How Often to Wash a Dog Bed: 4 Recommended Schedules
Discover expert tips on washing your dog's bed frequency, methods, and why hygiene matters for your pet's health and home.
Your dog’s bed is their cozy sanctuary, but it can quickly become a hotspot for dirt, hair, allergens, and bacteria. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your pet healthy, reduce allergy risks, and maintain a fresh home environment. This guide covers everything from washing frequency to effective cleaning methods.
Why You Need to Wash Your Dog’s Bed
Dogs shed hair, skin cells, and dander daily, which accumulate in their bedding alongside dirt from outdoor adventures. This buildup attracts dust mites, fosters bacteria growth, and can harbor fleas or parasites. Unclean beds may cause skin irritations, infections, or respiratory issues in pets and humans, especially in allergy-prone households.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal and CDC recommend weekly washing to minimize zoonotic disease risks, while the EPA advises deep cleaning every 2-3 weeks for flea control. Neglecting this can worsen allergies or lead to vet visits, making routine maintenance crucial for your dog’s well-being.
How Often Should You Wash Your Dog’s Bed?
There are no universal rules, as frequency depends on several factors:
- Dog’s shedding and coat type: Heavy shedders like Labradors need more frequent cleans than low-shedding breeds like Poodles.
- Outdoor activity: Muddy paws or rolling in dirt demand weekly or bi-weekly washes.
- Bed material: Bacteria-resistant fabrics (e.g., some wool beds) require less washing than standard ones.
- Allergies: In homes with pet or human allergies, aim for bi-weekly deep cleans.
- Usage: Beds used daily collect more grime than occasional ones.
General guidelines:
| Scenario | Recommended Frequency | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standard home use | Every 2 weeks | |
| Heavy shedding/outdoor dog | Weekly | |
| Allergy household | Bi-weekly minimum | |
| Bacteria-resistant bed | When dirty/smelly + weekly spot clean |
Spot-clean 1-2 times weekly to extend time between full washes. Over-washing wears fabrics, reducing their dirt resistance.
Factors That Affect Washing Frequency
Beyond basics, consider your dog’s habits. An oily-coated swimmer needs more attention than an indoor lap dog. If your pet has accidents, wash immediately. For shared human-dog sleeping, launder human bedding every 1-2 weeks with hot water.
In multi-pet homes or with fleas, increase to weekly deep cleans per EPA guidance. Always check manufacturer labels—some beds aren’t machine-washable.
Spot Cleaning Your Dog’s Bed
Spot cleaning maintains freshness between deep washes, preventing odor buildup and reducing full clean needs.
- Remove hair: Use a dog hair brush, vacuum, lint roller, or damp rubber gloves to lift fur.
- Treat stains: Dab with pet-safe detergent, vinegar solution, or baking soda for odors. Avoid harsh chemicals to prevent skin irritation.
- Freshen up: Sprinkle baking soda, let sit 15 minutes, vacuum. Hang outside for air-drying or use fabric spray like Febreze.
- Wipe down: Damp cloth for non-removable covers; focus on crevices.
This method works well for vet-recommended or fluffy beds, restoring loft without water.
How to Deep Clean and Wash a Dog Bed
When spot cleaning isn’t enough, follow these steps based on bed type.
Machine-Washable Beds
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove hair—prevents clogs.
- Remove and wash cover separately on highest label temperature with pet-safe, hypoallergenic detergent. Add extra rinse.
- For filling: Use Nikwax Tech Wash or mild soap; low-heat dry or air dry to preserve shape.
- Wash alone to avoid cross-contamination.
Non-Machine-Washable Beds
- Fill tub or kiddie pool with warm water, pet detergent, and 1 cup vinegar.
- Soak 10-15 minutes, scrub with sponge, rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry completely to prevent mold.
Pro tips: Hot water kills allergens; unscented detergents for sensitive skin. Clean washer drum after. Never use bleach or strong detergents.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Bed Clean Between Washes
- Vacuum weekly.
- Shake out daily outdoors.
- Use washable covers or waterproof liners.
- Opt for antimicrobial fabrics.
- Enzyme cleaners for accidents.
- Rotate beds if multiple available.
These habits can double bed lifespan and minimize allergens.
Dog Bed Washing for Allergies
For allergy sufferers, bi-weekly washes with hypoallergenic detergent are key. Target dander, dust mites, pollen. Hot water (140°F+) and drying in sun kills mites effectively. Vacuum crevices daily.
FAQs
Can I wash my dog’s bed in the washing machine?
Yes, if label allows. Use pet-safe detergent, wash separately, extra rinse. Vacuum first.
How often should I spot clean?
1-2 times weekly, or daily for heavy shedders.
What if my dog has fleas?
Deep clean every 2-3 weeks per EPA, vacuum surroundings, treat pet.
Is baking soda safe for dog beds?
Yes, neutralizes odors; vacuum after 15 minutes.
How to remove dog hair easily?
Brush, vacuum, rubber gloves, or tape.
Should I wash if no smell?
Follow schedule to prevent hidden buildup.
Conclusion
Maintaining your dog’s bed hygiene promotes health, comfort, and a cleaner home. Adjust frequency to your pup’s needs, combine spot cleans with periodic deep washes, and use quality products for best results.
References
- How Often Do I Need to Wash My Dog’s Bed? A Guide for Pet Parents — Bronte Glen. 2023. https://www.bronteglen.co.uk/blog/how-often-do-i-need-to-wash-my-dogs-bed/
- How to Clean Your Dog’s Bed and Why It’s Important — American Kennel Club (AKC). 2024-01-15. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-clean-a-dog-bed/
- Bedding and Toy Maintenance: Keeping Pet Items Clean and Safe — PetEvolution. 2023. https://www.petevolution.com/blog/bedding-and-toy-maintenance-keeping-pet-items-clean-and-safe/
- How To Clean Dog Beds — Chewy. 2024. https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/general/how-to-clean-dog-beds
- How to Wash a Dog Bed — all Laundry. 2023-06-12. https://www.all-laundry.com/laundry-tips/family-laundry-routine/how-to-wash-a-dog-bed.html
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