How do I wash my dog after washing the bed? Here’s the Answer

A Guide to Washing Your Dog’s Bed

The first thing to consider when getting ready to wash your dog’s bed is what type of bed they have, as different types of beds will receive different treatment.

When it comes to cleaning, there are two main types of dog beds: those with removable covers and those without.

Clubs Offering:

Dogs love their beds. Unfortunately, your canine companion’s bed may be one of the most germ-filled places in your house. In addition to collecting dirt, pollen, and dog hair, they can harbor disease-causing organisms, some of which can infect humans, for up to 12 months. That’s why it’s crucial to wash your pup’s bed every week. This guide offers suggestions on how to do it.

Mixing dog hair with water causes it to clump up and clog your machine, so before and in-between washings, vacuum the surface and sides of the bed with a pet hair vacuum or a pet hair remover tool. Make sure to get into crevices and around buttons and tufting. Use a lint roller or masking tape, or wear rubber or latex gloves, and wipe the bed to lift the remaining hair.

If the washing machine doesn’t remove stains, these at-home alternatives should. When you use a store-bought cleaner, choose a non-toxic, pet-safe option that doesn’t contain bleach or chlorine.

Immediately pick up and dispose of the waste. Apply an equal amount of cold water and distilled white vinegar to the affected area.

Blot the section with a cloth or scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Repeat spraying and scrubbing until the liquid is absorbed, and the stain disappears.

Sprinkle baking soda and allow the bed to dry overnight. Vacuum when dry.

Generously sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for five minutes to soak up the liquid.

Combine baking soda, two cups of vinegar, and water into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stain and let it set for at least 10 minutes.

Blot the stain with a cloth. When it’s dry, shine a urine detector to ensure you eliminated the underlying stain. Repeat spraying and blotting, as needed.

Let a new stain dry. If the stain is old, twist or bend the affected section of fabric to break off loose dirt and vacuum it up.

Wet a cloth with cold water and wipe the stain away. If possible, machine wash the bed. If not, vacuum again.

If the stain is still wet, soak the section of the bed with blood on it immediately in cold water. Hot or warm water will set the stain.

Gently blot the stain with a wet cloth until you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible. Combine equal parts baking soda, white vinegar, and cold water together and set for thirty minutes. Then blot the mixture out.

If the bloodstain hasn’t lifted, repeat the process. For hard-to-remove stains, apply an enzyme-based stain remover or hydrogen peroxide.

How to Wash a Dog Bed

The cleaning method can depend on the type and size of bedding. Give your dog a spare blanket to cuddle with in the meantime, as the process can take several hours to complete.

Always defer to the instructions on the label, but here is a general guide for how to clean a dog bed:

First, eliminate loose hair, treat crumbs, and other debris.

• Give it a shake outside. If the bed has a lot of dog hair on it, vacuum it up or use a lint roller. Focus mainly on the side your dog lies on, but don’t ignore the bottom or sides. Dust mites and bacteria live there, too.
• If the bed is relatively flat with no fluffy surfaces that would get stuck, vacuuming is the easier option. If your furry friend is scared of the vacuum, be sure to separate him from the vacuum while you complete this task. Vacuum the area surrounding the dog bed as well.
• To eliminate odor, sprinkle some all-natural baking soda on the bed first. Let the baking soda work its magic for a few hours before vacuuming. It’s safer for a dog’s skin and sinuses to opt for odor neutralizing agents instead of using fragranced sprays to mask any odors.
• Instead of vacuuming, a lint roller will be easier for a curved or extra fluffy bed.

Spot wash the dog bed.

• Use a mixture of vinegar (white or apple cider) and water, or plain vinegar, as a pet-safe, all-natural way to target individual stains. Do this before washing the bed and as needed.
• Apply bleach-free stain remover, such as OxiClean, as needed.

Wash the cover. If the dog bed has a cover and a foam insert, remove the cover and toss it into the washing machine.

• For luxury dog bed covers, it is best to use cold water and let air dry,or use a no-heat option in your dryer.
• Air out the foam insert(s) while the cover is in the wash. Spot clean the insert with a water and vinegar solution.

Put the dog bed in the washing machine, if the cover is not removable.

• Keep in mind that dogs’ sense of smell is much more sensitive than humans, so use pet-safe, perhaps even scentless laundry detergent. If your puppy has allergies, make sure the detergent is extra gentle.
• To clean your washing machine afterward, run an extra cycle. That way, no stray dog hairs will end up on your clothes by mistake.
• Dry the bed according to the instructions on the label.

Hand washing the dog bed is always an option for any type of dog bed. Although it takes more time, it is necessary if the bed is too large to fit in the washing machine. Alternatively, the laundromat may have larger machines if yours cannot accommodate the bed. Remember to always follow the manufacturer instructions.

• Fill up your tub. Add gentle, pet-safe soap. Soak the bed for a few minutes, then start scrubbing. Soak longer to tackle deep stains or extra dirty bedding better. Find a place to air dry the bed afterward. Depending on the material of the bed, allow several hours for it to dry.
• The hotter the water, the more harmful bacteria, and germs are killed. If you use extremely hot water, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from burns. Be sure to always check the label, as some bedding materials require cold or lukewarm water.
• Wash out your tub afterward to ensure no hair or germs are left behind.

Washing a DOG’S BEDDING and CLOTHES (Washing Machine & By Hand)

Your dogs hair and dander will cling to his bedding, and dirt and debris from his coat and paws will cover the bed in no time.

Thats why every owner needs to know how to wash a dog bed, even if its too large to fit in the washing machine.

Whether he has a large orthopedic bed or just a few blankets in the corner, cleaning his bedding is a MUST.

According to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, you should wash your pets bedding at least once per week.

You should consider it when shopping for a dog bed, as some beds are easier to wash than others.