How to Wash a Dog Bed: Step by Step Guide

October 3, 2026 · 5 min read

A golden retriever resting on a navy flat dog bed with a rolled bolster

A clean bed is a happy bed. Dog beds collect hair, dirt and smells faster than we notice, and a regular wash keeps the spot your dog loves fresh. The good news: it is not hard. The trick is to start with the right information.

Step zero: check the care label first

Every bed is different. Some have a removable cover, some have a sewn-in cover, some are filled with fibre and some with foam. Before you do anything else, check the care label first. It tells you the highest temperature the fabric can take and whether the bed can go in the washer at all. Our own product pages may list care instructions too, so look at the product page for the bed you own.

When advice you read online disagrees with your label, the label wins. Sources do disagree on a few details, like water temperature and drying heat. In those cases, this guide gives you the more careful option.

How often should you wash a dog bed?

The sources we read give a range. Veterinary content suggests about once a week, and no less than once every two weeks. A dog who sheds a lot, spends time outside, or has allergies may need it more often. A more relaxed routine of vacuuming weekly and washing monthly is also described. If your dog is a muddy adventurer, lean toward the more frequent end.

Before you wash: remove the hair and dirt

Vacuum the whole bed with a brush or upholstery attachment.
Use a lint roller or brush for stubborn hair on the fabric.
Pre-treat any stain. An enzymatic cleaner is a good choice for urine or other organic accidents. Baking soda also helps with odours.

Removing hair first matters. It keeps your washer filter and drain happier, and the bed comes out cleaner.

Option 1: a bed with a removable cover

This is the easiest case. Many removable covers can go in the washer, but only if the label says so.

Unzip the cover and take out the filling or insert.
Wash the cover alone, following the label temperature. Pick the hottest setting the label allows. Some guides mention 60 °C (140 °F) to better remove germs, but only use it if the fabric can take it.
Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent that is gentle on skin. Skip strong perfumes and dyes, which can bother sensitive dogs.
Add an extra rinse so no detergent stays in the fabric.
Dry the cover on low heat or let it air dry, then put it back on the insert only when it is fully dry.

Option 2: the whole bed in the washer

Some beds are made to be washed whole. If your label says machine washable, go ahead.

Make sure the bed fits in the drum with room to move. If it is too big, wash it by hand or take it to a laundromat.
Choose the water temperature on the label. If your machine does not show degrees, a warmer setting helps, as long as the label allows it.
Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent and an extra rinse.
Dry it fully. Sources describe either a hot dryer or air drying. The careful path: use low heat or air dry, and follow the label.
If you use a dryer, take the bed out now and then and fluff it, or hang it. This stops the filling from clumping.

Dryer sheets are suggested by one source and discouraged by another. Since scents can bother pets, we suggest leaving them out.

Option 3: washing by hand

Hand washing suits beds that are too big, too delicate, or not labelled for the washer.

Vacuum the bed first.
Soak it for about 30 minutes in lukewarm water with a little baking soda.
Wash gently for 10 to 15 minutes with a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
Rinse well until the water runs clear.
Press the water out without wringing, which can warp the filling. Rolling the bed in towels helps.
Dry it in the sun or in a spot with good airflow. Make sure the inside is dry too.

What about foam beds?

Foam needs more care than fibre. Do not put a foam bed in the washer unless the care label clearly says you can. Many foam beds have a removable cover: wash the cover as in Option 1, and clean the foam only as the label directs. Never use the dryer on foam unless the label allows it. When the label is missing or unclear, the safe move is to ask the maker before washing.

Keep it fresh between washes

Vacuum once a week.
Sprinkle baking soda, wait 30 minutes, then vacuum it up.
Place a washable sheet or blanket on top. It catches hair and is easy to toss in the laundry.
Deal with new stains right away.

Looking for a bed that fits your dog and your routine? Browse our dog beds and read the product page for care details. Bigger dogs have their own range in large dog beds.