A dog bed collects hair, dirt, dust, moisture, and everyday debris over time. Regular cleaning can help keep your dog’s sleeping area fresh and make the bed more pleasant to use. Learn how to clean dog beds safely, from removable covers and washable cushions to foam mattresses and waterproof liners.
Why You Should Clean Your Dog’s Bed Regularly
Your dog’s bed may look clean even when it has accumulated a surprising amount of hair, dust, dirt, and everyday debris. Dogs spend many hours resting on their beds, and everything on their coat or paws can eventually make its way onto the sleeping surface.
Regular cleaning also makes the bed easier to maintain over time. Dirt and hair are generally easier to remove when they are dealt with routinely instead of being allowed to build up for weeks or months.
The exact cleaning method depends on the construction of the bed. A removable fabric cover, a polyester-filled cushion, a memory foam mattress, and a waterproof liner should not automatically be treated in exactly the same way.
Important:
Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing or applying cleaning products to a dog bed. Different fabrics, foams, liners, and fillings can have different care requirements.
How to Clean a Dog Bed
The simplest approach is to separate the parts of the bed and clean each component according to its material.
Remove the Cover
Separate removable covers, liners, cushions, and other components before cleaning.
Remove Hair & Debris
Shake, vacuum, or brush away loose hair and surface debris before washing.
Wash Correctly
Follow the care label for water temperature, detergent, washing method, and drying.
Dry Completely
Make sure the bed and its internal components are completely dry before putting everything back together.
Complete Dog Bed Cleaning Process
Use this general process as a starting point, then adjust it to the specific materials and care instructions for your dog’s bed.
Check the Care Label First
Before removing the cover or putting anything into a washing machine, inspect the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Look for information about machine washing, hand washing, spot cleaning, water temperature, drying, and whether individual components should be cleaned separately.
This first step is important because dog beds can use very different materials. A removable cover may be machine washable even when the foam insert is not. Treating every part as if it were washable can damage the bed.
Remove the Cover and Separate the Components
If the dog bed has a removable cover, unzip or otherwise remove it carefully. Separate the outer cover from foam inserts, fiber-filled cushions, waterproof liners, bolsters, and other components where possible.
Separating the components allows you to clean each material appropriately. It also makes it easier to inspect the mattress for stains, moisture, damage, or areas that may need additional attention.
Remove Loose Hair and Debris
Before washing, remove as much loose hair, dirt, dust, and debris as possible. Shake the cover or cushion outdoors if appropriate, then use a vacuum, brush, or other suitable method to remove remaining surface material.
Pre-cleaning is useful because large amounts of loose hair can make washing less effective and may accumulate in the washing machine. Spend extra time around seams, corners, zipper areas, and creases where hair often collects.
Treat Visible Stains
If you see stains, deal with them according to the fabric and the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid assuming that a stronger cleaning product is automatically better. Some fabrics, finishes, liners, or foam materials may be sensitive to certain cleaners.
When using a cleaning product on a material for the first time, follow the product directions and consider testing it on an inconspicuous area when appropriate.
Wash the Cover According to the Instructions
If the cover is machine washable, use the recommended washing method and water temperature listed by the manufacturer. Avoid overcrowding the machine if the cover is large or bulky.
Use an appropriate detergent and follow the care label rather than assuming that every dog bed should be washed using the same cycle. The goal is to clean the fabric without unnecessarily stressing the material, seams, zipper, or finish.
Clean the Inner Mattress or Filling Separately
The inner portion of the bed requires special attention. Some fiber-filled cushions can be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, while many foam mattresses require a different cleaning approach.
Never assume that a foam insert can be placed in a washing machine simply because the outer cover is machine washable. Follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for the inner material.
Rinse or Wipe Away Any Remaining Residue
If a component has been spot cleaned or treated according to its care instructions, make sure there is no unwanted residue left behind. Follow the cleaning product’s directions and the manufacturer’s material-care instructions rather than using excessive amounts of product.
Dry Everything Completely
Drying is one of the most important parts of the cleaning process. A cover or cushion should be completely dry before the bed is reassembled.
Pay particular attention to thick cushions and internal materials, which can take longer to dry than a thin fabric cover. Do not put damp components back together simply because the outside feels dry.
How to Clean Different Dog Bed Materials
Different materials require different cleaning approaches. Always prioritize the care instructions for the specific product.
