How To Clean a Dog Bed

Your dog’s bed is a breeding ground for bacteria, fleas, and allergens. Research from the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that weekly washing reduces the risk of spreading parasites and disease — yet most Aussie pet owners admit they clean their dog’s bed far less often than that.

If your pup’s bed smells like a wet woolly jumper or you’re noticing more scratching than usual, it’s time for a proper clean.

Quick Washing Tips

• How often: Every 1-2 weeks (weekly if your dog has allergies or skin issues)
• Method: Machine wash removable covers on warm (hot water will shrink them); hand wash non-removable beds in a tub. Always read the instructions on washing labels.
• Dry: Sunshine can act as a natural disinfectant, so air-dry beds in the sun when possible.
• Foam beds: It’s not recommended that you wash foam mattresses, but if you have to, handwash gently and ensure to gently squeeze out as much water as possible.
• Always: Vacuum first to remove hair, use pet-safe detergent, and air dry completely
• Prevention: Wipe paws after walks and spot-clean accidents immediately

Why Bother Cleaning Your Dog’s Bed?

You wouldn’t sleep in dirty sheets for weeks, so why should your dog?

Studies show that uncleaned dog beds harbour fleas (found in 14% of pet sleeping areas), dust mites, and harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Staph. If your dog has any cuts, scrapes, or sensitive skin, lying in a grimy bed increases their risk of infection. 

And if you’ve got allergies? That buildup of dander isn’t doing you any favours either.

The EPA recommends deep cleaning every 2-3 weeks, specifically to control flea infestations. Fleas lay most of their eggs at night, so beds become flea nurseries faster than you’d think.

Regular washing also extends your bed’s lifespan by removing coat oils and grime that break down fabric and foam.

How Often Should You Wash It?

Baseline: Every 2 weeks for most dogs.

Weekly washing is ideal if your dog:

• Has allergies or skin conditions
• Sleeps in your bedroom
• Loves rolling in mud, sand, or worse 
• Has an oily coat or sheds heavily

More frequently if there’s been an accident, vomit, or your dog’s had fleas.

How to Clean a Dog Bed (Step-by-Step)

For Beds With Removable Covers

1. Vacuum first. Hair + water = clumps that’ll clog your machine. Use a handheld vacuum or lint roller to remove loose fur from both the cover and inner cushion. Rubber gloves also work wonders for removing hair!
2. Check the care label. Most removable covers can handle machine washing, but always check first.
3. Unzip and wash. Remove the cover and wash it separately on a hot cycle (40-60°C) with pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent. Hot water kills bacteria and parasites. To protect zips, ensure they are zipped up before washing and then place covers in a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them in the washing machine.
4. Air dry. Skip the dryer to prevent shrinking. Hang it outside in the sun — UV rays naturally kill germs and eliminate odours.
5. Spot-clean the insert. If the inner cushion is dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Let it air out completely before reassembling.

For Beds Without Removable Covers

1. Vacuum thoroughly. Get into all the crevices and seams where dirt hides.
2. Fill a tub or basin. Use warm water and add pet-safe detergent. If you’re dealing with stubborn smells, toss in half a cup of white vinegar.
3. Submerge and squeeze. Soak the bed for 10-15 minutes, then squeeze and knead it repeatedly to work the soapy water through the filling.
4. Rinse well. Empty the tub and refill it with clean water. Rinse until all soap is gone — leftover detergent can irritate your dog’s skin.
5. Dry completely. Wring out excess water and leave it in a sunny, well-ventilated spot. Thick beds can take 24 hours to dry fully. Don’t let your dog use a damp bed.

Make it Easier: Prevention Tips

• Wipe paws after walks. A quick wipe with a damp towel stops dirt from transferring to the bed.
• Use a washable blanket on top. Wash the blanket weekly and the bed itself less often.
• Spot-treat accidents immediately. Blot (don’t rub) with a cloth, then treat with equal parts white vinegar and water.
• Vacuum weekly. Even between washes, a quick vacuum keeps things fresher.

Choose Beds that are Easier to Clean

When shopping for a new bed, look for removable, machine-washable covers and easy-to-wash materials. 

At Superior Pet Goods, we stock durable, easy-to-clean dog beds designed with busy Aussie pet owners in mind. Our range includes removable covers and materials that withstand regular washing without losing their shape or comfort. Your dog deserves a clean, comfortable spot to rest, and you deserve a bed that doesn’t turn cleaning day into an all-day ordeal.

Keep your pup’s bed fresh, and they’ll sleep sounder (and smell better).