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HOW TO WASH DOG BEDS
The removable covers on dog beds can usually be machine washed in a few simple steps. And in some cases, the entire dog bed can also be machine washed if it fits in your washer without overcrowding and the care label allows it. However, some dog beds are not machine washable or have removable covers that should be hand washed instead. So checking your dog bed’s care label should always be your first step.
Dog beds can be a magnet for pet hair as well as the target of the occasional accident, but with proper care, dog beds, pets and your home can stay fresh.
When your dog is outside enjoying nature, splashing in puddles, chasing a ball or celebrating National Pet Day, you might not know how to handle the mess they bring into the house and their bed. Read this guide to learn about how to properly wash your dog’s bed.
WHY SHOULD YOU WASH DOG BEDS REGULARLY?
Regularly washing your dog’s bed can help to reduce allergens like dander and dust mites, limit fleas and parasites, keep your dog healthy and remove oils and grime that can shorten the bed’s lifespan.
CAN YOU WASH A DOG BED IN THE WASHER?
Yes, you can wash some dog beds, if the care label allows and it fits comfortably in your washer without overcrowding. In addition, most removable dog bed covers can be put in the washing machine.
However, some covers and bed inserts may need to be hand washed or taken to the laundromat instead. So always check the care tag of your dog bed before washing and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH A DOG BED?
In order to keep your dog’s bed clean and comfortable, you should wash it about once a week or once every other week, depending on the soil level. If you notice that the bed is particularly dirty or visibly soiled, you can wash it more often. Learn how to wash dog collars and stuffed animals in the washer as well.
WHAT IS THE BEST DETERGENT TO WASH DOG BEDDING?
It is recommended to wash your dog bed using detergent that is listed as pet-safe or that is otherwise gentle and free from fragrances or dyes. Your detergent should be mild and not have ingredients likely to cause an allergic reaction in your pet. You can also add an extra rinse to your washing cycle for pets with sensitive skin. It may be helpful to consult your veterinarian for an appropriate detergent recommendation.
HOW TO CLEAN A DOG BED IN THE WASHER
If you’ve determined that your dog bed cover, or the entire bed (if allowed per the care label), can be washed in a washing machine, the steps below will help make the process smooth and your dog bed smell fresh.
SUPPLIES
Vacuum
Pet-safe detergent
- Mild stain remover
- Baking soda
1. REMOVE PET HAIR
The first step to cleaning your dog’s bed is to remove excess pet hair. You can do this by thoroughly vacuuming it or you can take it outside and shake it, like you might do with a rug.
If your dog’s bed has an unpleasant odor, you can sprinkle a little baking soda on it prior to removing the cover, let it sit for a few hours and then vacuum the baking soda or shake it out outside.
The Maytag® Pet Pro System may help you skip some steps. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in select washers visibly removes pet hair, while the Lint Trap in select dryers traps and removes pet hair, load after load.
2. CLEAN STAINS
If the bed cover or washable dog bed has stains, you will want to pretreat them before putting it in the washing machine to help prevent the stains from becoming set-in. You can use a mild stain remover or laundry detergent before washing the cover. A washing machine with a built-in faucet can help pretreat and rinse stains right at the washer.
3. WASH THE BED COVER OR BED
First, check out the label on your dog’s bed cover, or bed itself (if applicable), for any specific instructions and to ensure that it is machine washable. Using a gentle, pet-safe detergent, wash your dog’s bed 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 dog bed cover or bed.
If using a Maytag® Pet Pro washer, be sure to select the Pet Pro Option, which unleashes additional water and a deep rinse to assist the Pet Pro Filter, which lifts and captures pet hair from clothes for a clean you can see.1 The Pet Pro Option is ideal for washable items prone to collecting pet hair, including your clothes, blankets and even your dog’s toys and your dog’s clothes.
TOP LOAD PET PRO WASHER
BRING ON SERIOUS STAINS, PET HAIRS AND ODORS
The Pet Pro Washer is engineered to remove loads of pet hair with the Pet Pro option and built-in Pet Pro Filter
4. DRY THE BED COVER OR BED
If the cover on your dog bed, or the entire bed (if machine washable), can be tumble dried per the care tag, you can put it in the dryer as long as the dryer is large enough. Otherwise, you can hang it up or lay it out to air dry.
Pair the Maytag® Pet Pro washer with the Pet Pro dryer featuring a Lint Trap built to trap and remove loads of pet hair. The Maytag® Pet Pro System works together as a complete laundry solution for pet parents.
SHOP MAYTAG® PET PRO WASHERS AND DRYERS
Maytag® Pet Pro washers and dryers can help keep your dog bed clean and fresh. Select Maytag® washers feature the Sanitize Cycle, which removes 99.7% of three common household bacteria2, pet dander and allergens3 using the hottest water temperature setting for thorough cleaning and your peace of mind. And select Maytag® dryers offer a 7.4 cu ft. capacity that can dry extra-large loads.
HOW TO WASH A DOG BED BY HAND
If your dog bed does not have a removable cover or is not machine washable per the care label, you may still be able to wash it by hand or take it to a laundromat. However, some foam inserts may not be suitable for machine washing or full submersion, as excess water can break down the foam. As always, check the dog bed’s care label before washing. If allowed per the care tag, follow the steps below to wash your dog bed by hand at home to help keep it fresh, clean and comfortable for your pet.
SUPPLIES
Vacuum
Large basin or sink
Pet-safe detergent
Scrub brush or toothbrush
Baking soda
1. REMOVE PET HAIR
The first step to handwashing your dog bed is to remove excess pet hair. You can do this by vacuuming or by taking the bed outside and shaking it.
2. FILL BASIN OR BATH
Next, fill the basin or bath with enough warm water to fully submerge the dog bed. Add the pet-safe detergent to the warm water.
3. SOAK BED
Submerge the bed in the warm soapy water and allow it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently move the bed back and forth through the water or gently squeeze to create mild friction. Thoroughly wring out excess water from the dog bed.
4. SCRUB BED
If you still see stains, scrub the bed with baking soda and a scrub brush or toothbrush in any areas that need extra attention.
5. RINSE THOROUGHLY
Rinse the bed thoroughly, being careful to remove all soap, baking soda and dirty water before setting it out to dry.
6. DRY
Allow the dog bed to air dry. Placing the dog bed in the sun to dry is a good way to help ensure that it is thoroughly dried inside and out before your pet uses it again.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS WITH PET HAIR REMOVAL
Conquer pet hair like a pro with the Maytag® 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. Features on select models like a Built-In Water Faucet, Deep Fill Option and a Steam Option make the Maytag® Pet Pro System a complete laundry solution for pet parents.
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1. Results vary by load size and pet hair type.
2. Bacteria tested were K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus.
3. Allergens tested were Canis familiaris, Felis domessticus, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
