Comfort · September 3, 2026

How to Clean a Dog Bed Without Ruining It

A practical washing routine for removable covers, foam inserts, muddy paw prints, and everyday dog-bed upkeep.

Pet owner preparing a washable dog bed beside a dog in a laundry room

A dog bed collects exactly what daily life brings in: loose hair, dust, damp paws, treats, and the occasional accident. A regular cleaning routine keeps the bed more pleasant for your dog and makes a small mess far easier to handle than a long-delayed deep clean.

The important part is not using the strongest cleaner available. It is following the bed’s care label, separating washable parts, and making sure each piece is completely dry before your dog uses it again. Start with this routine, then adjust it for the fabric, filling, and mess in front of you. A bed that is easy to care for is also easier to keep in rotation, which is worth considering when you shop dog beds and furniture.

Check the care label before you start

Before adding water, find the label or product-care instructions. It should tell you whether the cover can go in the washing machine, whether the insert can be washed, which water temperature is safe, and whether heat is allowed. This simple check matters most for foam, memory foam, delicate plush, and beds with a non-slip backing.

If the bed has a zipper, remove the cover and any separate bolster inserts. Washing pieces separately lets water and detergent reach the areas that actually need attention. It also prevents the washing machine from having to wrestle with one oversized, heavy bundle.

When the label is gone, take the cautious route. Hand-clean the insert in a small, hidden spot first, use cool or lukewarm water, and skip high heat. The American Kennel Club also recommends checking the manufacturer’s instructions because materials and care directions vary from bed to bed.

Remove hair, crumbs, and dirt first

Dry debris is much easier to remove before the bed gets wet. Take the bed outside and shake it if that is practical, then vacuum both sides of the cover, seams, corners, and sleeping surface. An upholstery attachment is useful for dense fabric, but a lint roller, rubber glove, or damp microfiber cloth can also lift loose hair between washes.

Open zippers and turn the cover inside out if the care label allows it. Hair often hides along the inside seams and around the zipper. Clearing it out first helps the washer rinse more effectively and keeps a wet clump of fur from sticking to the fabric afterward.

Vacuuming loose dog hair from a removable dog bed cover

Use this quick dry-clean step once or twice a week for a heavy shedder, a dog who spends a lot of time outdoors, or a bed placed near an entryway. Regular upkeep makes full wash days shorter and gives you a chance to notice worn seams or flattening fill before they turn into a bigger problem.

Treat stains before washing

Fresh stains are easier to lift than dried ones. Blot mud, food, or a wet accident with a clean cloth or paper towel first. Press down gently to absorb moisture. Rubbing hard can push the mess deeper into the fabric and spread it into a larger patch.

For a washable cover, use a small amount of mild detergent mixed with water and dab it onto the affected area. Let it sit briefly, then blot with a clean damp cloth. If the instructions permit it, rinse the spot until the fabric no longer feels soapy. A lingering detergent film can attract dirt or irritate sensitive skin.

Blotting a muddy paw-print stain on a dog bed cover

For urine, vomit, or diarrhea, remove as much material as possible with gloves and clean the affected area promptly. Follow the fabric-care directions and wash the cover as soon as you can. Do not combine household cleaners or use a product that the bed label does not allow. If your dog has repeated accidents, keeping a spare washable cover can be much less stressful than waiting for one bed to dry.

Wash removable covers the careful way

Most removable covers are the easiest part of a dog bed to clean. Close the zipper, turn the cover inside out if the label allows it, and wash it separately or with a small load of similarly sturdy items. This gives it room to move and reduces the chance that fur or residue transfers to everyday laundry.

Use the water temperature and cycle on the label. Cool or warm water and a gentle cycle are common choices for pet bedding, but the label always wins. A mild, fragrance-free detergent is a practical option, especially if your dog has sensitive skin or spends a lot of time pressed against the fabric.

Skip the temptation to make the bed smell strongly scented. A clean bed does not need perfume to be fresh, and a powerful scent can be unpleasant for a dog with a much stronger sense of smell. The goal is to remove dirt and odor, then rinse thoroughly. The American Kennel Club’s dog-bed cleaning guidance also emphasizes regular vacuuming and washing the cover according to its label.

Make washing day easier on the next round

Once the cover is in the washer, clean the parts of the bed that do not go in with it. Vacuum the insert, wipe the bed’s base, and check the zipper and seams for trapped hair. This keeps the freshly washed cover from going straight back onto a dusty surface. It also gives you a quick look at whether the fill has shifted, the backing has started to peel, or a seam needs attention.

Before washing other clothes, remove any hair that collected in the washer drum, gasket, or lint filter. Pet hair has a talent for finding the next load. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or a short empty rinse can help keep towels and shirts from coming out with a surprise fur layer.

If a bed is very large, consider a laundromat machine only when its label says machine washing is appropriate. A bed should move freely in the drum, not be packed tightly against the sides. Overloading makes it harder for water to reach the fabric and can leave detergent behind. For delicate covers, small beds, or any bed with uncertain instructions, hand cleaning or professional advice is the more cautious choice.