Fabric Dog Bed Covers
Fabric covers are often the easiest part of a dog bed to clean, especially when they are removable and machine washable. Start by removing loose hair and debris, then follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions.
Before washing, check zippers and seams for damage. If the cover has a special coating or water-resistant finish, the care instructions may differ from those for ordinary fabric.
Memory Foam Dog Beds
Memory foam requires more care than a removable fabric cover. Many foam mattresses are not designed to be machine washed, so check the manufacturer’s instructions before exposing the foam to large amounts of water.
If the cover is removable, clean the cover separately. For the foam itself, use only the cleaning method recommended for that particular product.
Polyester and Fiber-Filled Beds
Fiber-filled beds can vary significantly in construction. Some cushions can be washed as complete units, while others have removable covers and an inner filling that should be treated separately.
After cleaning, make sure the filling is distributed properly and that the interior is completely dry before returning it to use.
Waterproof and Water-Resistant Dog Beds
Waterproof construction can make a dog bed easier to maintain, but waterproof does not automatically mean every component is washable. Some products use a removable washable cover over a water-resistant or waterproof inner liner.
Clean the outer fabric and inner protective layer according to the product’s care instructions, and inspect the liner periodically for damage.
How to Remove Dog Hair From a Bed
Removing loose hair before washing can make the cleaning process easier. Start by taking the bed outside and shaking it if appropriate for the material and environment.
For remaining hair, use a vacuum, fabric brush, or another suitable tool. Work along seams, corners, edges, and textured areas where hair tends to accumulate.
If your dog sheds heavily, removing loose hair regularly between full washes can reduce how much hair builds up inside the cover.
Remove Hair First
A few minutes of pre-cleaning can make the main wash easier to manage.
How to Deal With Dog Bed Odors
Persistent odor can come from accumulated debris, moisture, or the materials inside the bed.
Start with the basics: remove loose hair and debris, wash the removable cover according to its instructions, and make sure all components are thoroughly dry. If the bed contains a removable liner, clean that component as directed as well.
If an odor continues after cleaning, inspect the inner mattress or filling. Odors can persist when moisture or debris has reached materials that are not easily cleaned.
Avoid using strong fragrances simply to cover an odor. The better approach is to identify the source and clean the relevant part of the bed using an appropriate method.
How to Clean Stains From a Dog Bed
Identify the Material
Check whether the stain is on a fabric cover, waterproof liner, cushion, or foam before choosing a cleaning method.
Follow Care Instructions
Use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method and avoid products that are not appropriate for the material.
Clean Promptly
Fresh stains are generally easier to address than stains that have been allowed to sit for a long period.
Can You Put a Dog Bed in the Washing Machine?
Sometimesβbut the answer depends entirely on the specific construction and care instructions.
Usually Easier to Wash
- Removable fabric covers
- Products specifically labeled machine washable
- Smaller cushions designed for machine washing
Requires More Caution
- Memory foam inserts
- Large structured mattresses
- Components without washing instructions
- Materials with special coatings or liners
Rule of thumb:
Never put a dog bed component into a washing machine simply because it physically fits. Check whether that specific component is designed to be machine washed.
Dry Completely
Thick cushions and internal materials can take longer to dry than the outer fabric.
How to Dry a Dog Bed After Cleaning
Drying should be treated as part of the cleaning process rather than an afterthought. A thick bed can feel dry on the outside while moisture remains deeper inside.
Follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions. If air drying is recommended, give the components enough time and ventilation to dry thoroughly.
Do not use high heat unless the manufacturer specifically indicates that the material is suitable for it. Different foams, fabrics, and finishes can react differently to heat.
How Often Should You Clean a Dog Bed?
There is no single schedule that works for every dog. Your cleaning routine should reflect how the bed is used.
Regular Hair Removal
Remove visible hair and debris routinely, especially if your dog sheds heavily.
Regular Cover Washing
Wash removable covers according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your dog’s usage.
Inspect the Interior
Periodically inspect cushions, liners, seams, and foam for damage or moisture.
Think beyond the calendar:
A dog that spends lots of time outdoors or regularly gets wet or dirty may need more frequent cleaning than a dog that uses its bed in a clean indoor environment.
