Your dog’s bed collects hair, dirt, skin oils, saliva, and the occasional muddy-paw print. Fortunately, most dog beds can be cleaned quickly and safely once you know which parts are washable and which products to avoid.

This guide follows practical cleaning principles from veterinary and public-health sources: remove loose debris first, wash with detergent and an appropriate water temperature, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before your dog uses the bed again.

Quick answer

Check the care label, vacuum away hair, remove and pretreat stains, machine-wash removable covers with a mild detergent, and dry using the highest temperature the fabric safely allows. For a bed without a removable cover, hand-wash it with a pet-appropriate detergent, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely.

“Vet-approved” in this guide means the recommendations are based on published guidance from veterinary and public-health organizations. It does not replace advice from your own veterinarian, especially when a pet is sick, has a skin condition, or the bed may be contaminated with parasites or infectious material.

How Often Should You Clean a Dog Bed?

There is no single schedule for every household. A short-haired indoor dog with dry paws may keep a bed clean much longer than a shedding dog that swims, hikes, or sleeps outdoors.

Always follow the bed manufacturer’s instructions. Wash more often if your dog has allergies, a skin infection, parasites, incontinence, or another condition—using the cleaning plan recommended by your veterinarian.

What You Need

• A vacuum with an upholstery attachment, lint roller, or pet-hair brush
• Mild laundry detergent; fragrance-free and dye-free may be a better choice for sensitive skin
• A clean cloth or soft brush
• A basin or bathtub for hand-washing large beds
• An enzyme-based cleaner labeled for pet stains, if needed
• Clean towels and a drying rack or suitable dryer
• Disposable gloves for urine, vomit, feces, or potentially infectious material

Avoid improvising with concentrated chemicals. Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, acids, or other cleaners. Keep your dog away from wet cleaning products and do not return the bed until it is fully rinsed and completely dry.

Step 1: Read the Care Label

Before adding water, find the sewn-in care tag or the manufacturer’s instructions. Check whether:

• The outer cover is removable
• The inner cushion or foam can be washed
• The cover is machine-washable
• Warm or hot water is allowed
• The item can go in a dryer
• Bleach or other disinfectants are prohibited

Do not assume the entire bed is washable because the cover is. Memory foam, orthopedic foam, and some bonded fillings can tear, deform, or retain moisture in a washing machine.

Step 2: Remove Hair and Loose Dirt

Take the bed outdoors if possible and shake off loose debris without creating a cloud of dust. Vacuum every surface, including seams, piping, corners, the underside, and the space between the cover and insert.

For stubborn hair, use a lint roller, rubber pet-hair brush, or slightly damp microfiber cloth. Removing hair before washing helps prevent clumps from sticking to the fabric or collecting in the washing machine.

Step 3: Treat Stains Before Washing

Urine stains

Blot fresh urine with clean towels instead of rubbing it deeper into the filling. Apply an enzyme-based pet-stain cleaner only if it is suitable for the bed’s fabric, and follow the product’s dilution, contact-time, rinsing, and drying directions. Keep pets away until the treated area is dry.

Vomit or feces

Wear gloves, remove solid material first, and clean the affected area promptly. If your dog has diarrhea, parasites, or a contagious illness, ask your veterinarian whether special disinfection or disposal is needed.

Mud and food

Allow thick mud to dry, brush or vacuum away as much as possible, then pretreat the remaining mark with a small amount of detergent. For food stains, blot away residue and check the fabric in an inconspicuous place before using a stain remover.

Do not apply several products to the same stain. Chemical mixtures can create fumes, damage fabric, or leave irritating residue.

Step 4: Machine-Wash a Removable Cover

1. Close zippers and hook-and-loop fasteners to reduce snagging.
2. Turn the cover inside out if the care label allows it.
3. Place it in the washing machine without overloading the drum.
4. Add the normal amount of mild detergent.
5. Select the cycle and water temperature recommended on the care label.
6. Use an extra rinse when practical, especially for dogs with sensitive skin.
7. Inspect the cover before drying. Repeat treatment if a stain remains.

The CDC notes that detergent without dyes or fragrance may be preferable for pets with sensitive skin. VCA also recommends thoroughly rinsing detergent from pet bedding.

Step 5: Wash a Bed Without a Removable Cover

If the label permits hand-washing:

1. Vacuum the bed thoroughly.
2. Fill a bathtub or large basin with water at the temperature allowed by the label.
3. Add a small amount of mild, pet-appropriate detergent.
4. Submerge and gently press the bed so water reaches the washable filling.
5. Allow it to soak for approximately 10–15 minutes unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
6. Gently work stained areas with a soft brush or cloth.
7. Drain and rinse repeatedly until the water is clear and no detergent remains.
8. Press out water without twisting foam or delicate filling.

A saturated bed becomes heavy. Support it from underneath when lifting so seams and internal filling are not pulled apart.

How to Clean Memory-Foam and Orthopedic Dog Beds

Many foam inserts should not be machine-washed. Agitation can split the foam, while trapped moisture can lead to odor or microbial growth.

If the manufacturer allows spot cleaning, remove the cover, vacuum the foam, blot the soiled area with a lightly damp cloth and a small amount of approved cleaner, then blot again with clean water. Stand the foam in a well-ventilated area until it is dry all the way through.

