Blog
How to Clean & Remove Odors from Dog Beds
December 24, 2023
-
By
Sylvia Martinez
There are a lot of things that you need as a dog owner. For starters, you’ll need a collar, leash, and harness to walk your pup safely.
You’ll also need things such as food bowls, food mats, crates, and toys.
Dog beds are another thing that you want to invest in. If anything, it’s one of those things that you need to get before bringing the pooch home – that way, they’ll have a place to rest as soon as they arrive.
Different Kinds of Dog Beds
There are many different types of dog beds that you can get, some of which are fancier than others.
For example, you can get something with a lace canopy or something that just resembles a pillow. At the end of the day, it depends on your budget and your taste.
Keep in mind, however, that not all of them have the same comfort level.
Main Types of Dog Beds
There are several types of beds to choose from including:
- Donut-shaped Beds: These types of dog bed usually come with a removable pillow in the center
- Flat Mats: These types of dog bed are often put in crates. Generally speaking, they tend to be cheaper than other types of dog beds
- Snuggle Beds: These dog beds kind of resemble beanbag chairs; they’re great for dogs that like to curl up
- Waterproof Beds: These types of dog bed are great for incontinent pets; they can also be used outdoors
- Orthopedic Beds: These types of dog bed are usually made from medical-grade foam; they are great at supporting joints
- Heated Beds: These types of dog bed are ideal for dogs who get cold easily; they can also help those with arthritis
Choosing the Right Dog Bed
A dog can easily spend more than 12 hours a day sleeping. Given that, it only makes sense that you’d want to provide him with a good bed.
Before you make a purchase, though, there are certain things that you want to consider such as his size, age, breed, health, and sleeping habits.
Picking the Right Shape
How does your dog sleep? Does he like to burrow in, lean back, or curl up? Because that will determine the type of bed that you want to get.
For example, leaners would probably enjoy a bolster-style bed more than a rectangular pillar. Similarly, you’d want to get your dog an oval donut bed if they like to curl up.
Selecting the Right Support
Most young dogs will be perfectly happy with a polyfill or foam bed. If your dog is on the older side, however, you might want to get him an orthopedic bed. They’re made of high-density orthopedic foam and are able to soothe pains and aches and reduce stress on hips and joints.
Determining the Right Size
When it comes to ordering a dog bed, you want to make sure that you get the right size.
To do that, measure your dog from nose to tail while he’s in his sleeping position. When in doubt, round up in size. Just make sure that you have enough space for it in your home.
How to Wash a Dog Bed With No Removable Covers
Not all dog bedding comes with a removable dog bed cover. Don’t worry, though, you can still clean them – here’s how.
Option 1: Machine Wash a Dog Bed
Assuming your washer is big enough, you can machine wash your dog bed, even if it doesn’t have a removable cover.
Step 1: Remove Loose Debris
Start by removing any loose dirt that’s on the pet bed. You can do this easily with a vacuum – simply run it over the fabric a few times. Then, use a lint roller to get rid of any remaining dog hair or debris.
Remember to get the corners as well as that’s where they tend to accumulate.
Step 2: Pre-treat Stains
If there are any stains (e.g. urine, mud, etc), you’ll want to spot treat before washing. To do that, mix water with a bit of ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent to create a soapy solution and apply it onto the stain using a sponge.
Step 3: Put It In the Washer
Place the dog bed in the washing machine and add one scoop of ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent.
Step 4: Run a Wash Cycle
Run a delicate cycle with hot water (cold water won’t be as effective). Consider running the entire cycle twice if the bed is excessively dirty.
Step 5: Put It In the Dryer
To dry your dog’s bed, put it in the dryer on a low setting. It’s important that you dry it completely, otherwise, odors can develop inside the filling.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent
- Vacuum cleaner
- Lint roller
- Sponge
Always check the care label first before putting your bed in the washer; some materials may not be machine washable.
ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent
High performance enzyme laundry detergent to clean and remove odors from dog beds.
Option 2: Hand Washing Dog Beds
Don’t worry if you don’t have a washing machine, you can just as easily wash them by hand.
Supplies:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Lint roller
- ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent
- Water
- White vinegar (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
Step 1:
Start by vacuuming and lint rolling the bed. Once you’ve gotten rid of all the hair and debris, you can begin to wash it.
Step 2:
Fill a bathtub with warm water and add one scoop of ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent.
If necessary, you can also add 1/4 cup of white vinegar and baking soda for extra deodorizing power.
Step 3:
Put the dog bed in the tub and let it soak for at least 20 minutes.
Then, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Continue until there are no more soap bubbles.
Step 4:
Squeeze out as much water as possible out of the bed and let it dry in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
Washing Instructions for a Dog Bed With a Removable Cover
Option 1: Using the Washing Machine
Dog beds with removable covers are a little easier to deal with as you can just wash the cover.
Supplies:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Lint roller
- Laundry bag
- ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent
- Towels
Step 1:
Give your pet’s bed a quick vacuum to remove any loose fur or dirt; lint rolling is also your friend. Take off the removable cover afterwards.
Step 2:
Place the cover in a large laundry bag and load it into the washing machine.
For the best results, do not wash it with other laundry. If you need to, however, you can add a few towels to maintain a balanced load.
Step 3:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent ad wash with hot water. Do not use bleach or fabric conditioners.
Step 4:
Run the washer and wait for the cycle to finish before transferring the cover to the dryer.
Tumble dry on a low heat setting.
You can also air dry the removable cover outdoors in the sun.
Option 2: Washing By Hand
The removable cover can also be washed by hand in the sink. Here’s how to do it.
Supplies:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Lint roller
- ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent
- Water
Step 1:
Start by vacuuming and lint rolling the dog bed. Next, take off the cover.
Step 2:
Fill a sink or washbasin with hot water and dissolve 1/2 a scoop of ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent.
Step 3:
Place the bed cover in the sink or basin so that it’s fully saturated with the detergent solution.
Let it sit for 20-30 minutes so the detergent can penetrate into the fabric.
Step 4:
After soaking, rinse the bed cover with water.
Continue until there are no more soap bubbles. You don’t want there to be leftover residue as that can irritate your dog’s skin.
Step 5:
Gently squeeze out the excess water and allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated room. Or if you want, you can tumble dry on low heat.
Make sure the removable cover is completely dry before putting it back on the dog bed.
Keeping Your Dog Bed Clean – FAQs
What’s the best way to wash dog bed covers?
You can machine wash them with mild detergent – just make sure it’s safe for your furry friend.
What type of pet-friendly detergent should I use?
ACTIVE Detergent is highly recommended if you’re looking for a pet-safe laundry detergent. It’s made of plant-based ingredients that are safe for your pet and is highly effective at eliminating odors.
What pet hair remover should I use for my pet’s bedding?
The best way to remove hair from pet beds is to use a lint roller.
SAVE
15% off
Your Next ACTIVE
Purchase on Amazon
Limited Time Offer
Sylvia Martinez
Sylvia Martinez is a trusted pet expert who provides her insightful guides on pet care. With a deep understanding of the needs of various pets, she creates detailed resources to assist pet owners in nurturing their animals. Her commitment to promoting compassionate and informed pet care is evident in every guide she creates, making pet ownership a more joyful and informed experience.
Similar posts