Cleaning Beds for Puppies
Puppies can create more cleaning work because they may have accidents, chew bedding, or track dirt onto their sleeping area. For puppy owners, a removable washable cover can be particularly practical.
When shopping for a puppy bed, consider cleaning convenience alongside comfort. A bed that can be quickly disassembled and washed may be easier to manage than a bed with a complicated construction.
If you are still choosing a bed for a young dog, our
How to Choose a Dog Bed
guide can help you evaluate size, construction, and other important features.
Cleaning Orthopedic and Supportive Dog Beds
Supportive dog beds often use foam or layered construction, which means cleaning may require more care than a simple fabric cushion.
If your dog’s bed has a foam mattress, start with the removable cover whenever possible. Clean the foam only according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure every component is completely dry before reassembly.
Our
Orthopedic Dog Beds
category is useful if you want to compare supportive designs and consider how their construction affects everyday maintenance.
Cleaning Waterproof Dog Beds
Waterproof construction can make a dog bed easier to protect from moisture, but you still need to clean the individual components according to their care requirements.
A common setup is a washable outer cover combined with an inner waterproof or water-resistant liner. In that situation, clean the outer cover separately and inspect the liner for damage whenever the bed is disassembled.
For more information about this type of construction, visit our
Waterproof Dog Beds
page.
Cleaning Beds Used by Chewers
Dogs that chew or scratch their bedding can create tears, loose threads, damaged zippers, and exposed filling. Cleaning time is a good opportunity to inspect the bed for these problems.
Look closely at seams, corners, zippers, and any area your dog regularly bites or scratches. If the bed becomes damaged, consider whether it can be safely repaired or whether it needs replacement.
If durability is an important consideration when buying a new bed, see our
Chew-Resistant Dog Beds
category.
Common Dog Bed Cleaning Mistakes
Washing Without Checking the Label
Different materials can require completely different cleaning methods.
Putting Foam in the Washer Automatically
A washable cover does not mean the foam insert is also machine washable.
Reassembling While Damp
Thick components can retain moisture internally even when their surface feels dry.
Using Too Much Cleaning Product
More product is not automatically better. Follow the instructions for the cleaner and the bed.
Ignoring Damaged Seams
Cleaning is also an opportunity to identify loose stitching, torn fabric, damaged zippers, or exposed filling.
Dog Bed Cleaning Checklist
Save this simple process for your next dog bed cleaning session.
Continue With Our Dog Bed Guides
Cleaning is only one part of choosing and maintaining the right bed. Explore these related guides next.
Find a Dog Bed That Is Easier to Maintain
If cleaning convenience is important, these categories can help you compare different dog bed constructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Dog Beds
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
The appropriate cleaning frequency depends on how the bed is used. Dogs that shed heavily, spend lots of time outdoors, or frequently get wet or dirty may require more frequent cleaning. In between full washes, regularly remove loose hair and debris and inspect the bed for stains or moisture.
Can I wash a dog bed with the foam inside?
Not necessarily. Many dog beds have removable washable covers while the foam insert requires separate care. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting foam into a washing machine or exposing it to large amounts of water.
How do I clean dog hair from a dog bed?
Remove loose hair before washing by shaking the bed when appropriate, then using a vacuum, brush, or another suitable hair-removal method. Pay particular attention to seams, corners, and textured areas where hair tends to collect.
Can dog bed covers go in the washing machine?
Some can, but not all. Check the care label before machine washing. If the cover is labeled machine washable, follow the recommended water temperature, cycle, detergent, and drying instructions.
How do I clean a waterproof dog bed?
Separate the washable cover and any waterproof liner if the design allows it. Clean each component according to its specific instructions and inspect the liner for damage before putting the bed back together.
How do I get odors out of a dog bed?
Start by removing hair and debris, then clean the removable components according to their care instructions. Make sure everything dries completely. If an odor persists, inspect the interior of the bed because the source may be deeper than the outer cover.
Keep Your Dog’s Bed Clean and Easy to Maintain
A good cleaning routine starts with understanding the bed’s construction. Remove loose hair, separate the components, follow the care instructions, clean each material appropriately, and make sure everything is completely dry before your dog uses the bed again.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Dog Bed Choice may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, including links to Amazon. This comes at no additional cost to you. Product information and recommendations are provided for general informational purposes and should always be considered alongside the manufacturer’s instructions and your dog’s individual needs.