What detergent can I use for dog bed? Here’s What to Expect

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How to Hand Wash a Dog Bed for Odor Removal

If Rover sleeps in one of those large, comfy, fleece-covered, memory foam pillows or surround-beds, knowing how to wash that sort of dog bed is a bit trickier. You may even wonder, “can I wash my dog bed?” Dog beds can be bulky and too large for your washing machine. Don’t worry, though. ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Odor Blasters can be used to hand-wash your padded dog bed. Here’s how:

  • Prepare for washing by vacuuming your dog bed to remove hair, dirt, and debris.
  • If your pet bed is all one piece or too large for your washing machine, take it to your bathtub.
  • Test the fabric for color fastness by applying ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Odor Blasters Fresh Burst™ liquid detergent on an inside seam or inconspicuous area on the bottom. Then pretreat any stains by applying the detergent directly to the stain. Rub gently and allow it to work for 5-10 minutes.
  • Fill your bathtub about half-full (enough to completely cover the dog bed) with hot water. Make sure it’s not too hot as you’ll be touching it to wash the bed.
  • Add a cap-full of Odor Blasters liquid laundry detergent and swish it around to distribute.
  • Completely submerge the dog bed into the water. Push it down and make sure that the water reaches the interior padding. Try turning it over several times to agitate the detergent and make bubbles. The bed should sink in the water.
  • Leave the bed in the tub for 15 minutes. Rub any problem areas with a soft cloth.
  • Rinse thoroughly in cold water, until no more soap residue or bubbles appear.
  • Squeeze the bedding thoroughly to remove as much water as possible.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s label for drying instructions. If it can be tumble-dried in your dryer, use a low dryer setting and do not use any dryer sheets. If not, wash the bed on a sunnier day and place the pet bed outside to air dry in the sunshine and breeze.

    • Let’s face it. Washing your pet bed in the washer is much easier than hand washing. If it’s time to purchase a new bed for your furbaby, choosing one that is machine washable will save you a lot of time and hassle. Veterinarians recommend washing your dog’s blankets and outer bed cover weekly to help eliminate dirt and odors. Being able to toss it in the washer and pour in ARM & HAMMER™ plus OxiClean™ Odor Blasters Fresh Burst™ is a definite perk.

    When shopping for an easy-to-clean dog bed, look for:

  • A bed that is fully machine washable. Look at the care tag to be sure. Some smaller-sized beds can be picked up and washed in your washer as a single piece.
  • Alternatively, choose a pet bed that has a removable, machine-washable cover. It’s easier to wash the cover than the entire bed, especially if you have a large dog and a large dog bed. Try putting the foam inner padding in the sun to air out while you wash the cover.
  • High-quality fabric for the cover, so it will hold up after repeated washing. Read the care label before purchasing.
  • If your pet is elderly and sometimes has accidents, purchase a waterproof liner to go under the cover for easier clean up.
  • A good quality pet bed should have sturdy foam padding to keep your pet’s body off the floor.

    • Veterinarians recommend replacing your pet’s bed annually, as the fabric of the cover and the integrity of the padding will wear out. Sounds like a good furbaby birthday or holiday present every year!

    Choosing a Detergent to Help Eliminate Pet Odor in Bedding

    Dog blankets and bedding should be washed weekly to help with odor removal. The same goes for your own sheets and blankets if your doggo co-sleeps. Plus, if your pup likes to take a swim or has been out in the rain, your nose knows the telltale “wet dog” smell that can permeate every place your dog has been, especially his bed.

    Our ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Odor Blasters, Fresh Burst laundry detergent is specially formulated to eliminate tough odors like sweat, body odor, and damp or musty smells. Using the power of OxiClean™ stain fighters, and ARM & HAMMER™ freshness, Odor Blasters detergent helps neutralize odors and leaves your pet bedding smelling clean and fresh.

    Rather than trying every laundry hack you can find on the Internet, simply reach for the purple-capped bottle of ARM & HAMMER ™ Odor Blasters to help get rid of musty smells from a wet dog and damp bedding.

    Why Should You Wash Your Dog’s Bed?

    If you leave your pet bedding uncleaned, dust, dirt, urine drops, and mud stains will accumulate on it, making the odor unbearable and leaving your pooch with unhealthy diseases to cope with.

    Moreover, fur from your dog also settles down on their bed, making it necessary to clean them frequently. Washing it regularly will keep your home hygienic. It will also ensure your pet stays healthy.

    Just like your own bed, your dog’s bed requires regular cleaning.

    How to keep dogs’ bedding smelling clean and fresh

    Just as you would with your own bedsheets, it’s important to wash your dog’s bed often. More so than your own bed.

    Dogs are pros at bringing love and wags to any room—but they’re also quite good at tracking in mud and debris from outside inside, including into their beds. Dog beds that are left uncleaned can not only become smelly, but they can also play host to all sorts of harmful bacteria and fleas.

    Maybe your pet’s bedding has some serious pet odor, a lint roller or two isn’t getting the loose dirt and hair off, or the stain remover isn’t getting out this one stubborn urine stain. If you’re wondering how to clean a dog bed, look no further. We’ve assembled this guide on how to wash a dog bed to help give your pet a safe and comfortable place to rest their head at night.