HOW TO WASH A CAT BED

A cozy pet bed gives your feline friend a favorite spot to curl up, but it also collects fur, dander and the occasional accident. Knowing how to wash a cat bed helps keep it fresh without damaging the material. Many cat beds or their removable covers can go straight in the washer, while others need hand washing or spot-cleaning. Always check the care label before washing to avoid damaging the bed. This guide covers washing frequency, detergent choices, machine washing, hand washing and urine stains.

ARE CAT BEDS MACHINE WASHABLE?

Yes, many cat beds or their removable covers are machine washable if the care label allows it. While many pet beds can go in the washer, memory foam beds may need hand washing or spot cleaning. Always check the care tag first.

The care label is the deciding factor when it comes to whether you can wash a cat bed in a machine. Removable covers typically go in the washer without much effort, and sometimes the whole bed can go in too—provided it fits with room to spare and the tag permits it. Certain beds are hand-wash-only, so reading the tag before starting is always the right move.

Bulky cat beds need room to move during the wash cycle. If you’re wondering, “can you wash a cat bed that is large?” the answer is maybe. But it is often a good idea to wash bulky items like these in a large capacity washer.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH A CAT BED?

Wash your cat's bed on a regular basis to help clear away pet hair and dander. Experts recommend washing your pet's bed about every two weeks, or as needed, but there are also a few ways you can help keep pet odors and hair under control between washings. How often to wash a cat bed depends on your cat's shedding habits and whether accidents happen. It’s a good idea to wash a pet bed immediately after an accident or if the bed appears soiled.

Between washes, fur, dander and odors can build up on the surface of the bed. A quick vacuum or lint roller pass can help manage the buildup. You can also shake the bed out, outside. Or, keep a small blanket on your pet bed, to act as a kind of cover, which may be easier to wash with more frequency than the entire bed.

For pet parents dealing with constant shedding, select Maytag^® washers with the Pet Pro System can help tackle pet hair on washable bedding. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer visibly removes pet hair, while the lint trap in the dryer traps and removes pet hair, load after load.

WHAT DETERGENT SHOULD YOU USE TO WASH A CAT BED?

If your pet bed is machine washable, consider using a gentle, mild detergent and wash the bed in the washing machine using the warmest water temperature allowed per the care tag. A mild detergent helps clean the bed while helping to lessen the risk of irritating your cat's skin. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach unless the care label specifically allows it, and even then, use with care, as it might aggravate your pet’s skin or sense of smell. Choose a cycle that aligns with the care tag on your pet bed or consider choosing a cycle based on the soil level of the bed.

For pet parents fighting a never-ending battle against pet hair, the Maytag^® Pet Pro System can help. The Pet Pro Option releases extra water and a deep rinse to assist the Pet Pro Filter, which lifts and captures pet hair from clothes. Once removed, pet hair is caught in the built-in Pet Pro Filter for a clean you can see.

HOW TO WASH A CAT BED IN A WASHING MACHINE

The steps below apply when the care label allows machine washing of the cover or the whole bed. Select the wash cycle and water temperature indicated on the care label before you start. Gather the supplies listed below and follow each step in order.

SUPPLIES

Mild detergent
Mild stain remover
Lint roller or vacuum
Washing machine such as this Maytag^® Smart Pet Pro Front Load Washer

1. REMOVE CAT HAIR FROM THE BED

When you’re figuring out how to remove cat hair from a bed, it often helps to start by clearing away as much fur as possible before the bed goes in the washer. A lint roller or pet hair remover tool can help lift fur from the surface, or take the bed outside and give it a thorough shake. Running a vacuum over the bed can also help pull out embedded fur and dander.

Removing pet hair first matters because pet fur can clog up your washer. The less hair that goes into the machine, the less chance of that happening. Not every washer is specially designed to handle pet hair. Select Maytag^® washers and dryers include the Pet Pro System; the built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer visibly removes pet hair, while the lint trap in the dryer traps and removes pet hair, load after load.

2. PRETREAT STAINS

If the bed cover or washable bed has stains, pretreat them before putting it in the washing machine to help keep the stains from setting. Use a mild stain remover or spot treat with laundry detergent before washing. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the cleaner into the fabric and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing. Always check the care tag first and test any treatment on a small, inconspicuous area.

3. WASH THE COVER OR BED

Wash the cover or bed in the washing machine using the warmest water temperature allowed per the care tag. Be sure to choose a cycle that aligns with the instructions on the care tag or consider choosing a cycle based on the soil level of the bed.

If you have a larger, washable pet bed, consider using a large capacity washer so the bed has ample room to move during the cycle. Leave room for the bed to agitate freely and avoid overloading the machine. If the load feels unbalanced, add a couple of towels to help balance it out.

