As a dog owner, you’ve likely had this experience. You bend down to pat your furry friend in their bed. Then, you get a whiff of that unmistakable “dog” smell, or worse, you find yourself covered in fur. Your dog’s bed is their sanctuary, but it can quickly become a collection point for hair, dander, dirt, and unpleasant odors.
How often to wash dog bedding is a common question among pet parents who want to maintain a clean home while ensuring their dog’s comfort. A good cleaning schedule finds the right balance between hygiene and practicality. Washing too much can damage the bedding. Not washing enough can cause health problems for you and your pet.
In this guide, we’ll break down the optimal washing frequency for dog bedding. We’ll discuss factors that might adjust this schedule and the best methods to keep your dog’s sleeping space fresh and hygienic between deep cleans.
Key Takeaways
- Most dog beds should be washed every 1-2 weeks, depending on your dog’s shedding, outdoor activity, and health status.
- Dogs with allergies, skin conditions, or high outdoor activity need more frequent washing (weekly).
- Use pet-safe detergents and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
- Maintain cleanliness between washes with regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and protective covers.
- Replace dog beds that can’t be thoroughly cleaned every 1-2 years.
Why Regular Washing of Dog Bedding is Important
Health Benefits for Your Dog
Your dog spends a significant amount of time sleeping—between 12-14 hours per day for adult dogs and even more for puppies and senior dogs. During this time, they transfer oils from their coat, shed hair and dander, drool, and sometimes track in dirt from outside. Over time, these accumulations can become breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Regular washing of your dog’s bedding helps:
- Prevent skin irritations and infections.
- Reduce the risk of hotspots.
- Minimize exposure to dust mites and other allergens.
- Create a more comfortable sleeping environment.
Reducing Allergens and Parasites in Your Home
Dog bedding doesn’t just affect your pet’s health. It impacts your home’s cleanliness and air quality, too. Unwashed dog beds can harbor:
- Fleas and ticks
- Pet dander (a common allergen)
- Dust mites
- Pollen and outdoor allergens
For households with allergy sufferers, keeping pet bedding clean is especially important. Regular washing helps reduce the allergen load in your home.
Extending the Lifespan of Dog Beds
Quality dog beds can be a significant investment. Regular cleaning helps protect that investment by:
- Preventing buildup that can break down fabric fibers.
- Reducing odors that become permanent over time.
- Maintaining the structure and support of filling materials.
- Preventing stains from setting permanently.
General Guidelines for How Often to Wash Dog Bedding
Factors That Influence Washing Frequency
While there are general recommendations for washing dog bedding, several factors might require you to adjust your cleaning schedule:
- Shedding level: Heavy shedders like Huskies or German Shepherds will need more frequent bed washing.
- Outdoor activity: Dogs who enjoy hiking, swimming, or rolling in the grass bring more dirt to their beds.
- Health conditions: Dogs with allergies, skin issues, or incontinence require more frequent bedding changes.
- Drooling tendencies: Breeds known for heavy drooling (Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands) soil bedding more quickly.
- Weather and season: Muddy spring conditions or summer swimming may increase washing frequency.
Recommended Washing Schedule for Most Dog Beds
For the average dog in a typical household environment:
- Every 1-2 weeks: Wash removable bed covers and blankets.
- Every 2-3 weeks: Deep clean the entire bed, including non-removable parts.
- Monthly: Wash beds for indoor-only, light-shedding, or very clean dogs.
These guidelines assume regular maintenance between washes, such as vacuuming and spot cleaning.
Signs Your Dog’s Bed Needs Immediate Washing
Sometimes you need to wash your dog’s bedding outside of your regular schedule. Watch for these signs:
- Visible dirt or mud on the bed.
- Noticeable odor when you approach the bed.
- Your dog has had an accident on the bed.
- Your dog has been ill (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.).
- You notice fleas, ticks, or other parasites on your dog.
- Your dog has recently recovered from a skin infection.
- After applying topical medications or treatments,
Dog Bedding Washing Frequency Based on Dog Type
Heavy Shedders vs. Light Shedders
Determining how often to wash dog bedding for heavy shedders versus light shedders is important for effective cleaning routines:
Heavy Shedding Breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds, Labs, Golden Retrievers):
- Wash bed covers weekly
- Deep clean the entire bed every two weeks.
- Vacuum daily or every other day between washes.
Light Shedding Breeds (Poodles, Bichon Frise, Maltese):
- Wash bed covers every 2-3 weeks
- Deep clean the entire bed monthly.
- Vacuum weekly between washes.
Dogs with Skin Conditions or Allergies
Dogs with dermatological issues require extra attention to their sleeping environment:
- Wash bedding weekly with hypoallergenic detergent.
- Consider using an extra protective cover that can be changed more frequently.
- Avoid fabric softeners or heavily scented products.
- Make sure the bedding is completely dry before allowing its use.
- Consider waterproof covers for dogs when using medication treatments.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Dogs
Primarily Outdoor Dogs:
- Wash bedding weekly.
- Choose weather-resistant, easily cleanable materials.
- Consider elevated beds that allow dirt to fall through.
- Have multiple bed covers to rotate during washing.
