Dogs are very active and playful creatures. They love going outside and playing in mud but the situation becomes tough when they bring the dirt to their bed. Soon the dog bed becomes a host for dirt, pollen, and dog hair. This is why pet owners wonder how to clean a dog bed because dog beds can harbour disease-causing organisms that may not just infect dogs, but also humans if left unnoticed. 

If you don’t want the bed of your furry friend to play host to all sorts of bacteria and fleas, you need to consider washing your dog’s bed at least once every week. 

How to Wash a Dog Bed

Before knowing how to wash a dog bed, you must consider what type of bed your dog has. There are different treatments for different types of beds. When it comes to cleaning, two main types of beds are those with removable covers and those with non-removable covers. 

How to Clean a Dog Bed With a Removable Cover 

In the case you have a dog bed with a removable cover, you need to wash both dog beds and the removable covers. Remove the cover and double-check the label to see if it can be washed by the machine. If it can be machine-washed, here are some tips to clean dog bed in washing machine:

• To get rid of any excess dirt or fur, vacuum the dog bed first before washing, and then use a non-toxic detergent that is safe for pets. 

• To make sure all of the detergent is washed off, use an extra cycle, just like you do with your clothes. 

• After washing it, either air dry the bed or put it in the dryer at low heat. Using dryer sheets is strictly prohibited in this scenario.

• Run the washer empty with one cup of vinegar, this way the machine will get rid of any lingering dirt or pet hair.

Now that we know how to clean dog bed in washing machine, we must look for ways to wash a dog bed that can not be machine-washed. Just follow the same steps mentioned above, in this case, you just need to wash by hand instead of using a machine.

How to Clean a Dog Bed Without a Removable Cover 

Here are step-by-step instructions to wash a dog bed without a removable cover:

• First, vacuum your dog bed so that excess fur or dirt can be removed then fill up a large basin or bath with enough water to completely submerge the bed of your dog.

• Use a non-toxic detergent and soak the bed in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Scrub the bed corners with the help of baking soda and a toothbrush to remove any lingering odors.

• Rinse the bed thoroughly, wring it out and leave it in a sunny place to dry.

How to Wash a Dog Bed With Baking Soda 

Cleaning dog beds with fur and mud is fine but to wash out urine or blood stains, you need to use baking soda. Here are the tips to clean dog bed with baking soda:

• Sprinkle baking soda on the stain.

• Wait for 5 minutes, let the baking soda sit, and soak up the liquid.

• Mix baking soda with 2 cups of vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the stain. Let the spray solution sit on the stain for 5 minutes.

• Blot the stain with the help of a cloth, repeat spraying and blotting if you think it is needed.