Do not replace the cover while the foam feels cool or damp inside. If urine or another contaminant has soaked deeply into foam that cannot be fully washed and dried, replacing the insert may be safer than trying to mask the odor.

Step 6: Dry the Bed Completely

Drying is part of the cleaning process, not an optional final detail. Damp filling can develop odor and may support mold or bacterial growth.

• Use the dryer only if the care label permits it.
• Select the highest heat that is safe for the material—not automatically the hottest setting.
• Add dryer balls only when the manufacturer allows them.
• For air-drying, place the bed in a warm, well-ventilated location and turn it regularly.
• Open folds and separate removable parts so air reaches every surface.
• Confirm the center and underside are dry before reassembly.

The CDC advises using a washing machine and dryer for washable soft pet items; when disinfection is needed and the material allows it, high-heat drying can be useful. The bed’s care label still determines the safest temperature for that specific product.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What Is the Difference?

Cleaning removes hair, dirt, oils, and much of the germ load with detergent and water. For routine dog-bed care, thorough cleaning and complete drying are usually the main goals.

Disinfecting uses heat or an appropriate chemical to kill more germs. It may be needed when a pet is sick, after certain parasite problems, or when advised by a veterinarian.

If chemical disinfection is necessary, use only a product appropriate for the material and follow the label exactly. The ASPCA states that properly diluted bleach can be used on some pet items when it is thoroughly rinsed and the odor has dissipated, but bleach can damage many fabrics and should never be used unless both the product directions and bed instructions allow it.

How to Clean a Dog Bed During a Flea Problem

Cleaning the bed alone will not eliminate fleas from a dog or home. The CDC recommends treating every pet and addressing the home environment at the same time. Contact your veterinarian for an appropriate flea-control product.

• Wash pet bedding frequently with detergent and water.
• Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and areas where your dog rests.
• Empty the vacuum container or bag outside.
• Wash blankets and removable covers according to their labels.
• Continue the veterinarian-recommended treatment schedule.

Do not apply household insecticide, flea powder, or essential oil directly to a dog bed unless the product is specifically labeled for that use and your veterinarian agrees it is appropriate.

How to Keep the Bed Cleaner Between Washes

• Wipe muddy paws before your dog comes inside.
• Vacuum or roll away hair every few days.
• Place a washable blanket over the highest-contact area.
• Keep the bed away from damp walls and drafty floors.
• Rotate removable cushions so wear and moisture do not concentrate in one area.
• Wash collars, blankets, and washable toys on a regular schedule.
• Choose a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover when replacing an old one.

Common Dog-Bed Cleaning Mistakes

Using too much detergent

Extra detergent does not necessarily clean better. It can be difficult to rinse from thick fabric and may leave residue.

Using strong fragrance to hide odor

Fragrance can mask a problem without removing the source. Clean the fabric and filling thoroughly and investigate recurring urine or skin odors.

Washing foam in a machine without checking

Foam can tear, lose support, or remain wet inside. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Putting the cover back on while damp

Moisture trapped between the cover and insert can quickly create musty odor.

Mixing cleaning products

Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, acids, or other cleaners. Use one product exactly as directed.

Ignoring repeated accidents

Frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive licking, or a strong skin odor may indicate a health problem. Contact your veterinarian instead of only cleaning the bed repeatedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash a dog bed in a washing machine?

Yes, if the care label says the cover or entire bed is machine-washable and the item fits without overloading the machine. Remove loose hair first and use the recommended cycle and temperature.

What detergent is safest for dog bedding?

Use a mild detergent according to the label. A dye-free, fragrance-free option may be preferable for dogs with sensitive skin. Rinse thoroughly and stop using any product that appears to cause irritation.

Can I use bleach on a dog bed?

Only when the cleaner label and the bed’s care instructions both permit it. Use the correct dilution, never mix it with other cleaners, rinse completely, and keep your dog away until the bed is fully dry and no odor remains.

Can I use vinegar or baking soda?

Some manufacturers permit them, but they are not suitable for every material and should not be combined with other cleaners. Vinegar must never be mixed with bleach. The safest approach is to follow the bed and cleaning-product labels.

How do I remove a strong urine smell?

Blot fresh moisture, use an enzyme-based pet cleaner compatible with the fabric, and wash or rinse as directed. If urine has saturated a non-washable foam insert, replacement may be necessary.

Can I put a dog bed in the dryer?

Only if the care label allows it. Use the recommended setting and confirm the entire bed is dry, including the center and underside.

When should I replace a dog bed instead of cleaning it?

Replace it when the filling cannot dry fully, foam is crumbling, seams expose stuffing, contamination cannot be removed, or the bed no longer supports your dog comfortably.

The Bottom Line

Fast, safe dog-bed cleaning begins with the care label. Remove hair, pretreat messes, wash with an appropriate amount of mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and dry every layer completely. Routine cleaning is straightforward, but illness, parasites, severe contamination, or repeated accidents deserve advice from your veterinarian.

Sources and further reading:

• CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting Pet Supplies
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Safe Spring Cleaning With Your Dog
• ASPCA: Poisonous Household Products
• CDC: Getting Rid of Fleas