Primarily Indoor Dogs:
- Follow the standard 1- to 2-week schedule.
- Adjust based on the activity level and cleanliness of your home.
- May extend to three weeks for very clean, indoor-only pets.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Different Types of Dog Beds
How to Wash Machine-Washable Dog Bedding With Removable Covers
- Check the care label for specific instructions.
- Remove the cover and shake it outside to remove loose hair.
- Pre-treat any visible stains with pet-safe stain remover
- Wash in warm water with pet-safe detergent
- Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed
- Dry according to label instructions (many covers can be tumble dried on low)
- Ensure cover is completely dry before replacing
- While the cover is washing, vacuum the inner cushion thoroughly
For more detailed instructions on handling beds with stuffing and inner materials, check out our complete guide to washing dog beds with stuffing.
Hand-Washing Techniques for Non-Removable Covers
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove hair and debris
- Fill a bathtub with warm water and pet-safe detergent
- Submerge the bed and gently agitate to clean
- For heavily soiled beds, let soak for 15-20 minutes
- Drain dirty water and rinse multiple times until water runs clear
- Press out excess water (do not wring)
- Allow to air dry completely (may take 24-48 hours)
- Speed drying by using fans or placing in a sunny, well-ventilated area
Dealing with Memory Foam and Other Special Materials
Memory Foam:
- Usually can’t be fully submerged in water
- Spot clean with mild soap and damp cloth
- Use a handheld carpet or upholstery cleaner for deeper cleaning
- Deodorize with baking soda, let sit for several hours, then vacuum
- Allow to fully air dry before replacing cover
- Consider a waterproof cover to protect the foam
Cedar-Filled Beds:
- Empty cedar chips and replace regularly
- Wash outer cover according to instructions
- Add fresh cedar chips every few months to maintain odor control
Best Products for Washing Dog Bedding
Pet-Safe Detergents and Cleaners
When choosing products for washing dog bedding, select pet-safe options that are:
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Unscented or mildly scented
- Effective at removing oils and dirt
- Safe if residue comes in contact with your dog’s skin
Recommended pet-safe detergents include:
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear
- Rockin’ Green Active Wear Detergent
- ECOS Pet Laundry Detergent
- Regular detergent with extra rinse cycle
Natural Alternatives for Sensitive Dogs
For dogs with very sensitive skin or households preferring natural solutions:
- White vinegar (1/2 cup in wash cycle acts as fabric softener and deodorizer)
- Baking soda (1/2 cup added to wash helps neutralize odors)
- Enzymatic cleaners specifically formulated for pet messes
- Hydrogen peroxide for spot treating stains (test in inconspicuous area first)
Odor-Eliminating Products
To address persistent dog bed odors:
- Enzymatic cleaners break down proteins, causing odors
- White vinegar in rinse cycle
- Baking soda deodorizing treatment between washes
- Avoid masking odors with perfumed products, which can be irritating to dogs
Maintaining Dog Bedding Cleanliness Between Washes
Quick Daily Maintenance Tips
Keeping up with small daily tasks significantly extends the time between deep cleans:
- Shake out loose debris and hair outdoors.
- Wipe down with a damp cloth if it’s dirty.
- Brush your dog regularly to reduce shedding.
- Keep beds away from high-traffic areas.
- Have your dog wipe their paws after going outside.
Weekly Spot Cleaning Techniques
For targeted cleaning between washes:
- Vacuum thoroughly using an upholstery attachment.
- Spot clean any soiled areas with mild soap and warm water.
- Use a pet-safe fabric freshener spray.
- Let the bed sit in direct sunlight for a few hours (UV light has natural antibacterial properties).
- Use lint rollers to remove surface hair.
Using Protective Covers and Liners
Strategic use of protective barriers can simplify cleaning:
- Waterproof liners between padding and outer cover
- Machine-washable blankets placed on top of the bed.
- Multiple covers to rotate during washing.
- Synthetic materials that repel hair and moisture.
- Furniture covers for dogs are allowed on human furniture.
Conclusion
Establishing a regular schedule for how often to wash dog bedding is essential for both your pet’s health and your home’s cleanliness. For most dog owners, washing bed covers every 1-2 weeks and deep cleaning the entire bed monthly strikes the right balance between hygiene and practicality.
Remember that your specific situation may require adjustments based on your dog’s breed, health, and lifestyle. Heavy shedders, outdoor adventurers, and dogs with health issues will benefit from more frequent washing, while very clean indoor dogs might need less intensive cleaning schedules.
Include quick daily maintenance and weekly spot cleaning in your routine. This keeps your furry friend’s space clean and comfy. Plus, it allows you to wait longer between deep cleans. Consider investing in beds with removable, machine-washable covers to make the cleaning process as convenient as possible.
Your dog spends a significant portion of its life on its bed. Keeping it clean is one of the simplest ways to contribute to its overall health and comfort. Following these recommendations for how often to wash dog bedding will help maintain a healthier environment for both you and your pet. A regular cleaning schedule not only creates a more pleasant environment for the entire household but also helps extend the life of your dog’s favorite resting spot.
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to keeping your dog’s bed clean? Share your tips and questions in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning your specific dog bed. Consult your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of skin irritation or allergies that may be related to bedding.
