Elevated dog beds are designed to keep your dog off the ground and can be especially useful outdoors, but their raised frames and sleeping surfaces still collect dirt, hair, dust, mud, and moisture. Regular cleaning helps keep the bed comfortable and makes it easier to spot wear before it becomes a bigger problem.
How Do You Clean an Elevated Dog Bed?
Start by removing loose hair and debris, then clean the sleeping surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After that, clean the frame, inspect the feet and hardware, rinse or wipe away remaining residue when appropriate, and allow every component to dry completely before your dog uses the bed again.
The exact method depends on the construction. Some elevated beds have removable or washable fabric surfaces, while others use fixed mesh or sling-style platforms. Do not assume that every elevated dog bed can be machine washed or soaked.
Brush or shake off loose hair, dust, dirt, and outdoor debris first.
Use the cleaning method recommended for the specific material.
Wipe down the frame, feet, joints, and accessible hardware.
Do not return the bed to use while the surface or frame remains wet.
What You’ll Learn
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Elevated dog beds are often easier to keep clean than traditional beds because the sleeping surface is raised above the floor. But that does not mean they are maintenance-free. Hair, skin flakes, dirt, grass, dust, food particles, and outdoor debris can still accumulate on the surface.
Outdoor elevated beds may collect even more debris. Mud can reach the feet and lower frame, while moisture can remain around joints or hardware if the bed is not dried properly. Over time, this can make a once-simple cleaning job much harder.
A simple maintenance routine helps prevent buildup. It also gives you an opportunity to inspect the bed for loose hardware, damaged fabric, stretched surfaces, worn feet, or other signs that the bed may need attention.
What to Do Before Cleaning an Elevated Dog Bed
A few preparation steps make the actual cleaning easier and reduce the chance of spreading dirt around.
Move the Bed
Take the bed to a suitable cleaning area where loose dirt and water can be managed easily.
Remove Loose Debris
Brush, shake, or vacuum loose hair and dirt where appropriate before applying water or cleaning products.
Check the Instructions
Check the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing, soaking, machine washing, or using cleaning products.
The care label comes first:
Elevated dog beds vary considerably in materials and construction. A cleaning method that works for one mesh surface may not be appropriate for another.
Clean the Sleeping Surface First
The surface is where your dog spends most of its time, so it should receive the most attention.
How to Clean the Sleeping Surface
Once loose debris has been removed, clean the surface according to its material and the manufacturer’s instructions. Many elevated beds use mesh or tightly woven fabric that can be wiped down, while some have removable surfaces that can be washed separately.
Work methodically across the entire surface, including edges and areas where dirt tends to collect. If the bed has a removable cover or sling, follow the recommended washing instructions rather than assuming it is machine washable.
For Loose Hair
Remove as much loose hair as possible before introducing moisture.
For Surface Dirt
Wipe or wash the surface using the method recommended for the material.
For Stubborn Buildup
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than using harsh chemicals or aggressive scrubbing.
Don’t Forget the Frame, Feet, and Hardware
The sleeping surface gets most of the attention, but the supporting structure needs regular care too.
Dirt and moisture can accumulate underneath the platform, around the legs, and near the feet. Outdoor beds may also collect mud or grass around joints and connection points. Cleaning these areas helps keep the entire bed in better condition.
Legs and Frame
Wipe away accumulated dust, dirt, and residue. Use only cleaning methods appropriate for the frame material.
Feet
Check the feet for dirt buildup and make sure they remain securely attached and capable of gripping the floor.
Joints and Hardware
Inspect accessible joints, fasteners, and connection points for dirt, looseness, or signs of wear.
Cleaning is also an inspection opportunity.
When you turn the bed over to clean it, take a few seconds to check the underside, feet, frame connections, and surface attachment points.
What If the Elevated Dog Bed Is Washable?
“Washable” can mean different things depending on the product. A removable sling may be washable while the frame is not. Another bed may be designed to be rinsed or wiped down rather than placed in a washing machine.
Before washing, identify exactly which components are washable and how they should be cleaned. Check water temperature, detergent recommendations, drying instructions, and whether the surface should be removed from the frame first.
Washable ≠ Automatically Machine Washable
Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before putting any component in a washing machine.