4. DRY THE COVER OR BED

After the wash cycle finishes, transfer the cover or bed to the dryer or hang it on a drying rack to air dry. Only dry the bed in a dryer if the care label indicates it can go in the dryer. If the bed can go in the dryer, evenly load it into the dryer drum and use the low or no-heat setting. Make sure any filling in a washable bed is completely dry when it is finished. Damp filling can hold odors. Select Maytag^® dryers with Advanced Moisture Sensing monitor inside moisture and air temperatures to help evenly dry loads. The Extra Power button, also found on select Maytag^® dryers, boosts drying power on any cycle by extending time, heat and tumbling¹ to help get thick fabrics drier the first time.

HOW TO HAND WASH OR SPOT CLEAN A CAT BED

Some cat beds cannot go in the washer, and their covers need hand washing instead. If you need to know how to clean a cat bed without a washing machine, the steps below cover spot cleaning and hand washing. Memory foam beds may need hand washing or spot treatment rather than a full soak, as many foam inserts cannot be fully submerged. Always check your care tags first, to be sure.

Gather the supplies below and follow the steps for each method.

SUPPLIES

Mild detergent
Soft-bristled brush
Clean cloths or sponges
Basin or sink
Warm water

SPOT CLEAN

Spot cleaning is often a good approach for small stains or for beds with foam inserts that should not be fully submerged.

Follow these steps to spot clean a cat bed:

Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a small amount of mild detergent or enzyme-based cleaner with warm water. Be sure to check your care tags and use compatible cleaning solutions.
Apply the solution to the stained areas using a clean cloth or sponge.
Gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush without rubbing too hard.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to lift away the loosened stain and cleaner.
Air dry the bed completely before letting your cat use it again.

Always test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.

HAND WASH

If the bed does not have a removable cover or is not machine washable per the care label, you may still be able to wash either the cover, or the entire bed, by hand. Always check the care label before hand washing.

Follow these steps to hand wash a cat bed:

Fill a basin or sink with cool or warm water per the care label.
Add mild detergent and mix until the water is soapy.
Submerge the cover or bed and gently agitate the fabric with your hands.
Soak for 10 to 15 minutes to let the detergent work through the material.
Scrub stubborn stains with a brush and more detergent right on the spot, if needed.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all soap is gone.
Squeeze out excess water
Air dry completely.

For foam inserts, spot clean only rather than submerging them in water.

HOW TO GET CAT PEE OUT OF A CAT BED

Pet accidents happen and knowing how to get cat pee out of a bed takes a few extra steps before a regular wash. As soon as you notice the stain, apply an enzyme-based stain remover (if compatible with your care tags) made for pet stains or a small amount of laundry detergent. Then wash according to the care label.

When trying to eliminate pet odors such as urine odors, an enzyme-based stain remover can often help, because it helps break down organic matter in urine, which, in turn, helps get rid of the smell so that your pet doesn’t return to mark the same spot again.

Before trying any of these methods, always check your care label first, to make sure the cleaning solution you choose is compatible with your bed.

FRESH URINE STAINS

For fresh urine stains, blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then apply a compatible enzyme cleaner made for pet messes or a small amount of laundry detergent to the stain. Let the cleaner work into the fabric for 10-15 minutes before washing. Make sure the stain and odor are fully gone before putting the bed in the dryer. Heat from the dryer can set remaining stains and odors into the fabric.

LINGERING ODOR AND REPEAT ACCIDENTS

If the odor lingers after the first wash, rewash the bed with a compatible enzyme-based cleaner. Check that the odor is completely gone before drying. Do not put the bed in the dryer until the stain and smell are fully removed, as heat can set odors into the fabric. If the odor persists after multiple washes, consider replacing the insert or the entire bed.

CAT BED WASHING FAQS

Some common questions often pop up when it comes to washing pet beds. Explore the frequently asked questions below for more helpful tips.

It is generally recommended to wash pet bedding separately from your clothes. Pet hair and dander can transfer to your clothes during a shared cycle. Washing separately helps keep both loads cleaner.

Check the care label before using bleach on a cat bed, as some beds may not be compatible with bleach. The tag should list the recommended wash cycles and water temperatures so you can avoid damaging the bed. If the care label allows it, try using a gentle bleach alternative or non-chlorine bleach. Rinse thoroughly to remove all bleach residue before letting your cat use the bed again.

Heated cat beds typically should not be machine washed because they may have electrical components that should not be submerged. Check the care label first, as heated blankets may require hand washing or spot cleaning. Although some may come with removable covers that are machine washable. Again, check your care labels to be sure.

Remove solid waste first with a plastic bag or paper towel and dispose of it. Then rinse the area with cold water and treat it with a compatible pet stain remover. Do not rub the stain—blot gently instead. Wash the bed as the care label allows. Make sure the stain is fully removed before putting the bed in the dryer.

Cats have a powerful sense of smell, and detergent residue or a lingering fragrance on a freshly washed bed can sometimes make the bed feel unfamiliar to your cat. Try to lessen this effect by using fragrance-free detergent, skipping fabric softener, or running an extra rinse cycle to help wash out detergent residue so the bed does not carry a scent that puts your cat off. Additionally, try placing a worn piece of your clothing in or near the bed, or perhaps one of their toys or favorite blankets, which may also help the bed smell familiar to your cat again.

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