How to Wash Dog Bed Covers Safely
Table of contents
Dog bed covers collect hair, dust, drool, outdoor dirt, and the occasional muddy-paw surprise. The safest way to wash one is not to guess a universal temperature or detergent. Start with the care label, identify which part of the bed is washable, and keep heat and moisture within the limits of the material.
Quick answer: Remove loose hair and dirt, separate the cover from foam or filling, close zippers, and follow the label. If the cover is machine washable, use the label-approved cycle and detergent, avoid unapproved bleach or fabric softener, and dry it completely before putting the bed back together. If the cover is fixed or the insert is foam, vacuum and spot-clean instead of soaking the whole bed.
First identify what you can wash
"Dog bed cover" can mean several different things. The outer fabric may unzip from a foam mattress, wrap around a filled cushion, or be stitched permanently to the bed. A waterproof liner may sit between the fabric and the filling. These parts do not necessarily tolerate the same treatment.
- Removable fabric cover: Usually the easiest part to launder, but the care label still controls the water temperature, cycle, detergent, and drying method.
- Fixed cover: Clean it where it is with vacuuming and careful spot cleaning. Avoid saturating the filling unless the manufacturer specifically says the complete bed can be washed.
- Foam or orthopedic insert: Foam can hold water deep inside and may lose its shape if it is twisted, compressed, or heated. Check its instructions separately from the cover.
- Waterproof or coated layer: Treat it gently. High heat, harsh chemicals, abrasion, and excess detergent can affect a coating, but the exact limits vary by construction.
The American Kennel Club also recommends letting the material, bed size, manufacturer instructions, and level of dirt guide the cleaning method. That care-label-first approach is more reliable than copying a setting that worked for a different bed.
Prepare the cover before washing
- Read the label and inspect the bed. Confirm whether the cover is machine washable, hand washable, or spot clean only. Look for temperature, cycle, detergent, bleach, ironing, and drying symbols. If the label and a general cleaning tip disagree, follow the label.
- Remove the insert. Unzip the cover fully and take out foam, bolsters, liners, or loose filling. Do not force a bulky insert through a small opening. A tight fit can stretch seams and damage a zipper.
- Remove loose hair and grit while dry. Shake the cover outdoors, then use a vacuum, upholstery attachment, lint roller, or soft brush. Wet hair can clump and add a heavy load to the washer, so this small step helps the machine and improves the wash.
- Deal with fresh mess first. Wear gloves for feces or vomit, lift solids with disposable material, and follow the cleaner label. Blot instead of grinding a stain deeper into the fabric. Test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
- Check the machine size. A cover should move freely in the drum. If a large cover is packed tightly, use a larger machine or a cleaner that accepts pet bedding rather than forcing it into a small load.
Close hook-and-loop fasteners and zippers if the label allows it, and turn the cover inside out when that protects the outside surface. Remove toys, collars, and other items from the load. Washing the cover separately from clothing also keeps pet hair and heavy soil away from everyday laundry.
How to machine-wash a removable dog bed cover
Once the label confirms that a machine is suitable, use the gentlest approved process that can handle the soil. The goal is a thorough rinse without unnecessary heat, friction, or chemical exposure.
- Choose the label-approved water temperature and cycle. Do not assume that hot water is safer or that cold water is always safer. The fabric, coating, stitching, and filling determine what the cover can tolerate.
- Use the recommended amount of detergent. A mild, fragrance-free detergent may be a reasonable choice for a sensitive dog when the label permits it. More detergent does not mean a cleaner cover; residue can remain in thick fabric and may bother sensitive skin.
- Skip additives unless the care instructions permit them. Do not add chlorine bleach, fabric softener, dryer sheets, essential oils, or homemade mixtures by default. They can affect color, fibers, coatings, or your dog's skin. A pet-safe stain or odor product is still used according to its own label.
- Use an extra rinse only when appropriate. It can help remove detergent from a compatible washable cover, but it does not make a non-washable material safe for the machine. Follow the product and washer instructions.
- Check the cover before drying. Look for trapped hair, visible soap, loose seams, a bent zipper, or a damaged liner. Re-rinse or stop and repair the issue before heat is applied.
Waterproof, coated, and orthopedic covers need extra care
A waterproof cover is not automatically a heat-proof cover. Some designs use a thin membrane, backing, or seam treatment that can change when exposed to high heat or harsh chemicals. Use the manufacturer's instructions for that exact cover. If the label says hand wash or low heat, do not substitute a stronger cycle because the fabric looks durable.
For an orthopedic bed, separate the washable cover from the support material whenever possible. Foam and dense inserts can be difficult to dry through the center. Do not wring, twist, iron, or compress them to force water out. If the insert has a care label, follow it; if it does not, ask the manufacturer before submerging it.
After washing a coated cover, inspect the inside and seams. A new leak, peeling backing, cracked seam tape, or strong chemical smell is a reason to stop using the cover until it has been assessed. Washing can clean fabric, but it cannot reliably restore a damaged waterproof layer.
How to clean a dog bed without a removable cover
If the cover does not come off, clean in small sections rather than soaking the entire bed. Start by vacuuming the top, sides, seams, and crevices. Then follow the cleaner's instructions for a fabric-safe spot treatment, using the smallest amount of liquid that removes the mark.
- Test the cleaner on a hidden area and let it dry so you can check for color change or a stiff residue.
- Blot the soiled area with a damp cloth and a small amount of label-compatible cleaner. Do not scrub aggressively through a thin cover.
