Can You Wash Dog Beds at a Laundromat?

September 4, 2026

Yes — you can absolutely wash dog beds at a laundromat, and for many dog owners, especially those with large or giant breed dogs, it's actually the best option available. Commercial washers at laundromats are significantly larger and more powerful than standard home machines, making them well-suited for bulky, heavily soiled pet bedding that simply won't wash properly in a home machine.

That said, there are a few things to know before you go: laundromat etiquette around pet items, what to bring, which machines to use, the right settings, and how to ensure the bed comes out genuinely clean rather than just surface-washed. This guide covers all of it.

Why a Laundromat Is Often the Better Choice for Dog Beds

Most home washing machines have a drum capacity of 3.5–4.5 cubic feet. Commercial laundromat machines typically start at 6 cubic feet and go up to 8 cubic feet or more. That size difference matters significantly for dog beds:

Better washing action — a bed that fits loosely in a large drum gets genuinely agitated and cleaned; a bed crammed into a too-small machine just tumbles around in one position
More effective rinsing — with room to move freely, detergent rinses out fully; residual detergent in a cramped load attracts dirt and can irritate skin
Higher spin extraction — commercial machines spin faster and more powerfully, removing significantly more water before drying; this translates to much shorter drying time
Commercial dryers — laundromat dryers are larger, hotter, and more efficient than home dryers; a dog bed that might take 3–4 home dryer cycles can often be fully dry in 1–2 commercial cycles

For large breed owners washing XL or XXL beds, the laundromat isn't just a good option — it's often the only option that gets the job done properly.

Is It Acceptable to Wash Pet Items at a Laundromat?

This is the question most people wonder about but are hesitant to ask. The answer varies by laundromat, but here's the practical reality:

Most laundromats allow it, with conditions. The main concern from laundromat operators and other customers is excessive pet hair clogging machines and remaining in drums for the next user. The solution is straightforward: remove as much hair as possible before you arrive.

Best practices for laundromat etiquette with dog beds:

Shake and vacuum the bed thoroughly before leaving home — remove as much loose hair as possible before it ever enters the machine
Wipe down the drum interior with a damp paper towel after your wash cycle to remove any remaining hair
Clean the lint trap in the dryer before and after your cycle
If the laundromat has a sign specifically prohibiting pet items, respect it and find an alternative location
Go during off-peak hours (early morning on weekdays) if you're uncertain — less crowded machines mean less potential for conflict with other customers
If in doubt, call ahead and ask — most laundromat staff appreciate the courtesy

Some areas have pet-friendly laundromats that specifically cater to pet owners and have designated machines for pet bedding. A quick search for "pet-friendly laundromat" or "laundromat for pet items" in your area may turn up purpose-built options.

What to Bring to the Laundromat

Don't rely on the laundromat's provided detergents — they typically contain heavy fragrances that can overwhelm a dog's sensitive nose and may cause skin irritation. Bring your own:

Pet-safe, fragrance-free laundry detergent — a small amount goes a long way; don't overfill
White vinegar in a small bottle — add to the softener compartment for natural deodorizing; skip commercial fabric softener which reduces fabric breathability and can irritate skin
Extra quarters or a loaded laundromat card — budget for at least one wash cycle and two dryer cycles for a large bed
A lint roller or rubber glove — for removing any remaining hair from the drum after your wash
Damp paper towels — to wipe down the drum before and after use
A large bag or bin liner — to transport the wet bed from the washer to the dryer without dripping across the floor

Which Machine to Use

Choose the largest front-loading machine available that your bed fits in with room to spare. The bed should sit loosely in the drum — you should be able to see space around it when you close the door. If the drum is packed tight with the bed, go to the next size up.

Front-loaders vs. top-loaders at laundromats:
Front-loading commercial machines are generally preferred for bulky items like dog beds. They use gentler tumbling action and higher spin speeds. If the laundromat only has top-loading machines, choose one without a central agitator — the agitator can stress seams and be hard on bulky items.

Capacity guide:

Small to medium dog beds (under 24" diameter): standard home machine or 6 cu ft commercial
Large dog beds (24–30" diameter): 6–7 cu ft commercial machine
XL/XXL giant dog beds (30"+ diameter): 7–8+ cu ft commercial machine

Settings to Use

The right settings depend on your bed's materials — always check the care label first. General guidelines:

For plush, faux fur, and polyester-fill beds:

Cold water
Gentle or permanent press cycle
Extra rinse if available

For canvas, nylon, or heavy duty fabric beds:

Cold water
Normal or heavy cycle
Extra rinse

For beds with waterproof liners:

Cold water only
Gentle cycle
No fabric softener
Air dry the liner; low heat only for the outer cover

For the dryer:
Medium-low heat for plush and faux fur beds. Medium heat for canvas and nylon. Low or no heat for beds with waterproof liners or memory foam components. Run a full cycle, then open and check the fill — press into the center to verify it's drying through, not just on the surface. Run additional cycles as needed until the fill is completely dry.

