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10 Aug 2023
How Often Do I Need to Wash My Dog’s Bed? A Bed Care Guide for Pet Parents
Got questions about how often to wash your dog’s bed and the best way to do it? Our pet bed care guide has all the answers you need!
Contents
- A Healthy Dog Bed = A Healthy, Happy Dog
- How Often Should You Wash Dog Bedding?
- Why Bronte Glen Dog Beds are the Most Hygienic Choice for Your Pup
- What Happens if I Wash My Dog's Bedding Too Much?
- 3 Ways to Clean Your Dog’s Bed
- How to Spot-Clean Your Pet's Bedding
- How to Wash a Dog Bed in the Washing Machine
- Washing Dog Beds in a Washing Machine With Allergies
- How to Hand Wash Pet Bedding
- How to Dry Your Dog’s Bed After Washing
- Will My Dog Still Like Their Clean Bed?
- Final Thoughts: How Often Should I Wash My Dog's Bed?
If you’re looking over at your pup’s bed and thinking, “I can’t remember the last time I washed that”, you’re certainly not the first – and it doesn’t make you a bad pet parent!
In fact, you don’t have to clean your dog’s bed as often as you may think. But it’s still important to keep it clean and hygienic – for both your pup’s health and your home.
A Healthy Dog Bed = A Healthy, Happy Dog
Just like us, dogs shed hair and skin cells, which can build up in their sleeping area over time. Dirt, dust mites, and bacteria can accumulate, and allergies or skin irritations can worsen (or even develop) as a result.
Additionally, if your dog spends a lot of time outside or has any health issues that make them prone to accidents, their bed may also become soiled with urine or other bodily fluids. Regular cleaning can help prevent these issues and keep your pup comfortable, healthy, and happy.
So, how often should you clean your dog’s bed?
The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of bed and your individual pup’s habits…
How Often Should You Wash Dog Bedding?
There are many types of dog beds out there, and they’re all made from different materials, which can affect how often they should be cleaned.
But our general rule is…
Deep-clean them when they get dirty or start to smell, and lightly spot-clean them one to two times a week.
With Bronte Glen dog beds in particular, the materials and fabrics used to craft these beds are resistant to bacteria and allergens. So unless your pup has an accident or makes a mess on the bed, a full wash usually isn't necessary.
A simple shake, vacuum, or wipe down with a damp cloth every week to get rid of dirt, hair, and other debris is usually enough to keep your pup's bed clean.
Explore Our Entire Dog Bed Range
Of course, if your pup has an accident or gets their bed incredibly muddy, the removable cover is going to need a wash.
For dog beds not made by us and not made with bacteria-resistant materials, you may need to wash them more regularly, such as biweekly or even weekly.
Why Bronte Glen Dog Beds are the Most Hygienic Choice for Your PupWe use only premium materials to manufacture our dog beds, ensuring they resist bacteria build-up and dirt accumulation. For example, our Merino and Tweed Wool Dog Beds are naturally resistant to most bacteria, meaning they require less frequent washing compared to other fabrics. Wool is also breathable and doesn't trap moisture, so it stays fresher longer. Additionally, it's treated with antibacterial fibres that help break down bacteria, making it easy to keep clean without frequent washing. |
Discover Our Wool Dog Bed Range
What Happens if I Wash My Dog's Bedding Too Much?
If you wash your pet's bed too often, it could actually become less resistant to bacteria and dirt due to the wear and tear of the washing process.
To prevent this from happening, we recommend using Nikwax detergents to keep your pup’s bed in top condition and sticking to our recommended wash frequency.
We stock waterproofing washes and wool washes which help to maintain the properties of your dog's bed, ensuring it stays fresh and clean for longer periods of time.
3 Ways to Clean Your Dog’s Bed
There are multiple ways you can clean your pet bedding to keep it fresh, comfortable, and hygienic for your family and your pets.
We’ve laid out our steps and tips for spot-cleaning and deep-cleaning your pup’s bedding below.
Always check specific washing instructions on your dog’s bedding before proceeding with detergents and washing machine cycles.
How to Spot-Clean Your Pet's Bedding
Spot-cleaning your pet’s bedding helps it stay clean longer and reduces washing frequency. The process for most dog beds is quick and simple for regular cleaning:
- Start by vacuuming to remove hair, dirt, or debris
- For stubborn spots, use a pet-safe stain remover
- Use a damp cloth to remove cleaner residue
- Hang it up to air dry
A dog hair brush can loosen and remove fur embedded in the fabric. This works especially well for our vet bedding range and helps to bring the fluffy surface back to life.
Spot-Cleaning Bronte Glen Dog BedsSpot cleaning for our waterproof Trojan washable dog bed covers is super simple, thanks to our unique Trojan material. To spot clean Trojan beds:
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We recommend occasionally hanging your dog's bed outside to freshen it up and prevent odours without the need for a full wash.
How to Wash a Dog Bed in the Washing Machine
Of course, there will certainly be times when a spot-clean won't do, and your pet bed needs a full wash. In this case, you'll need to know how to wash the dog bed properly to avoid ruining the materials.
- Remove the outer cover from the bed and brush off any debris & dried dirt
- Pop the cover in the washing machine (combine it with dog blankets & towels instead of your regular laundry)
- Use gentle detergent, preferably one designed for dog beds, like NikWax.
- Wash the bed cover on a cool cycle.
Never use a strong detergent, as this will not only spoil the dog bed but also cause skin irritation for your pup.