Clean foam, inserts, and non-removable beds with less water

Foam inserts need extra care because they hold water. Unless the label specifically says the foam can be machine washed, do not put it in the washer. A spinning cycle can distort the material, and a thick insert may stay damp inside long after the outside feels dry.

Instead, vacuum the insert and spot-clean only the affected area. Use a cloth lightly dampened with a mild detergent solution, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove residue. Keep water on the surface rather than soaking through to the center. Press with a dry towel to remove as much moisture as possible.

For a bed that has no removable cover, work in sections. Vacuum it first, clean a test spot, then lightly clean the surface with the method the label permits. Give the bed enough time and airflow to dry all the way through. A damp center can leave an odor behind even after the surface looks clean.

Dry every piece completely before reassembling

Drying is where a careful wash can go wrong. Follow the label for tumble drying, low heat, air drying, or flat drying. High dryer heat can shrink a cover, weaken backing, or change the shape of some foam. If the cover can be tumble dried, remove it before it is overdry and reshape it while it is still slightly warm.

Foam, bolsters, and thick stuffing often do best with air circulation. Lay them flat in a dry spot, turn them occasionally, and give the center plenty of time. Do not reassemble the bed when only the outside feels dry. Press the thickest areas with your hand and check seams, corners, and the underside for coolness or dampness.

Freshly washed dog bed and removable cover drying in a laundry room

Open windows, a fan, or a well-ventilated room can help. Direct, intense sun may fade some fabrics, so avoid leaving a colored cover outside for hours unless the label says it is suitable. Drying thoroughly is the easiest way to prevent the musty smell that makes a newly washed bed seem like it needs another wash.

Keep the bed fresh between full washes

A full wash is not necessary every time a dog brings in a little dust. Shake out the bed, vacuum hair, and clean a small stain as it happens. Washing the cover when it becomes visibly dirty or starts to smell is usually more effective than waiting until the entire bed feels overdue.

Put the bed where it can stay dry. A spot beside a water bowl, muddy doorway, or open window can mean more frequent cleanup. For dogs that track in dirt after walks, keep a towel by the door and wipe paws before they settle in. It is a small habit that protects both the bed and the floors.

It also helps to rotate bedding. A washable blanket over the sleeping surface can catch daily hair and light dirt, and it is quicker to launder than the whole bed. A spare bed or cover gives your dog a familiar place to rest while the other one dries. This is especially useful for puppies, seniors, and multi-dog homes.

Know when it is time to replace the bed

Cleaning can revive a bed, but it cannot restore a broken zipper, torn lining, flattened fill, or foam that no longer gives support. Check the bed after washing. If it has lost its shape, smells musty even when fully dry, or leaves your dog resting directly on the floor, it may be time to compare a replacement.

Choose the next bed with care in mind. A removable cover, easy-to-reach zipper, washable fabric, and a shape that fits your dog’s sleeping style can make the difference between a bed that lasts and one that becomes a chore. Our guide on choosing a dog bed that fits your dog can help you narrow down the size, shape, and support before you shop.

A simple dog-bed cleaning checklist

Read the care label before washing any part of the bed.
Vacuum loose hair and shake out dry debris first.
Blot fresh stains instead of rubbing them into the fabric.
Wash removable covers on the cycle and temperature the label allows.
Spot-clean foam and thick inserts unless they are marked machine washable.
Dry covers, foam, and seams completely before putting the bed back together.

Make comfort easier to keep up with

A clean dog bed should still feel like your dog’s favorite place, not like a complicated laundry project. A few minutes of regular hair removal, prompt stain care, and label-friendly washing will do more than an occasional aggressive deep clean. Once you know the right care routine, you can keep a comfortable resting spot ready for the ordinary messes of everyday life.

When a bed has reached the end of its useful life, explore the Dog Beds & Furniture collection or compare supportive orthopedic dog beds for a fresh, easy-care place to rest.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I wash my dog’s bed?

Wash it when it has visible dirt, an odor, or an accident, and keep up with regular hair removal between full washes. The right schedule depends on shedding, outdoor activity, allergies, and whether the bed has a removable cover.

Can I put a foam dog bed in the washing machine?

Only if the care label says the foam insert is machine washable. Many foam inserts do better with spot cleaning and complete air drying, while the removable cover is the part designed for routine machine washing.

How do I get dog smell out of a dog bed?

Remove loose hair, clean any stains promptly, and wash the cover according to its label. Odor often lingers when moisture stays inside the fill or cover, so make sure every part is fully dry before putting the bed back together.

Can I use scented laundry products on a dog bed?

A mild, fragrance-free detergent is a sensible starting point, especially for dogs with sensitive skin. Avoid adding products that are not approved for the fabric or that leave a strong residue, and rinse the bed thoroughly.