How to wash a dog bed? Start by removing loose fur and dirt, then spot-clean stains before washing the bed on a gentle cycle with detergent. Air-dry it completely before use. Always check the care label first. Some beds are fully machine washable, while others only have a washable cover.
Regular cleaning helps keep your dog’s sleep space fresh and comfortable. Here is a simple process you can follow at home.
What You Need Before Washing
Gather these supplies:
- Washing machine or large basin
- Pet-safe laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Vacuum cleaner
- Soft brush or cloth
The care label should guide the water temperature, wash cycle, and drying method. If the label says not to machine wash the bed, use hand washing or spot cleaning instead.
How to Wash a Dog Bed Step by Step
1. Remove Loose Fur and Dirt
Vacuum the bed or shake it outdoors. Removing loose hair and debris first helps the wash work more effectively.
It also helps keep excess fur out of your washing machine.
2. Spot-Clean Stains
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply it to visible stains and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Gently scrub the area with a soft brush. This helps loosen dirt before the main wash.
3. Wash the Bed
If the care label allows machine washing, place the bed in the washer. Use a gentle cycle with warm water and pet-safe laundry detergent.
You can add one cup of white vinegar to help reduce odors. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals unless the manufacturer says they are safe.
4. Air-Dry Completely
Remove the bed from the washer and place it in a well-ventilated area. Air-drying is recommended because high dryer heat can shrink fabric or damage the filling.
Thicker beds may take 12–24 hours to dry. Do not put the bed back into use while the filling is still damp.
5. Freshen the Dry Bed
Once the bed is completely dry, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the surface. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Vacuum the baking soda from the bed. This can help absorb lingering odors and leave the surface feeling fresher.
Whole-Bed Washable vs. Cover-Only
A cover-only dog bed has an outer cover that can be removed and washed. The foam or filling stays inside and usually needs to be spot-cleaned or hand-washed.
This design can work well for regular fur and dirt. However, the inner filling may be harder to clean after a larger spill or accident.
A whole-bed washable design is made so the full bed, including the filling, can go into the washing machine when the care instructions allow it. This can be useful for puppies, dogs that spend time outdoors, or homes with frequent messes.
If easy cleanup is important to you, see our washable collection. Always check each product’s care instructions before washing.
Some self-warming beds use a reflective layer to help reflect a dog’s body heat. CloudWarm™ is planned as a cordless option with a machine-washable whole-bed design. It is scheduled to launch in November 2026. You can join the CloudWarm waitlist for updates.
How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?
A good starting point is every one to two weeks. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside, have allergies, or are still potty training may need weekly cleaning.
Between washes, vacuum the bed and use a light sprinkle of baking soda when needed. Remove blankets and washable covers more often if they collect visible fur or dirt.
Need help choosing the right size? Use our dog bed size guide to compare your dog’s measurements with the bed dimensions.
3 Ways to Keep a Dog Bed Cleaner
Use a Washable Blanket
Place a washable blanket over the bed. It can catch loose fur and dirt before they reach the main bed.
Wash the blanket weekly or whenever it becomes dirty.
Wipe Muddy Paws
Keep a small towel near the door. Wiping your dog’s paws after walks can reduce the dirt that reaches the bed.
This is especially helpful after rainy or muddy outings.
Let the Bed Dry Fully
Give the bed extra drying time if it is thick. Damp filling can develop musty odors.
Check the center of the bed before putting the cover back on or letting your dog use it.
What About Memory Foam Dog Beds?
Memory foam should not usually go in the washing machine. It can absorb a large amount of water and may break apart or become difficult to dry.
Wash the removable cover according to its care label. Spot-clean the memory foam with a small amount of mild detergent, then let it air-dry completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a dog bed in the dryer?
Most dog beds should be air-dried. High heat can shrink the cover or damage the filling.
Always check the care label first. If the instructions allow machine drying, use the recommended setting.
How do I get dog smell out of a bed?
Wash the bed or cover according to the care instructions. White vinegar may help reduce odors during the wash, while baking soda can absorb lingering smells after the bed is dry.
Make sure the entire bed dries completely before your dog uses it again.
Can I wash a memory foam dog bed?
Memory foam should not usually be placed in a washing machine. Wash the cover separately and spot-clean the foam by hand.
Let the foam air-dry fully before putting the bed back together.