Removable Surface
Remove it only if the manufacturer’s instructions say it is designed to be removed.
Machine Washing
Use a machine only when the care instructions specifically allow it.
Air Drying
Allow washed components to dry completely before putting them back into use.
How to Clean an Elevated Dog Bed Used Outdoors
Outdoor beds usually need more frequent attention because they encounter environmental debris.
If your elevated dog bed is used on a patio, porch, deck, or in the yard, inspect it regularly for dirt, mud, leaves, grass, moisture, and other debris. The raised design can reduce direct contact with the ground, but the frame and feet can still become dirty.
Remove Dirt Promptly
Brush away loose dirt and debris rather than allowing it to build up over repeated outdoor use.
Pay Attention to Moisture
If the bed becomes wet, allow it to dry fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the Underside
Turn the bed over periodically and check underneath for mud, leaves, moisture, and accumulated debris.
Outdoor does not mean maintenance-free:
An elevated bed may be easier to clean than a thick cushion, but outdoor exposure still requires regular cleaning and inspection.
How Often Should You Clean an Elevated Dog Bed?
There is no single schedule that works for every dog and every bed, but a simple routine can make maintenance much easier.
| Frequency | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Regularly | Remove visible hair, dirt, and debris. | Prevents buildup from becoming harder to remove. |
| As Needed | Clean spills, mud, or other visible messes promptly. | Keeps stains and residue from sitting on the surface. |
| After Wet Use | Dry the bed thoroughly according to its care instructions. | Reduces prolonged moisture exposure. |
| Periodically | Clean the frame, feet, underside, and hardware. | Helps keep the whole structure in good condition. |
| During Inspection | Check for tears, loose parts, stretched surfaces, and worn feet. | Allows you to identify wear before continued use becomes a concern. |
Inspect Your Elevated Dog Bed for Wear
Cleaning is the perfect time to check whether the bed is still structurally sound and comfortable for your dog.
Surface Damage
Look for tears, fraying, holes, stretched areas, or damaged attachment points.
Loose Hardware
Check accessible screws, fasteners, joints, and connections for looseness or unusual movement.
Worn Feet
Inspect the feet for damage, excessive wear, or changes that could affect stability.
Replace damaged components when possible.
If the manufacturer offers replacement slings, covers, feet, or hardware, replacing an individual component may be preferable to continuing to use a damaged bed. If the bed is significantly compromised, discontinue use and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Which Cleaning Method Should You Use?
Choose the least aggressive cleaning method that is appropriate for the material and the manufacturer’s instructions.
| Method | Best For | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Brushing | Loose hair, dust, and dry debris. | Remove loose material before wet cleaning. |
| Wiping | Routine surface cleaning. | Use a method appropriate for the surface material. |
| Rinsing | Some outdoor-friendly surfaces. | Only rinse components when the manufacturer permits it. |
| Machine Washing | Specific removable washable components. | Never assume a removable component is machine washable. |
| Spot Cleaning | Small stains or localized messes. | Use cleaning products only when compatible with the material. |
Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Aggressive cleaning can damage some fabrics, coatings, hardware, or structural components.
Do Not Assume It Is Machine Washable
An elevated dog bed may have washable parts without being designed for machine washing.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Strong cleaners may damage materials or leave residues. Follow the manufacturer’s care recommendations.
Do Not Scrub Aggressively
Excessive force can damage mesh, stitching, coatings, or other surface materials.
Do Not Store It Wet
Allow all components to dry completely before storing the bed.
Do Not Ignore Small Tears
Small damage can become more significant with continued use, especially on stretched sleeping surfaces.
Do Not Skip the Underside
Dirt and moisture can collect underneath even when the top surface looks clean.
Let the Bed Dry Completely Before Use
Drying is an important part of cleaning an elevated dog bed. Moisture can remain in fabric, seams, joints, feet, or other areas even when the surface appears mostly dry.
Follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions. Depending on the material, this may mean air drying in a suitable location before reassembling or returning the bed to your dog.
Dry All Components
Check the surface, underside, frame, joints, and feet before putting the bed back into service.
15-Step Elevated Dog Bed Maintenance Checklist
Use this simple checklist whenever you give your elevated dog bed a more thorough cleaning.
