Pet Bed Cleaning Guide: How Often and How to Wash Every Type

How often should you wash a pet bed? For most dogs and cats, washing the bed cover or sleeping surface about once a week is a useful starting point. Pets that shed heavily, sleep outdoors, have allergies, get muddy, or have accidents may need more frequent cleaning. If the bed smells, feels damp, shows visible dirt, or has fleas or other contamination, clean it promptly rather than waiting for the regular schedule.

Cleaning a pet bed is not just about making it look fresh. Regular care removes hair, dirt, skin flakes, moisture, and odors that can make the bed less inviting. It also gives you a chance to inspect seams, filling, zippers, and the base before a small issue becomes a safety problem.

This guide explains how often to wash pet bedding, how to clean round fur beds, what to do with removable covers, how to dry thick filling, and how to avoid common mistakes that flatten or damage the bed.

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How often should you clean a pet bed?

Use your pet’s habits and the condition of the bed as the guide. A healthy indoor pet that sleeps on a clean bed may need a full wash weekly or every two weeks, with hair removal and spot cleaning between washes. A dog that comes inside wet or muddy may need the bed cleaned as soon as it becomes dirty.

Situation	Suggested care
Indoor pet with light shedding	Remove hair regularly and wash about every one to two weeks
Heavy shedder	Vacuum or brush frequently and wash weekly or as needed
Outdoor or muddy pet	Spot-clean promptly and wash whenever dirt or moisture appears
Pet with accidents	Clean immediately and wash the affected area thoroughly
Pet with allergies or sensitive skin	Wash more often with a suitable fragrance-free detergent
Multi-pet household	Inspect and clean more frequently based on use

These are practical starting points, not a strict medical schedule. If your veterinarian has recommended a specific cleaning routine for a skin condition, parasite problem, or allergy, follow that advice.

Read the care label first

Before washing any pet bed, check the care instructions. The cover may be machine washable while the inner cushion requires spot cleaning. Some beds can be tumble dried on low, while others need air drying. Following the label helps protect the filling, fabric, seams, and shape.

If there is no care label, inspect the construction. Look for a removable cover, exposed zippers, loose filling, leather or faux-leather details, and materials that could shrink. When unsure, use a gentle spot-cleaning method on a hidden area first.

What you need to clean a pet bed

• A vacuum, lint roller, or soft brush for loose hair.
• Cool or lukewarm water.
• A mild, pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent when washing is appropriate.
• Clean towels for blotting and drying.
• A soft cloth or sponge for spot cleaning.
• A well-ventilated drying area.

Avoid combining cleaning chemicals. Do not use harsh products, strong fragrances, or anything that could leave an irritating residue where your pet sleeps. Rinse thoroughly and make sure the bed is completely dry before returning it.

How to wash a removable pet-bed cover

1. Remove loose hair first. Shake the cover outdoors or vacuum it before adding it to the washer.
2. Check the zipper and seams. Close zippers and repair or remove covers with damaged fasteners.
3. Use the recommended water temperature. Hot water can shrink some fabrics or affect the finish.
4. Choose a gentle cycle. Use enough water for the cover to move freely.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Extra rinsing can help remove detergent residue.
6. Dry completely. Follow the care label and do not put the cover back on damp filling.

Wash pet bedding separately from clothing and human bedding when possible. If the bed has been exposed to a contagious condition or parasites, follow veterinary or professional cleaning guidance.

How to clean a round fur or donut pet bed

Round faux fur and donut beds need extra attention because their thick walls can hold moisture and their plush fibers can mat. Start by removing hair with a vacuum or soft brush. If the entire bed is washable, use a gentle cycle and avoid overloading the machine.

Press out excess water without twisting the bed aggressively. Reshape the bolster while it is damp, then dry the bed according to the care instructions. Fluff the surface gently once it is fully dry.

Our dedicated guide, how to wash a round fur pet bed without ruining the fluff, covers round-bed care in more detail.

How to wash a bed with non-removable filling

First confirm that the whole bed is washable. If it is, use a large enough washer so the bed is not compressed tightly. A machine that is too small may not clean or rinse the filling properly and can put strain on the drum.

If the bed is not machine washable, spot clean the surface and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a damp cloth rather than saturating the interior. Press with clean towels to remove moisture, then allow the bed to dry in a well-ventilated area.

Thick filling can stay damp in the center even when the outside feels dry. Do not let your pet use the bed until it is fully dry. Moisture trapped inside can create odors and make the sleeping surface uncomfortable.

How to remove pet hair before washing

Loose hair can collect in the washing machine and make cleaning less effective. Take the bed outdoors and shake it if possible. Use a vacuum attachment, lint roller, rubber glove, or soft brush to lift hair from the surface.

Work slowly around seams and bolsters, where hair tends to collect. If your pet bed has a removable cover, turn it inside out only if the care label allows. Empty the lint filter after washing and drying.

How to remove odors and stains

Spot-clean fresh stains quickly by blotting instead of rubbing. Rubbing can push moisture deeper into the filling. Use a small amount of mild detergent diluted according to its instructions, then blot with clean water to remove residue.

For urine, vomit, feces, or another biological spill, clean the affected area promptly and follow the product’s directions. Do not use a fragrance to mask the odor. If the filling is saturated or the bed cannot be cleaned thoroughly, replacement may be safer and more practical.

Never mix bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning products. Keep your pet away until the area is fully rinsed and dry.