- Use a second cloth lightly dampened with clean water to lift residue. Avoid flooding the foam or filling underneath.
- Press with dry towels, then place the bed in a well-ventilated area until the inside is fully dry.
- Do not return the bed to your dog if it still feels cool, damp, or strongly scented with cleaner in the center.
For a heavily soiled fixed bed, the safest option may be a professional cleaner that accepts pet bedding, replacement of the cover, or replacement of the entire bed. A small home washer is not a good reason to force a large, waterlogged bed through a cycle.
Odor and stain troubleshooting
A lingering smell does not always mean the wash was too weak. Odor may be held in foam, trapped under a liner, or caused by moisture that has not dried fully. Use the symptom as a clue, then choose the least aggressive next step.
The cover smells after it is dry
Check for detergent residue, rewash only if the label permits, and use the recommended amount of detergent with a thorough rinse. Dry the cover completely and inspect the insert separately. Avoid covering the smell with perfume or essential oils, which can irritate a dog and do not solve the source.
A urine, vomit, or feces mark remains
Remove solids promptly, blot rather than rub, and use a cleaner labeled for the surface and the type of soil. Follow the product directions, rinse when directed, and keep your dog away until the surface is dry. Repeated accidents, blood, or a sudden change in house-soiling behavior deserves a conversation with a veterinarian; laundry cannot identify the cause.
The waterproof liner feels tacky, cracked, or peeled
Stop using high heat and harsh additives. Let the cover dry, read the care instructions again, and compare the liner with its original condition. A damaged liner may no longer protect the filling, so replacement is safer than trying to seal it with an unapproved product.
The foam or filling smells musty
Remove the cover and examine the insert. If the center is damp, give it more airflow and time to dry according to its instructions. If a musty smell persists, the filling has visible growth, or it cannot be dried through, replace it or ask a qualified cleaner for an assessment.
Dry the cover without shrinking or weakening it
Drying is where many otherwise careful washes go wrong. Follow the label before using a dryer. If machine drying is allowed, use the lowest approved heat and remove the cover promptly. If the label says air dry, reshape the cover and hang or lay it in a clean, well-ventilated place.
- Do not iron a coated or waterproof surface unless the label specifically permits it.
- Do not put foam, thick bolsters, or a complete bed in a dryer unless the manufacturer says it is safe.
- Turn or reposition a thick item so air reaches both sides.
- Check seams, zipper channels, corners, and the center of the insert, not just the outside surface.
- Wait until every part is dry before reassembling the bed. Damp filling can create a stale smell and may damage the material over time.
Before your dog uses the bed again, run your hand over the inside for damp spots, confirm that no detergent remains, and make sure the zipper and seams still lie flat. This final check is especially important for thick covers and waterproof layers.
How often should a dog bed cover be washed?
There is no single schedule that fits every dog. A practical starting point is to wash a removable cover about every one to two weeks when it is used daily, then adjust based on the label, shedding, outdoor activity, drooling, allergies, accidents, and visible dirt. A dog that swims, rolls in mud, or has a skin condition may need a different plan. Between full washes, vacuum loose hair and spot-clean small marks so soil does not build up.
The right signal is the condition of the bed, not a promise that a particular calendar removes every health risk. If the cover is visibly soiled, smells after it is fully dry, or has been exposed to an accident, clean it sooner. Cleaning a bed is not diagnosis or treatment. If your dog develops persistent itching, sores, hair loss, or a new odor from the skin, seek veterinary advice rather than treating the bed as the cause or the cure.
Choosing bedding that is easier to maintain
If washing has become a weekly struggle, look for a bed whose construction matches your routine. A removable cover, accessible zipper, washable outer fabric, and a size that fits your machine can make maintenance more manageable. Always review the current care details for the specific bed before the first wash.
For current bedding options, compare the Calming Donut Pet Bed, Snuggle Haven Cozy Cave Pet Bed, PlushNest Orthopedic Pet Bed, and ComfortCradle Orthopedic Dog Bed. If you are replacing a cover or comparing support, see our guides to replacement covers for orthopedic dog beds and orthopedic pet bed benefits.
Dog bed cover washing FAQ
Can I wash a dog bed cover without removing the foam?
Only if the care instructions specifically allow the complete bed to be washed. Otherwise, remove the foam or filling, wash the cover separately, and spot-clean the insert. Foam can retain water deep inside even when the outside feels dry.
What is the safest temperature for washing a dog bed cover?
The safest temperature is the one listed for that cover. There is no universal setting for cotton, synthetic fabric, coated liners, foam, and filled beds. A higher temperature can shrink or damage some materials, while a lower temperature may not remove heavy soil without the right preparation and detergent.
Can I use vinegar, bleach, or fabric softener?
Do not use them by default. Check the care label and the product instructions first. Bleach and fabric softener can affect color, fibers, coatings, or skin comfort, and homemade mixtures are not appropriate for every material. Use only a cleaner that is compatible with the surface and follow its label.
Why does the dog bed still smell after washing?
Look for detergent residue, a damp insert, an odor trapped below the cover, or a damaged liner. Rewash only when the label permits, rinse thoroughly, dry every layer completely, and inspect the foam. Persistent odor or a skin problem should be discussed with a veterinarian.
When should I replace the cover?
Replace it when seams or zippers can no longer contain the filling, the waterproof layer is cracked or peeling, the fabric cannot be cleaned safely, or odor remains after the whole bed has been properly cleaned and dried. A fresh cover is safer than patching a material with an unapproved adhesive or coating.