Step-by-Step: Washing a Dog Bed at the Laundromat

Before you leave home:

Shake the bed vigorously outside to remove loose debris and hair
Vacuum both sides thoroughly with an upholstery attachment
Pre-treat any stains with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner; let sit 15 minutes, then blot
Place the bed in a large bag for transport

At the laundromat:

Wipe down the interior of the drum with a damp paper towel before loading
Load the bed loosely — confirm there's room for it to move freely
Add a small amount of your fragrance-free pet-safe detergent to the dispenser
Add white vinegar to the softener compartment
Select cold water and appropriate cycle; add extra rinse if available
Start the machine
After the wash cycle, wipe down the drum to remove any remaining hair before transferring to the dryer
Move the bed to the largest available dryer
Set to medium-low heat; run a full cycle
Check the fill at the end of the cycle — press into the center; run another cycle if not fully dry
Clean the lint trap before and after your dryer cycle

How to Tell If the Bed Is Fully Dry

This step is critical regardless of where you're washing. Press your hand firmly into the very center of the thickest part of the bed. A fully dry bed feels room temperature throughout and resilient. If the center feels cool, dense, or even faintly damp, it needs more drying time.

Never bring a dog bed home from the laundromat if it's still damp inside. Mildew develops quickly in a warm car or storage bag, and once established in the fill, the odor is very difficult to fully remove.

What About Smaller Beds at the Laundromat?

For small to medium dog beds that fit easily in a home machine, you generally don't need to go to a laundromat — your home washer handles them fine. The laundromat advantage is primarily for:

Large, XL, and giant dog beds that don't fit in home machines
Very heavily soiled beds that benefit from commercial machine power
Households without a washer/dryer
Beds with dense fills that benefit from commercial-speed spin extraction to reduce drying time

A Bed That Makes Laundry Day Easier

If you find yourself at the laundromat frequently for your dog's bed, it's worth considering whether a bed designed for easier home washing would simplify your routine. The key features to look for:

PP cotton fill — dries significantly faster than dense foam or thick polyester batting; often fully dry in one home dryer cycle
Machine-washable construction — the entire bed (not just the cover) goes in the machine
Faux fur outer fabric — releases hair easily, responds well to standard washing machines, and stays soft through repeated cycles
Compact enough for a standard machine — no laundromat trip required

The Winter Warm Pet Bed is fully machine washable (cold, gentle cycle), filled with high-density PP cotton that dries quickly, and sized to fit in standard home machines. It's warm, cozy, and built to be washed regularly without the trip.

👉 Shop the Winter Warm Pet Bed →

Frequently Asked Questions

Will laundromat staff mind if I wash my dog's bed?
Most laundromats allow pet bedding as long as you remove excess hair beforehand and clean up after yourself. Wipe the drum before and after, clean lint traps, and go during off-peak hours. If you're unsure, call ahead — most staff appreciate the consideration.

How much does it cost to wash a dog bed at a laundromat?
A large commercial wash cycle typically costs $4–$8 depending on machine size and location. Two dryer cycles add another $2–$4. Budget $6–$12 for a full large dog bed wash and dry at a laundromat.

Can I wash multiple dog beds at once at the laundromat?
For small to medium beds, yes — as long as the combined load fits loosely in the drum. For large beds, wash one at a time to ensure each gets proper washing action and rinsing.

How do I stop the laundromat machine from filling with dog hair?
Vacuum and shake the bed thoroughly before loading. The more hair you remove at home, the less ends up in the machine. A rubber brush or damp rubber glove is particularly effective at lifting embedded hair from fabric before washing.

What if my dog bed is too big for even the largest laundromat machine?
For truly giant beds (some XXL orthopedic beds exceed 50" in length), your options are bathtub hand washing, outdoor hose washing, or professional pet bed cleaning services. Some pet groomers and pet supply stores also offer washing services for oversized beds.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can wash dog beds at a laundromat — and for large, XL, and giant beds, it's often the most practical and effective option available. Bring your own pet-safe detergent, remove as much hair as possible before you go, choose the largest machine that fits your bed with room to spare, and always verify the fill is completely dry before heading home.

For a dog bed that washes easily at home without a laundromat trip, the Winter Warm Pet Bed's PP cotton fill and machine-washable design make it one of the easiest to maintain.