How to dry a pet bed correctly

Drying is one of the most important steps. A bed that is put back into use while damp can develop an unpleasant smell and may encourage your pet to avoid it. Thick cushions and bolsters need extra time.

Use the care label’s recommended dryer setting, if any. Otherwise, air dry in a clean, well-ventilated area and turn or reshape the bed periodically. Avoid intense direct heat unless the manufacturer specifically permits it. High heat can shrink fabric, damage synthetic fibers, or affect the filling.

Check the center, seams, and underside before use. If any area feels cool or damp, keep drying.

How to clean pet beds during winter

Winter bedding may be thicker and slower to dry. Plan the wash so your pet has another safe bed available. Keep the clean bed indoors while it dries and protect it from outdoor moisture.

A self-warming bed does not need special cleaning chemicals, but it still needs regular hair removal, inspection, and care according to its instructions. Read our guide to non-electric self-warming pet beds for more winter-use advice.

How to clean a pet bed for a dog with allergies

If your dog has allergies or sensitive skin, reduce accumulated hair and dust by cleaning the bed more frequently. Use a detergent recommended for sensitive skin and avoid added fragrance. Rinse thoroughly and keep the sleeping area away from heavy dust and dampness.

Wash blankets and removable covers regularly, and clean the floor around the bed. If symptoms persist, work with a veterinarian to identify the cause rather than relying only on extra washing.

How to clean a cat bed

Cats may avoid bedding with a strong detergent scent, so mild, low-fragrance cleaning is especially useful. Remove hair before washing and dry the bed completely. Return it to a quiet, familiar location after cleaning.

If your cat has used the bed during illness, has fleas, or has had an accident, clean it promptly and follow appropriate veterinary or parasite-control guidance. A cat should always have another comfortable place to rest while the bed is being cleaned.

Inspect the bed while it is clean

Washing is the perfect time to inspect the bed. Look for torn fabric, loose threads, broken zippers, exposed foam, separated seams, and a base that no longer grips the floor. Dogs that chew and cats that knead can create damage that is easy to miss under hair.

Repair minor issues only if the repair is secure and cannot be chewed or swallowed. Replace the bed if it presents a risk of loose filling, entanglement, or ingestion.

Common pet-bed cleaning mistakes

• Washing without removing hair. Loose hair can clog filters and reduce cleaning performance.
• Using too much detergent. Residue can irritate skin and attract more dirt.
• Using strong fragrance. A bed that smells fresh to a person may be unpleasant to a pet.
• Drying only the outside. Thick filling can remain damp in the center.
• Using excessive heat. High temperatures may damage fabric, seams, or filling.
• Overloading the washer. The bed needs room to move and rinse.
• Putting the bed back too soon. Damp bedding can cause odors and discomfort.
• Ignoring damage. A clean bed can still be unsafe if its construction is failing.

How to keep a pet bed cleaner between washes

Use a washable blanket or liner over the sleeping surface and remove it for frequent washing. Brush your pet regularly if appropriate for their coat. Wipe muddy paws before indoor naps, keep food and water away from the bed, and vacuum the surrounding floor.

Keep two compatible covers or beds if possible. One can be in use while the other is being washed and dried. This is particularly helpful for thick winter beds that take longer to dry.

Place the bed away from direct drafts, damp doors, and dirty entryways. A cleaner location reduces the work required between washes.

When should you replace a pet bed?

Replace the bed when it stays lumpy, no longer supports your pet, smells after cleaning, has exposed filling, or cannot be dried and cleaned thoroughly. Replace it sooner if your pet has chewed through the fabric or if pieces could be swallowed.

Comfort also matters. If your dog or cat repeatedly leaves the bed, struggles to get comfortable, or chooses the floor instead, the bed may be worn out or no longer suited to their needs.

Our pet-bed care routine

Remove hair and inspect the bed several times a week. Spot-clean spills as soon as they happen. Wash the sleeping surface about weekly for many pets, adjusting for shedding, outdoor activity, allergies, accidents, and multiple pets. Dry completely, reshape thick bolsters, and check the seams before returning the bed.

This simple routine protects comfort without turning pet care into a full-time chore. A clean, dry, well-maintained bed is more likely to remain your pet’s favorite place to rest.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I wash my dog’s bed?

About once a week is a useful starting point for many dogs, but heavy shedders, outdoor dogs, dogs with allergies, and dogs that have accidents may need more frequent cleaning.

Can I put a pet bed in the washing machine?

Only if the care instructions allow it and the machine is large enough for the bed to move and rinse properly. Some beds have washable covers but non-washable inner filling.

What detergent is best for pet bedding?

Use a mild detergent suitable for the fabric, and avoid strong fragrances or irritating residues. Rinse thoroughly and follow any veterinary advice for pets with sensitive skin.

How do I dry a thick pet bed?

Follow the care label. Use the recommended dryer setting or air dry in a well-ventilated area, turning and reshaping the bed as it dries. Make sure the center is fully dry before use.

How do I wash a faux fur donut bed?

Remove loose hair first, use a gentle wash if the bed is washable, avoid excessive heat, and reshape the bolster while drying. Do not return it to your pet while the filling is damp.

Related pet-bed care guides

• How to wash a round fur pet bed without ruining the fluff
• How to stop your dog from destroying their bed
• Best portable pet beds for travel

Cleaning and care visuals

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