes, vacuum off
Keeping the Bed Fresh Between Washes
A good between-wash routine can extend your washing interval and keep odors at bay.
Daily Habits (2 minutes or less)
- Quick shake or gentle vacuum to remove loose hair before it embeds
- Spray lightly with a 50/50 water/white vinegar solution and let air dry if odors are developing
- Rotate and flip the bed to even out compression and drying
Weekly Maintenance
- Full vacuum with upholstery attachment — top, bottom, and seams
- Check for and repair any small tears before they become large ones
- Baking soda treatment: sprinkle, leave 1 hour, vacuum off
Consider a Washable Bed Cover
If full bed washing feels too cumbersome, invest in a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover. You can wash just the cover weekly (a 10-minute task) and do full bed washing monthly. Many Amazon-available options in the $30–$80 range include zippered waterproof covers that are easy to strip and toss in the machine.
Buying a Dog Bed That’s Easy to Clean — What to Look For
Not all dog beds are created equal when it comes to washability. If you’re due for a replacement, here’s what to prioritize:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Removable, zippered cover | Can wash the cover frequently without washing the whole bed |
| Machine-washable cover | Faster and easier than hand-washing |
| Waterproof inner liner | Protects foam/fill from urine accidents — extends bed life significantly |
| Durable, tightly-woven cover fabric | Resists hair embedding — easier to vacuum and shake clean |
| Flat/bolster design (vs. shaggy/plush) | Plush materials trap hair and odor much more readily |
| Anti-odor treatment (silver ion, bamboo) | Helps between washes — not a replacement for regular cleaning |
🛒 Affiliate Note:
We’ve reviewed dozens of easy-clean dog beds — check our [Dog Beds Buying Guide] for our top picks by size and budget, including our favorite machine-washable orthopedic options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular laundry detergent on a dog bed?
You can use unscented, dye-free human detergent (like All Free & Clear) safely. Avoid scented detergents for dogs with skin conditions or allergies. Never use bleach, fabric softener, or strongly fragranced detergents.
How do I wash a dog bed that’s too big for my washing machine?
Take it to a laundromat and use a large front-loading commercial machine. These handle oversized items better than home top-loaders and are gentler on bed construction. Alternatively, hand-wash in a bathtub.
Why does my dog bed still smell after washing?
The most common causes: not enough rinsing (soap residue traps odors), not drying fully (damp fill develops mildew), or urine odor that requires enzyme cleaner — not just regular detergent. Try rewashing with an enzyme-based pet cleaner and an extra rinse, then dry fully in direct sunlight.
Can I wash a dog bed in a front-load vs. top-load washer?
Front-loaders are preferred — gentler tumbling action is less likely to damage fill or seams. Top-loaders with agitators can be harsh on larger beds. If using a top-loader, use the delicate cycle and consider removing the agitator insert if possible.
How long does a dog bed take to dry?
In a dryer on low heat: 2–4 hours for most fabric beds. Air drying outdoors: 4–8 hours in warm/sunny conditions, up to 24 hours for thick orthopedic beds. Foam inserts: 24–48 hours minimum. Always test by firmly pressing on thick areas before declaring it dry.
When should I replace a dog bed instead of washing it?
Replace when: the foam has permanently compressed (lost its shape), the cover has tears that can’t be repaired, the odor persists despite proper washing (deeply embedded bacteria/mold), or your dog repeatedly avoids it. A good dog bed typically lasts 2–5 years with proper care.
Summary: The Dog Bed Washing Checklist
| Step | Action | Frequency |
| 1 | Shake out loose hair, vacuum surface | Before every wash |
| 2 | Check care label for temp & method | Before every wash |
| 3 | Pre-treat stains with enzyme cleaner | As needed |
| 4 | Machine wash: cold, gentle cycle, extra rinse | Every 2–4 weeks |
| 5 | Dry fully on low heat or air dry in sun | Every wash |
| 6 | Baking soda deodorize treatment | Weekly between washes |
| 7 | Full vacuum with upholstery attachment | Weekly |
| 8 | Inspect seams and cover for damage | Monthly |
