A dog bed can look clean on the surface while holding onto fur, paw dirt, drool, and that familiar doggy scent underneath. Knowing how to wash dog bed covers properly keeps your pet’s favorite resting spot fresh without fading the fabric, damaging the zipper, or shrinking the cover until it no longer fits.
For most homes, washing the cover every two to four weeks is a smart routine. Dogs who spend lots of time outdoors, shed heavily, have allergies, or share the bed with muddy paws may need more frequent washes. The goal is not a heavily scented bed. It is a clean, comfortable place where your dog can settle in.
Check the Care Label Before You Wash Dog Bed Covers
The care label is the best starting point, even if you have washed the bed dozens of times before. Materials vary more than they appear to. A removable canvas or polyester cover can often handle a standard machine wash, while faux fur, quilted fabric, waterproof linings, and memory foam inserts may need gentler care.
Look for washing temperature, drying instructions, and any warnings about bleach or fabric softener. If the label is missing, choose the safer route: wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-dry or use low heat. High heat is the usual cause of shrunken covers, warped waterproof backing, and damaged elastic or zipper seams.
Before removing anything, take a quick photo of how the cover fits around the insert. This is especially useful for beds with bolsters, orthopedic foam, or several separate cushion pieces. Reassembling a clean bed should feel easy, not like solving a puzzle after laundry day.
What You Need for a Fresh, Pet-Safe Wash
You do not need a cabinet full of specialty cleaners. A few simple supplies will handle most washable dog bed covers:
- A vacuum with an upholstery or crevice attachment
- A pet-safe or fragrance-free liquid laundry detergent
- An enzyme-based stain and odor treatment for accidents or drool
- A soft brush or clean cloth for spot cleaning
- White vinegar, if the care label allows it, for lingering odors
Start by Removing Hair, Dirt, and Loose Debris
Do not put a fur-covered dog bed cover straight into the washing machine. Wet hair tends to clump, stick inside the drum, and cling to the freshly washed fabric. It can also make your washer work harder than necessary.
Take the cover outside and shake it well. Then vacuum both sides, paying close attention to seams, corners, and zipper areas where hair and crumbs collect. If your dog’s bed has a removable cushion insert, vacuum that too, even when it is not machine washable.
For covers with dried mud, let the mud dry completely first. Brush off as much as possible before adding water. Rubbing wet mud into fabric usually turns a simple cleanup into a larger stain.
Treat Stains and Odors Before the Machine Cycle
A regular wash can freshen everyday use, but stains need a little more attention. Apply an enzyme cleaner to urine, vomit, drool marks, or food stains according to the product directions. Enzymes break down the organic material causing the odor, rather than simply covering it with fragrance.
Let the treatment sit for the recommended time, then blot with a damp cloth. Avoid aggressively scrubbing delicate fabrics, since this can rough up the fibers or leave a lighter patch. For oily marks, work a small amount of gentle liquid detergent into the spot before washing.
If the cover smells stale but has no visible stain, add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse cycle if the fabric instructions permit it. Vinegar can help reduce odors and detergent residue. Do not mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning products.
Wash the Cover on the Right Setting
Zip the cover closed before washing. This protects the zipper teeth and helps prevent straps or loose edges from catching on other laundry. If the cover has delicate trim, a plush exterior, or long faux fur, turn it inside out first. A large mesh laundry bag can add another layer of protection for smaller covers.
Wash dog bed covers separately from clothing, towels, and bedding. This keeps pet hair from transferring to the rest of your laundry and gives the cover enough room to move through the water. If you have a large bed cover that fills your home washer, a commercial-size machine may give you a better result.
Cold or warm water is usually the best choice. Cold water is gentler on color and waterproof coatings, while warm water can be useful for durable cotton or polyester covers with heavier soil. Skip hot water unless the care label specifically recommends it. Hot cycles can set certain stains and cause shrinkage.
Use a gentle or normal cycle based on the fabric’s weight. A thick canvas cover can usually handle normal washing, but plush, padded, or water-resistant materials should stay on gentle. Measure detergent carefully. Using extra detergent does not make a bed cleaner, and leftover soap can cause skin irritation or attract more dirt after drying.
Should You Use Bleach or Fabric Softener?
Usually, no. Chlorine bleach can weaken fibers, fade colors, and irritate your dog’s skin if residue remains. Even color-safe bleach should only be used when the care label allows it and when there is a real need for it.
Fabric softener is also best avoided. It can leave a coating on water-resistant fabric and may reduce the absorbency of certain materials. A second rinse cycle is a better option if your dog has sensitive skin or if you worry about detergent residue.
Dry It Completely Before Putting the Bed Back Together
A cover that feels dry on the outside may still be damp in seams, thick piping, or quilted sections. Putting it back on the insert too soon can trap moisture and create a musty smell. Give it time to dry fully before reassembling the bed.
Air-drying is the safest choice for most covers. Lay it flat on a drying rack or hang it in a well-ventilated area, out of intense direct sunlight that may fade darker colors. Shape the cover while it is damp so corners and edges dry in the right position.
If the label allows machine drying, use low heat or an air-fluff setting. Remove the cover while it is still slightly damp, reshape it, and let it finish air-drying. This approach reduces wrinkles and lowers the risk of shrinkage. Skip dryer sheets, which can leave fragrance and coating behind.
Clean the Insert While the Cover Is Off
Washing the cover is only part of the job. The insert can hold fur, dust, and odor even when it cannot go in the washer. Vacuum it thoroughly, then spot-clean with a pet-safe upholstery cleaner or a lightly damp cloth. Do not saturate foam, especially memory foam, because it dries slowly and can lose its shape.
For a washable polyfill insert, check its tag and use a gentle cycle with minimal detergent. Drying may take longer than expected, so make sure the filling is completely dry and evenly fluffed before it goes back inside the cover. A damp insert can undo all the work you put into cleaning the outside.
Keep the Bed Cleaner Between Washes
A few small habits can stretch the time between full laundry days. Wipe muddy paws after walks, brush your dog regularly, and vacuum the bed once a week. A lightweight blanket placed over the bed can also catch hair and dirt, especially during shedding season, and it is much easier to wash than a large fitted cover.
For multi-pet homes, consider keeping a second cover on hand. It makes cleanup faster after accidents and gives you a fresh backup while the other cover dries. Premium pet essentials should make daily care simpler, not add another chore to the week.
A clean dog bed is one of those quiet comforts your dog notices right away. Keep the wash routine gentle, make sure every layer is dry, and your dog will have a soft, fresh place to recharge after every walk, play session, and nap.