✓ Move the bed to a suitable cleaning area
Choose a location where dirt and water can be managed safely.
✓ Remove loose hair
Brush or otherwise remove loose hair before wet cleaning.
✓ Remove loose dirt and debris
Pay attention to edges and underneath the surface.
✓ Check the care instructions
Identify which components can be washed, rinsed, or machine cleaned.
✓ Clean the sleeping surface
Use the appropriate method for the surface material.
✓ Clean the underside
Check for dirt, grass, mud, or moisture underneath the platform.
✓ Wipe the frame
Clean legs and frame components according to the material instructions.
✓ Clean the feet
Remove dirt that could affect grip or stability.
✓ Inspect joints and hardware
Look for loose connections or unusual movement.
✓ Check the sleeping surface for damage
Look for tears, fraying, holes, or stretched sections.
✓ Rinse only when appropriate
Use water only when the manufacturer permits it for the component.
✓ Remove cleaning residue
Follow the recommended cleaning process for the material.
✓ Allow everything to dry
Do not rush the drying stage.
✓ Reassemble correctly
If components were removed, reinstall them according to the instructions.
✓ Check stability before use
Make sure the bed is stable and all components are properly positioned.
Simple Habits That Make Maintenance Easier
You do not need to wait until the bed is visibly dirty before giving it attention.
Brush Frequently
Removing loose hair and debris regularly can reduce the amount of deeper cleaning needed.
Clean Small Messes Early
Prompt cleaning can be easier than allowing dirt or residue to accumulate.
Keep Outdoor Beds Sheltered
When practical, shade and shelter can reduce unnecessary exposure to rain and direct sunlight.
Inspect While Cleaning
Make checking the frame, surface, feet, and hardware part of the cleaning routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean an elevated dog bed?
Remove loose hair and debris first, then clean the sleeping surface using the method recommended by the manufacturer. Clean the frame and feet, inspect the hardware and surface, and allow everything to dry completely before use.
Can you wash an elevated dog bed?
Some elevated dog beds can be washed, rinsed, or wiped down, but the exact method depends on the materials and construction. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing the bed or any of its components.
Can an elevated dog bed go in the washing machine?
Only if the specific washable component is labeled or documented as machine washable. A removable surface is not automatically safe to put in a washing machine.
How often should I clean an elevated dog bed?
The ideal frequency depends on your dog, the environment, and how often the bed is used. Remove visible hair and debris regularly, clean messes as needed, and periodically give the sleeping surface, frame, feet, and underside a more thorough cleaning.
How do you clean an outdoor elevated dog bed?
Start by removing loose dirt, hair, grass, and debris. Clean the surface and frame according to the manufacturer’s instructions, pay attention to the underside and feet, and allow the bed to dry completely before returning it outdoors.
Can I hose down an elevated dog bed?
Only when the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that rinsing or hosing is appropriate for the specific bed. Not every surface, frame, or hardware combination is designed for this type of cleaning.
How do I get hair off an elevated dog bed?
Start with dry removal by brushing, shaking, or vacuuming where appropriate. Removing loose hair before wet cleaning can make the rest of the process easier.
How do I clean the frame of an elevated dog bed?
Wipe the legs, frame, feet, joints, and accessible hardware using a cleaning method appropriate for the materials. For outdoor beds, also check the underside for mud, leaves, and moisture.
How long should an elevated dog bed dry before use?
The bed should be completely dry before your dog uses it again. Drying time depends on the material, weather, airflow, and cleaning method, so follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions.
When should I replace an elevated dog bed?
Consider replacing the bed or damaged components when the sleeping surface is significantly torn or stretched, the frame is compromised, hardware no longer holds securely, or the bed can no longer provide a stable resting surface.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning an elevated dog bed is usually straightforward when you make surface cleaning, frame care, drying, and inspection part of the same routine.
Start by removing loose hair and debris. Then clean the sleeping surface according to its care instructions, clean the frame and feet, inspect the hardware and fabric, and let the bed dry completely before use.
If your bed is used outdoors, pay particular attention to the underside, feet, moisture, and environmental debris. And remember that “washable” does not automatically mean “machine washable.” The manufacturer’s instructions should always determine the appropriate cleaning method.
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