Is It OK to Wash Dog Beds in a Washing Machine? A Practical Guide
Learn when it's safe to machine-wash dog beds, prep steps, ideal settings, drying tips, and alternatives. A thorough, brand-backed guide for homeowners and pet lovers.
Is it ok to wash dog bed in washing machine? This is often safe, but depends on fabric and fill. Use a gentle cycle with cold water, a mild detergent, and ensure complete drying. Not all beds tolerate machine washing—spot-clean or wash only the cover for delicate fills. Always test a small area and confirm care labels before washing. Always balance the load and avoid overstuffed drums.
Is it ok to wash dog bed in washing machine?
Is it ok to wash dog bed in washing machine? This common question comes up for busy households who want a clean, hygienic space for their pet. The short answer is: in many cases yes, but you must respect the bed’s fabric, filling, and care label. According to Best Washing Machine, machine washing can be appropriate for many dog beds if you follow a gentle cycle, cold water, and a mild detergent. Not every bed is suitable; memory foam cores and certain plush inserts may require spot cleaning or washing only the detachable cover. Before you start, confirm that the bed’s cover and any filling are machine-safe, remove detachable covers, and test on a small area first. Also consider the bed’s size relative to your machine’s drum capacity to avoid overloading. With careful preparation, washing can help remove odors and bacteria, improving pet health and home cleanliness. This article explains when to machine wash, how to prep, which settings to use, and how to dry safely.
How bed materials influence machine washing
Dog beds come in many materials—woven fabrics, microfiber, canvas, fleece, or microfiber covers—each with different care needs. The fill inside the bed matters too: shredded foam, polyfill, cotton batting, or memory foam inserts behave differently in water and heat. In general, soft covers with removable fillings are easier to wash than foam-filled cores. The Best Washing Machine analysis shows that, when possible, washing the cover separately while spot-cleaning the core preserves support and reduces wear. Always check the care label: if the label forbids machine washing, skip the machine entirely and use spot-cleaning. For beds with removable zippers and covers, you can wash the cover on a gentle cycle and keep the core out of the wash. If the bed has a memory foam insert, do not machine wash the memory foam; instead, clean the cover and air out the foam outside the machine, or replace the cover if it wears out. These material considerations help prevent damage and ensure a longer lifespan for your dog bed while still enabling regular cleaning.
Prep and pre-wash steps for best results
Preparation sets the stage for a successful machine wash. Start by removing any detachable covers, zip closures, and plastic liners. Use a lint roller or pet-hair remover to reduce fur in the drum, which minimizes shedding on subsequent washes. If you spot stains, pre-treat with a small amount of mild detergent or a pet-safe stain remover on a hidden area. Inspect the stitching and seams; loose threads can snag during washing. Shake out the bed to release embedded dirt, then assess whether you should wash the cover only or the whole bed. Finally, balance the load by placing the bed with towels or other bulky items in the drum to avoid unbalanced spins and possible damage to the machine.
Wash settings and detergents: choosing the safe routine
Selecting the right wash settings is critical to protect fabric and fill. Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to minimize shrinking and fiber wear. Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent; avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can irritate pets and degrade fabrics over time. If your bed has a removable cover, wash the cover separately from the core. For large, bulky beds, consider using a laundry bag or pillowcase to shield seams and zippers. After washing, run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent remnants, which can irritate your pet’s skin if left behind. Finally, do not overload the machine; allow ample space for rotation and thorough cleaning.
Drying, deodorizing, and long-term care after a wash
Drying is often the trickiest part of washing a dog bed. Excess moisture can lead to mold and odors, so thorough drying is essential. If the bed has a detachable cover, remove it and air-dry the cover completely before reassembling. For the core or foam insert, air-drying is usually safer than machine-drying; check the care label, but hot air can degrade foam. Use towels to blot excess moisture and consider a sunny, well-ventilated area to speed drying. If you must tumble dry, use a low heat setting and a short cycle with no direct heat on foam inserts. Once dry, brush the fabric to restore plushness and reinsert the cover. Regular cleaning reduces odor and keeps your dog’s sleeping space hygienic, supporting better pet health and home cleanliness.
Alternatives to machine washing and when to skip the machine
In some cases, machine washing is not the best option. Beds with memory foam cores, non-removable fillings, or delicate trims may require spot cleaning or outer-cover washing only. For heavy soiling, consider washing only the cover or using a pet-safe enzyme cleaner on the outer fabric, followed by air drying. If your washer is small or the bed is oversized, you may need to take the bed to a laundromat with a large drum or to a professional cleaner. Always refer to the care label and consider the bed’s age and condition; older beds may shed more materials and degrade faster under repeated machine washing. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s directions or rely on the guidelines from Best Washing Machine to decide if machine washing is appropriate for your specific bed.