Machine-Washing Bronte Glen Dog BedsWe have a full blog post on the correct way to wash Bronte Glen dog beds, including cycle temperature and drying instructions, so head on over there if you're unsure. However, the most important thing to remember is to only wash the beds on a cool cycle – no higher than 30°C – and to use the correct Nikwax pet-safe laundry detergent for your bedding material. |
Deep Clean With Nikwax Tech Wash
Washing Dog Beds in a Washing Machine With Allergies
When washing dog beds for allergy-prone households, use a hypoallergenic, unscented detergent to minimise irritation. Wash the bed separately to prevent cross-contamination.
Finish by adding an extra rinse cycle to ensure the detergent residue is fully removed. This process helps maintain a hypoallergenic environment while keeping your pet's bedding clean and safe.
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Note: While some clothes and human bedding can be washed on a hotter allergy cycle, make sure you choose a cool cycle with a temperature no higher than 30°C for dog bedding. |
How to Hand Wash Pet Bedding
Of course, you might not always have to use a washing machine to wash your dog's bedding; hand washing can be just as effective, especially if you practise regular bedding cleaning.
- Start by vacuuming to remove hair, dirt, or debris
- Warm a bucket of water or fill your sink with water, and depending on how dirty the bedding is, add your choice of detergent
- Dip the bed in and out of the soapy solution for up to 10 minutes until all areas have been thoroughly cleaned. Then rinse clean with cool water
- Finish by putting the bedding outside to dry or placing it on a drying rack indoors
Hand-Washing Bronte Glen Dog BedsWashing Bronte Glen dog beds by hand is very similar to washing other dog beds, but our Trojan range, in particular, can be initially cleaned by hosing off larger debris and dirt that has accumulated. When washing our wool dog beds, be gentle during the hand-washing process. Avoid excessively wringing the bed cover, and lay it flat to dry rather than hanging it with pegs to maintain its shape. |
How to Dry Your Dog’s Bed After Washing
Properly drying your dog bed covers is crucial to maintaining their shape, texture, and longevity. Here’s how to ensure they dry effectively and efficiently:
- Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water: After the final rinse, squeeze the covers gently to remove excess water, but avoid wringing them out excessively, which can distort the fabric.
- Lay Flat to Dry: Find a flat surface either indoors or outdoors and lay the covers flat to dry. This helps maintain their shape and prevents fabric stretching.
- Use a Drying Rack or Clothesline: If a flat surface isn’t available, drape the covers over a drying rack or clothesline. Use pegs sparingly and distribute them evenly to prevent indentations.
- Air Dry in a Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure the drying area is well-ventilated with adequate air circulation. Outdoors in the shade is ideal, or near an open window indoors. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colours and weaken fabrics over time.
- Flip and Rotate Periodically: Flip and rotate the covers periodically to ensure even drying on all sides. This helps prevent musty odours and speeds up the drying process.
- Check for Dampness Before Use: Before putting the bed cover back onto the dog bed, ensure it is completely dry to prevent mould or mildew formation.
Following these steps will ensure your dog’s bed cover stays in great condition and remains a comfortable place for your pet to rest.
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Note: Using a dryer for your dog's bed is generally not recommended, as the high heat can damage the materials and reduce their lifespan. If you must use a dryer in an emergency, choose a low-heat or air-only setting to minimise potential damage. |
Will My Dog Still Like Their Clean Bed?
Absolutely, your dog will still love their clean bed! A clean bed means more comfort and fewer pet odours and allergens that might put them off.
Keeping it fresh and maintaining its antibacterial properties makes it more inviting and hygienic, so your pet can enjoy their restful spot.
Regularly freshening up their bedding supports their well-being and ensures they feel at home in their cosy space.
How Long Should a Dog Sleep a Day?
Final Thoughts: How Often Should I Wash My Dog's Bed?
Spot-clean your pet's bed weekly to keep it clean and healthy. You don't need to wash the entire bed every week unless it's very dirty or there's been an accident. Follow our tips on washing dog beds, and they should last twice as long.
Find more helpful tips and tricks to ensure your four-legged friend's bed is as comfortable and cosy as it can be on our Bronte Glen blog!
If you have any questions or need help maintaining your Bronte Glen dog bed, please don't hesitate to contact us!
FAQs
Use a pet-safe detergent like Nikwax Tech Wash for washing dog beds. It prevents material damage and skin irritation. Choose unscented and hypoallergenic options for allergy-prone households.
Unclean pet bedding harbours bacteria, allergens, and parasites that can lead to infections, skin irritations, and respiratory issues in both pets and humans. Regular cleaning reduces these risks, promoting a healthy environment for your pet and family members.
Yes, it is sanitary to wash a dog bed in a washing machine, provided you use a pet-safe detergent, follow correct washing instructions, and wash separately from human clothes to prevent cross-contamination and maintain hygiene.
Use baking soda to neutralise odours and a fabric-safe spray like Febreeze for in-between washes. Regularly shaking out and brushing the dog bed also helps to remove dirt and hair, keeping it fresh without needing a full wash.
Yes, if your dog has allergies, you should wash their bed more frequently to minimise allergens such as:
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Pet dander
Aim for a bi-weekly wash and use hypoallergenic and unscented detergents to avoid irritation.
Regularly cleaning their bedding helps maintain a healthier environment, reducing the likelihood of allergy flare-ups and ensuring your dog remains comfortable and happy.
If your dog sleeps with you, wash your bedding every one to two weeks to limit the build-up of pet hair, dander, and allergens. Use a mild detergent and opt for a hot water wash to ensure thorough cleanliness.