Why It’s Important To Clean Your Dog’s Bed
Dogs spend a large portion of their time sleeping and resting on their beds. As a result, dirt, hair, and odors can accumulate rather quickly. An uncleaned dog bed can harbor a buildup of bacteria, allergens, and yeast that can lead to skin issues or illness for your pup. Dogs are also highly sensitive to smells, so a dirty and smelly bed is unappealing for them to relax on.
Regularly washing your dog’s bed has many benefits for their health and happiness. Removing dirt, hair, and odors helps create a hypoallergenic environment, reduces skin irritation, and prevents the spread of bacteria or fungi. A clean dog bed also smells fresh, helping dogs fully relax and get high-quality sleep. Maintaining your dog’s bed extends its lifespan as well. With a little effort, you can provide a comfortable and sanitary oasis for your dog to enjoy.
Supplies You’ll Need
Cleaning your dog’s bed without a removable cover requires just a few basic supplies:
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Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment – This allows you to vacuum dirt, hair and debris from the bed’s surface.
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Upholstery cleaning brush – A stiff bristle brush can help scrub the bed’s fabric.
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Pet-safe detergent or cleaner – Look for a gentle cleaner labeled safe for pets.
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Old towels – Absorbent towels are useful for blotting and drying.
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Water/bucket – Mix your detergent with water for cleaning the bed.
Having these supplies ready will make cleaning quicker and easier.
Regular Maintenance
To keep your dog’s bed clean on a regular basis, be sure to vacuum it at least once a week. This will help remove loose hair, dirt, and other debris that accumulates in the bed from everyday use. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the bed.
It’s also important to spot clean messes as soon as they happen. Whether it’s dirt from your dog’s paws or an accident, you’ll want to blot liquids immediately with a towel to absorb as much as possible. Then use a damp towel with just water to spot clean the soiled area. This will help prevent stains and odors from setting in.
Making quick work of messes and regular vacuuming are simple ways to maintain a fresh, clean dog bed between deeper cleanings.
Deep Cleaning Steps
Deep cleaning your dog’s bed periodically is important to removing embedded dirt, odors, and allergens. Here are the steps to follow:
Remove the bed from the frame if possible and take it outside or to an area with good ventilation. Taking the bed apart allows you to access the entire surface for cleaning.
Vacuum the entire surface of the bed, including the bottom and sides. Use an upholstery attachment to reach into crevices.
Make a detergent solution by mixing a small amount of gentle laundry or dish soap with warm water in a bucket or spray bottle. Check the tag to ensure the bed is machine washable.
Scrub the surface thoroughly using a soft brush or sponge and the detergent solution. Pay close attention to soiled areas.
Rinse away the suds with clean water, either in your sink, shower, or outside with a hose. Avoid soaking the interior padding if possible.
Blot up excess moisture by pressing clean towels into the bed. Allow it to fully air dry before returning it to your dog’s use.
Stain Removal Tips
Your dog’s bed can quickly become stained from accidents, spilled food and water, and your pup’s muddy paws. While it may seem hopeless to remove these set-in stains from your dog’s bed, there are some effective cleaning methods you can try before giving up on the bed.
For urine stains, it’s important to treat them as soon as possible. Use an enzymatic pet cleaner to break down the urine and eliminate odors. Let the cleaner soak into the padding before blotting and rinsing the area.
If you have stains deep in the padding or foam, make a cleaning paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Gently rub the paste into the stain using a soft brush, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The hydrogen peroxide will lift the stain while the baking soda neutralizes odors.
For dirt or mud stains, apply some gentle dish soap directly to the stain and let it soak in for a few minutes. Then scrub the spot lightly with a soft brush before rinsing clean. Avoid harsh detergents which could damage the bed’s fabric.
Odor Elimination
Dog beds can easily hold onto unpleasant odors even after cleaning. To fully eliminate odors, there are a few extra steps to take:
Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming to deodorize – Generously coat the bed with baking soda and let sit for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming up. The baking soda will help absorb and neutralize odors.
Use pet-safe antibacterial spray after cleaning – Once the bed is clean, spray it down with an antibacterial cleaner made specifically for pet messes. This will sanitize the bed and prevent odors from returning.
Air dry bed in sunlight to freshen – Place the freshly cleaned bed in direct sunlight until fully dried. The UV rays from sunlight act as a natural disinfectant and can freshen and deodorize the bed.
When To Replace
Eventually, even with regular cleaning and maintenance, dog beds do wear out over time. Look for some key signs that indicate it’s time to replace your dog’s bed:
– Thinning, balding fabric or cushion: Excessive scratching, digging, and fluffing from your dog can cause the fabric or cushion to deteriorate. Once the threads start to pull or the cushion gets compacted and flat, it’s a good indicator the bed has reached the end of its usable life.
– Deep stains that won’t lift after cleaning: Certain stubborn stains like urine or blood may not fully come out no matter how much you wash the bed. If you’ve tried multiple cleaning methods to no avail, it likely means those stains have set in permanently.
– Pervasive odors that remain after washing: Similarly, foul odors from accidents can sometimes get trapped in the material despite your best efforts to remove them. A persistent smell even after washing is a sign the bed has absorbed all it can.
Replacing a worn out dog bed ensures your pup continues to have a comfortable place to sleep and rest. Shop for a new bed about every 1-2 years for the average dog bed lifespan.
Extend Your Bed’s Life
Using a few simple habits can dramatically extend the usable life of your dog’s bed and save you money on frequent replacements. Here are some tips:
Use a washable protector cover over the bed – Putting a waterproof, washable cover over your dog’s bed is one of the best ways to keep it clean and lasting longer. Look for covers made from durable materials like canvas that can handle regular washing.
Crate train your dog to keep the bed clean – Dogs naturally want to keep their crates clean, so crate training means your dog will be less likely to have accidents on their bed. Limit access when you’re away so they can’t soil their bedding.
Don’t let your dog use their bed outside – Bringing their bed outdoors exposes it to dirt, mud, grass, pollen and other elements that are much harder to clean. Designate a different sleeping spot for outdoor time.
Bed Material Pros and Cons
When choosing a dog bed, consider the pros and cons of different bed materials:
Cotton
Cotton beds are easy to clean and wash, but the fabric tends to retain odors over time. The breathability of cotton makes it a good choice for dogs who overheat.
Microsuede
Microsuede gives a soft, plush feel but shows dirt, hair, and stains readily. This material requires frequent cleaning to keep it looking neat.
Polyester
Polyester beds are durable and long-lasting but less breathable than other materials. The synthetic fabric doesn’t conform to a dog’s body as well. However, polyester is easy to clean and dries quickly.
Final Tips
Here are some final tips that can further help extend the life of your dog’s bed and make cleaning easier:
Bathe your dog regularly to reduce odors, dirt, and grime on their coat that can transfer to their bed. Give your dog a bath every month or as needed, using a mild dog shampoo.
Brush your dog frequently to remove loose hair and prevent excessive shedding. Regular brushing can cut down on the amount of hair that gets embedded in the bed.
Rotate multiple beds and don’t use the same one every day. Rotating gives beds a chance to fully dry out between uses and prevents premature breakdown of the filling.