How to Wash a Dog Bed with or without a Removable Cover

Have you noticed a bad odour near your dog’s favourite spot? This smell often comes from your furry friends' body oils and bacteria. Dirty dog beds collect loose hair mud and dirt so small you can't even see them. This is something that builds up over time.

A smelly dog bed makes your whole room smell like a wet dog. Damp fur and stale body oils trap a musty, yeast-like odour within the fibres that lingers in the air. These trapped particles often spread to carpets and furniture, which can trigger an allergy.

Why You Should Wash Your Dog Bed Regularly

• Eliminate Oxidised Sebum: Washing the bed thoroughly breaks down the waxy body oils that coat fabric fibres and turn rancid, which is the primary cause of that heavy, lingering "doggy" smell. 

• Neutralise Yeast and Bacteria: Dampness from paws and breath creates a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast within the padding. Regular cleaning stops these microorganisms from causing skin hotspots or ear infections.

• Remove Hidden Allergens: Dog beds act as a filter for pollen, dust mites, and dander. Washing the bed more frequently prevents these particles from becoming airborne and triggering hay fever or respiratory issues in the home.

• Extend Bed Longevity: Dirt and grit act like sandpaper on fabric fibres. Removing this debris prevents the material from thinning and ensures the internal loft stays supportive for your dog’s joints.

• Interrupt Pest Cycles: Keeping your dog's bed clean creates a hostile environment for fleas and mites. High-temperature washing kills larvae and eggs before an infestation can take hold in your carpets or furniture.

What Soap Should You Use to Wash a Dog Bed?

Many vets advise against using standard laundry liquids or pods for pet bedding. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), common household cleaning products can contain ingredients that are not only irritating but potentially life-threatening if a pet licks or chews their freshly washed bed. Chemical residues trapped in the fabric can lead to mouth ulcers, stomach upset, or respiratory distress.

To keep your home fresh without compromising your dog's health and safety, it is important to understand what makes certain detergents a risk and how to choose the safest option. 

Step-by-Step to wash a dog bed with removable cover in a washing machine 

Washing a removable cover is the most effective way to strip away deep-set oils and dander. Follow these steps to ensure a deep clean without damaging your machine or the fabric. 

1. Prep and Vacuum: Remove the cover and check the crevices for hidden toys or treats. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose pet hair; this prevents hair from clogging your washing machine filters.

2. Load and Add Detergent: Place the cover into the drum. Toss in one Lucent Globe Detergent Sheet. There is no need for messy measuring or heavy plastic jugs—the sheet will dissolve instantly, even in cold water.

3. Select Your Cycle: Set your washer to a warm or hot cycle (40°C to 60°C). This temperature is necessary to break down the waxy sebum (body oils) and neutralise bacteria that cause stagnant odours.

4. The Extra Rinse: If your dog has particularly sensitive skin or allergies, select an "Extra Rinse" cycle. This ensures every trace of organic debris and dirt is flushed away.

5. Spin and Dry: Set the machine to a medium or high spin cycle to remove as much water as possible. For best results, air dry the cover in a well-ventilated space or in the sun to naturally sanitise the fabric.

Expert Tip: Ensure the cover is 100% dry before placing it back on the bed. Any moisture trapped in the internal padding can lead to dampness, mould, and the return of that "wet dog" smell.

Hand washing is often the best approach for larger beds that won't fit in a standard domestic washing machine or those without removable covers. While machine washing is fast, the heavy agitation can sometimes cause the internal filling of standard beds to clump or lose its shape. Hand washing allows you to deep clean the inner filling and kill pests without damaging the bed's structure.

How to Hand Wash Large or Non-Removable Dog Beds

For larger breeds with bulky bedding that do not fit in a washing machine, follow these steps to ensure a thorough clean that reaches the very centre of the cushion.

1. Prepare the Bath: Fill a bathtub or large laundry tub with hot water. Toss in one of our  Detergent Sheet.

2. Add Natural Deodorisers: To help neutralise stubborn "wet dog" odours, you can mix in equal parts white vinegar and water. For extra freshness and to help lift surface stains, add a small amount of baking soda to the water. The vinegary smell will go away in a few hours after drying.

3. Deep Soak and Agitate: Submerge the bed completely under the water and let it soak. A great tip is to step on the bed gently with clean feet; this "plunging" action moves the soapy water through the dense inner filling, flushing out trapped dirt and bacteria for a much deeper wash.

4. Rinse until Clear: Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with fresh, clean water. Continue to press down on the bed to rinse out the suds. Repeat this process until the water runs completely clear.

5. The Sun-Dry Method: Press out as much excess water as possible without wringing the fabric. Place the bed flat in a well-ventilated space under the sun. The natural heat and UV rays help prevent mould and ensure the core is 100% dry, keeping the bed fresh and comfortable for your furry friend.

   What should I look for when buying a dog bed?

   Buying a bed with specific features makes weekly maintenance much faster. You should prioritise materials that resist moisture and hair.

   Which features make a dog bed easy to clean?

   • Fully removable covers allow you to wash the fabric without bulky stuffing.

   • An internal waterproof liner prevents liquids and body oils from soaking into the foam.

   • Smooth synthetic fabrics like polyester canvas shed hair and mud quickly.

   • Hidden zippers protect your floors from scratches and prevent dogs from chewing the pull-tab.

   • Darker fabric colours hide small stains and paw prints between your scheduled wash days.

   Which dog beds are the hardest to maintain?

   • One-piece beds with sewn-in stuffing often clump and lose support after one machine cycle.

   • Faux fur materials trap high levels of dander and require daily vacuuming to stay clean.

   • Memory foam slabs without liners act like sponges and are nearly impossible to fully dry.

   • Large bulky beds for giant breeds often do not fit in a standard 7kg or 10kg domestic washer.

   • Shaggy wool surfaces hold onto "wet dog" smells longer than tightly woven fabrics.

FAQ

How do I clean a dog bed to remove fleas?

It is heartbreaking to see your pet constantly scratching and becoming restless from painful flea hotspots. You must kill every single pest, as even one survivor can restart a full infestation in 12 days. Seal the bed in a plastic bag immediately to stop fleas jumping onto your carpets while you move to the laundry.

Vacuum every seam to remove hidden larvae and empty the waste into an outdoor bin right away. Wash the bedding at 60°C with a Lucent Globe Detergent Sheet to dissolve the waxy coating on flea eggs. This high temperature is the only way to ensure no eggs survive the wash cycle.

Tumble dry the bed on high heat for 30 minutes or leave it in direct sunlight for eight hours. You should also vacuum the floor where the bed sits to clear out the nursery zone in the skirting boards. These steps ensure your dog can finally rest in a clean and safe environment.

How do I dry a dog bed so it doesn't smell?

Standard cold washes do not dissolve the oxidised sebum (body oils) trapped deep in the fabric. You must use a 60°C cycle to melt these waxy oils and kill odour-causing bacteria. Adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle neutralises lingering alkaline smells.

How do I prevent toxic mould from growing inside the bed?

Internal foam that stays damp for more than 24 hours will grow Aspergillus or mildew. Always dry the bed in a spot with high airflow or under direct sunlight. UV rays act as a natural sanitiser that kills remaining spores on the surface of the bed.

How do I spot-clean messes without doing a full wash?

Mix one-quarter of a detergent sheet with warm water in a spray bottle for a quick clean. Blot the area with a microfibre cloth instead of rubbing to keep the mess from spreading deeper. Use an enzyme-based cleaner for urine stains to break down the uric acid crystals.