Authority sources
For guidance on cleaning fabric care and safe washing practices, you can consult reliable sources such as the CDC and university extension services. While pet-specific guides vary by product, general fabric care and washing safety principles apply across many bed types. Best practices include using gentle cycles, cold water, mild detergents, and thorough drying to prevent mold and odors. Always prioritize the bed’s care label and test a small area before full washed use. If uncertain, contact the manufacturer or a professional cleaner for bed-specific recommendations.
Quick recap: key points from this guide
- Always read and follow the bed’s care label before washing.
- Choose a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
- Wash covers separately when possible and ensure complete drying to prevent mold.
Authority sources (applied guidance)
- https://www.cdc.gov
- https://extension.illinois.edu
- https://www.fda.gov
Tools & Materials
- Washing machine capable of handling bulky items(Front-load or top-load with a large drum; ensure it can accommodate the bed size.)
- Mild, fragrance-free detergent(Choose a formula free of dyes and perfumes to minimize skin irritation for pets.)
- Mesh laundry bag (optional)(Great for delicate or zippered covers to protect seams.)
- Old towels or drying rack(Use to absorb moisture and support even drying.)
- Lint roller or pet hair remover(Pre-wash removal of hair reduces shedding in the drum.)
- Care label checklist(Double-check fabric and fill-specific washing instructions.)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-75 minutes
- 1
Inspect care label and detach coverings
Read the bed’s care label to confirm machine-wash suitability. Remove detachable covers and unzip any zippers to prevent snagging during the wash.
Tip: If the cover is not detachable, you may still wash the cleanable exterior with spot cleaning. - 2
Remove fur and debris
Use a lint roller or pet-hair remover on the bed and its cover to minimize fur in the drum, which improves wash efficiency and reduces shedding on subsequent cycles.
Tip: Doing this step first reduces the risk of clogging the machine’s drain filter. - 3
Pre-treat stains
Treat visible stains with a small amount of mild detergent or a pet-safe stain remover before washing. Test on a hidden area to prevent color fading.
Tip: Avoid harsh cleaners that could irritate your pet’s skin after washing. - 4
Load and balance the drum
Place the bed and a few towels in the drum to balance the load and allow thorough cleaning without banging during spins.
Tip: Avoid overloading; a crowded drum reduces cleaning effectiveness and can strain the machine. - 5
Select cycle and temperature
Set to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Hot water can shrink certain fabrics and degrade fill over time.
Tip: If the cover is heavy-duty fabric, you may opt for warm water, but only if the care label permits. - 6
Use appropriate detergent and rinse
Add a mild detergent and consider an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed, reducing skin irritation for your dog.
Tip: Do not use fabric softeners or bleach, which can irritate pets and degrade fabrics. - 7
Dry thoroughly
Air-dry the cover completely; for foam cores, avoid heat and allow product to dry in a well-ventilated area. Use towels to absorb moisture and speed up drying.
Tip: If you choose tumble drying, use a low-heat setting and never directly heat the foam core. - 8
Reassemble and inspect
Once dry, reattach the cover, inspect seams, and brush the fabric to restore fluff. Ensure the bed is fully dry before your pet uses it again.
Tip: A quick fabric brush can help restore texture after drying.
FAQ
Can all dog beds be machine washed?
No. Some beds with memory foam cores, non-removable fillings, or delicate trims should be spot-cleaned or washed only the cover. Always check the care label and test a small area before washing.
Not all dog beds can be machine washed. Check the care label and test a small area before washing.
What temperature is best for washing dog beds?
Cold water is generally safest for most fabrics and fills, helping prevent shrinking and fiber damage. If the care label allows, a warm cycle can be used, but cold is the default.
Cold water is usually best; only use warmer temperatures if the care label permits.
How often should you wash a dog bed?
Depends on usage and pets; a good rule is every 1-2 months for regular use, or sooner if there's odor, staining, or signs of dirt and allergens.
Wash the bed every one to two months, or sooner if it smells or looks dirty.
Can memory foam beds be machine washed?
Most memory foam cores should not be machine washed. Clean the cover and air out the foam outside the machine, or replace the cover if possible.
Avoid machine washing memory foam; clean the cover and air out the foam instead.
How should I dry a bed after washing?
Air-dry whenever possible to prevent heat damage. If you use a dryer, choose low heat and avoid direct heat on foam inserts. Ensure the bed is completely dry before use.
Air-dry; if using a dryer, use low heat and avoid direct heat on foam.
Are there safer alternatives to machine washing?
Yes. Spot-cleaning, outer-cover washing only, or using pet-safe cleaners can work well for beds with sensitive fillings. For heavy soiling or oversized beds, professional cleaning may be best.
Spot-clean or wash the cover; consider professional cleaning for tough cases.
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The Essentials
- Check the care label before washing.
- Choose a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
- Wash covers separately whenever possible and ensure complete drying.
- The Best Washing Machine team recommends following label guidance and test cleaning on a small area.
