How to Clean a Memory Foam Dog Bed Insert

September 4, 2026

Memory foam dog beds are one of the best investments you can make for a dog's joint health and sleep quality — especially for seniors, large breeds, and dogs recovering from surgery. But they come with one catch: you cannot put a memory foam insert in the washing machine.

Machine washing memory foam causes it to tear, clump, and lose its orthopedic structure permanently. Done once, the damage is irreversible. That's why knowing how to clean a memory foam dog bed insert properly — by hand — is essential for any owner who wants their investment to last.

This guide covers everything: routine cleaning, deep cleaning, stain and odor removal, drying, and a smarter alternative if you'd rather skip the hassle entirely.

Why You Can't Machine Wash Memory Foam

Memory foam is an open-cell polyurethane material. When it gets wet, it absorbs water like a sponge — and the agitation of a washing machine physically tears those cells apart. The result is a foam that's lumpy, uneven, and no longer supportive. The same applies to tumble drying: the heat and tumbling action breaks down the foam's structure.

This is why almost every memory foam dog bed manufacturer specifies hand wash or spot clean only for the insert, with the removable cover being the only machine-washable part.

What You'll Need

Bathtub or large sink
Mild, fragrance-free pet-safe detergent or dish soap
White vinegar
Baking soda
Soft-bristle brush or cloth
Pet-safe enzymatic cleaner (for accidents)
Clean dry towels
A well-ventilated area or outdoor space for drying

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Memory Foam Dog Bed Insert

Step 1: Remove and wash the cover separately

Always start by removing the cover. Most quality dog beds have a zippered removable cover that is machine washable. Wash it on a cold gentle cycle with pet-safe detergent while you work on the insert separately. This is also a good time to inspect the cover for any tears or worn seams.

Step 2: Vacuum the foam insert

Before getting the foam wet, use an upholstery attachment to vacuum both sides of the insert thoroughly. This removes loose hair, dander, dried debris, and dust that would otherwise turn into a muddy mess once wet. Pay extra attention to crevices and the edges of the foam.

Step 3: Spot treat stains and accidents

If there are urine stains, vomit, or other accident marks, treat these before the full wash. Apply a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner directly to the stain, work it in gently with a soft cloth, and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. Enzymatic cleaners break down the proteins and bacteria causing the odor at the source — they're far more effective than standard cleaners on organic stains.

For general dirty spots, a small amount of mild dish soap mixed with cold water applied with a soft brush works well.

Step 4: Hand wash in the bathtub

Fill the bathtub with a few inches of cold water and add a small amount of mild, fragrance-free pet detergent. Submerge the foam insert and gently press and squeeze the soapy water through it — do not twist, wring, or scrub aggressively, as this can tear the foam cells.

Work through the entire insert methodically, paying extra attention to any stained or odorous areas. For particularly smelly foam, add half a cup of white vinegar to the water — it neutralizes odors effectively without leaving a strong scent once dry.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly

Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean cold water. Press the foam gently to push the soapy water out and replace it with clean water. Repeat this rinsing process two or three times until the water runs clear and there are no more suds. Incomplete rinsing leaves detergent residue in the foam, which can attract more dirt and irritate your dog's skin.

Step 6: Remove excess water — carefully

Do not wring or twist the foam. Instead, gently press down on it with your hands or lay clean dry towels on top and press firmly to absorb as much water as possible. You can carefully fold the foam in half and press — but avoid any aggressive twisting motion.

Step 7: Dry completely before reassembling

This is the most critical step. A memory foam insert that goes back into its cover while still damp will develop mildew deep inside — an odor that is almost impossible to fully remove.

Place the insert flat in a well-ventilated area, ideally outdoors in indirect sunlight or in a room with a fan running. Flip it every few hours to ensure even drying. Depending on thickness, a memory foam insert can take 24–48 hours to dry completely. Press into the center of the foam to check — if it feels cool or damp inside, it needs more time.

Do not use a tumble dryer. The heat damages the foam irreparably.

How to Deodorize a Memory Foam Insert Without Washing

For routine freshening between deep washes, baking soda is your best tool:

Lay the dry insert flat and sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire surface
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes — or up to a few hours for strong odors
Vacuum the baking soda off thoroughly with an upholstery attachment
Flip and repeat on the other side

This process neutralizes odors and absorbs oils without introducing any moisture. It's safe to do as often as weekly.

How Often Should You Clean a Memory Foam Dog Bed Insert?

The insert itself needs a full hand wash every 1–3 months, depending on how heavily it's used and your dog's habits. The cover should be washed far more frequently — every 1–2 weeks for most dogs.

Between full washes, vacuum the insert weekly and deodorize with baking soda monthly. If your dog has an accident on the insert, clean it immediately with an enzymatic cleaner rather than waiting for the next scheduled wash.

The Easier Alternative: A Fully Machine-Washable Bed

If the hand-washing process sounds like more effort than you want to commit to, you're not alone. Many dog owners find that the maintenance demands of memory foam inserts — particularly the 24–48 hour drying time — make them impractical for busy households.

A fully machine-washable dog bed with PP cotton filling is a practical alternative that's easier to keep clean on a regular schedule. PP cotton dries in a fraction of the time, the entire bed goes in the machine, and the plush faux fur outer stays soft and fresh through repeated washing.

The Winter Warm Pet Bed is machine washable (cold, gentle cycle), filled with high-density PP cotton that dries quickly, and made from premium hypoallergenic faux fur. No hand washing, no 48-hour drying waits — just pop it in the machine and it's ready the same day.

👉 Shop the Winter Warm Pet Bed →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a memory foam dog bed in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing destroys the cellular structure of memory foam, causing it to clump, tear, and lose its orthopedic support permanently. Always hand wash memory foam inserts.

How do I get urine smell out of a memory foam dog bed?
Apply a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner to the affected area before hand washing. Enzymatic cleaners break down the uric acid crystals that cause persistent urine odor. Standard detergents mask the smell temporarily but don't eliminate it.

Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying?
Avoid using a hairdryer directly on memory foam — concentrated heat degrades the foam. A fan in a well-ventilated room, or indirect sunlight outdoors, is the safest drying method.

How do I know if the foam is fully dry?
Press firmly into the center of the insert. If it feels cool, dense, or slightly damp inside, it needs more drying time. Only reassemble the bed when the center feels room temperature and completely dry.

My dog's memory foam bed still smells after washing — what now?
If odor persists after washing, the foam may have mildew or deeply embedded bacteria. Try a second hand wash with white vinegar added to the rinse water, followed by a thorough baking soda treatment once dry. If the smell remains, the insert may need replacing.

Summary

Cleaning a memory foam dog bed insert requires patience — hand wash in cold water with a pet-safe detergent, rinse thoroughly, remove excess water gently, and allow 24–48 hours to dry completely before reassembling. Never machine wash or tumble dry memory foam.

For a lower-maintenance option that goes straight in the washing machine, the Winter Warm Pet Bed offers premium comfort without the cleaning complexity.

👉 Get the Winter Warm Pet Bed →