Washing a dog bed in a washing machine can make routine cleaning much easier, but the process depends on the bed’s construction and care instructions. Learn how to prepare the bed, remove hair and debris, wash the cover or washable components, handle the inner cushion, and dry everything properly.
How Do You Wash a Dog Bed in the Washing Machine?
First, check the manufacturer’s care instructions to confirm which parts of the dog bed are machine washable. Remove loose hair and debris, take off the cover if it is removable, pretreat visible stains when appropriate, and wash the approved components using the recommended cycle and water temperature.
After washing, dry the components according to their care instructions and make sure the bed is completely dry before putting it back together. For beds with foam, specialized filling, or waterproof liners, do not assume that every component can go into the washing machine.
Important:
“Machine washable” does not automatically mean the entire dog bed should be washed in the machine. Always identify the washable components first.
Washing a Dog Bed: Quick Checklist
Check the Label
Confirm exactly which parts can be machine washed.
Remove Hair & Debris
Shake, vacuum, or brush away loose material before washing.
Wash Correctly
Follow the recommended cycle, temperature, and care instructions.
Dry Completely
Do not reassemble or use the bed until washable components are fully dry.
Check Whether Your Dog Bed Can Go in the Washer
Before putting anything into the washing machine, read the care label or manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. This is especially important because dog beds can contain multiple materials and components.
Some beds have a removable machine-washable cover but a non-washable inner cushion. Others may have multiple washable components. A product may also have different instructions for the cover, foam, liner, bolsters, or filling.
If the instructions say only the cover is machine washable, remove the cover and wash only that component.
Read Before Washing
Identify the washable components before starting the washing cycle.
Remove Loose Hair
Removing loose hair and debris before washing can make the cleaning process easier.
Remove Hair, Dirt, and Loose Debris First
Dog beds can collect a surprising amount of loose hair, dust, dirt, crumbs, and outdoor debris. Removing as much loose material as possible before washing can make the washing process more manageable.
Shake the bed outside if practical, then use a vacuum, brush, or lint-removal method suitable for the fabric. Pay attention to seams, corners, zippers, and areas where hair tends to accumulate.
This step is particularly useful for heavily shedding dogs because loose hair can otherwise collect in the washing machine.
Remove the Cover and Separate Washable Components
If your dog bed is designed to come apart, separate the components before washing them.
Remove the Outer Cover
Unzip or otherwise remove the cover if the design allows it.
Separate the Cushion
Determine whether the inner cushion is washable or needs a different cleaning method.
Check Closures
Check zippers, fasteners, and openings before placing a component in the washer.
Treat Visible Stains Before Machine Washing
If the washable component has visible stains, deal with them before starting the machine cycle when appropriate for the fabric and manufacturer’s care instructions.
Avoid using a cleaning product simply because it works on another fabric. Dog beds can use different materials, coatings, dyes, and finishes. The safest approach is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the particular bed.
For unknown fabrics or delicate finishes, testing a small inconspicuous area first can help you avoid unwanted changes to the material.
Treat Carefully
Use only cleaning methods appropriate for the specific fabric and care instructions.
Choose the Right Washing Settings
There is no single washing-machine setting that is appropriate for every dog bed. The correct cycle and temperature depend on the manufacturer’s instructions and the material being washed.
Water Temperature
Follow the temperature specified by the care instructions rather than choosing based on assumptions.
Cycle
Use the cycle recommended for the material and product.
Detergent
Use a detergent and amount appropriate for the care instructions and your washing machine.
Washer Capacity
Make sure the washable component is not too bulky for your machine.
How to Wash a Dog Bed Cover in the Machine
Step 1 — Confirm the cover is machine washable.
Check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions before washing.
Step 2 — Remove loose hair and debris.
Shake, vacuum, brush, or otherwise remove loose material from the cover.
Step 3 — Check for stains.
Pretreat visible stains only when the fabric and care instructions allow it.
Step 4 — Close zippers and fasteners.
Secure closures according to the bed’s design before placing the cover in the washer.
Step 5 — Use the recommended washing settings.
Follow the stated temperature and cycle rather than automatically choosing a hot or heavy-duty wash.
Step 6 — Remove the cover promptly after washing.
Do not leave damp fabric sitting in the machine longer than necessary.
What If the Inner Dog Bed Cushion Is Dirty?
This is where dog bed construction becomes especially important. The outer cover may be machine washable while the inner cushion, foam, or filling requires a different cleaning method.
If the Cushion Is Machine Washable
Follow its specific care instructions. Do not assume the cover and cushion have identical washing requirements.
If the Cushion Is Not Machine Washable
Use the cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer.
If the Instructions Are Unclear
Avoid putting specialized materials into the washer based only on the fact that the outer cover is washable.
Dry Completely
Proper drying is part of the cleaning process, not an optional final step.
Dry the Dog Bed Components Properly
Once the washing cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions. Some fabrics may permit tumble drying, while others may need to air dry.
Make sure thick fabric, filling, and inner components are completely dry before the bed is reassembled. A component that feels dry on the surface may still retain moisture inside.
If the care instructions specify air drying, allow sufficient time for the entire component to dry before returning it to your dog’s sleeping area.
Reassemble the Bed Only After Everything Is Dry
Once all washable components are completely dry, put the dog bed back together according to its original construction. Make sure cushions are positioned correctly and that covers are fitted without forcing zippers or seams.
Check for Damp Areas
Inspect thick sections and seams before reassembly.
Position Components Correctly
Return cushions, liners, and other components to their intended positions.
Ready for Use
Return the bed to your dog’s sleeping area once it is fully dry and properly assembled.
What About Large or XL Dog Beds?
Large and XL dog beds require extra attention because even a machine-washable bed may be too bulky for a typical household washer. In many cases, a removable machine-washable cover is more practical than trying to wash the complete bed.
Check Cover Dimensions
The removable cover should be manageable for your machine.
Consider Wet Weight
Bulky fabric can become heavier when saturated with water.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Do not exceed the care requirements simply because the product is advertised as washable.
Washing Mistakes to Avoid
Washing the Entire Bed Without Checking
A machine-washable cover does not necessarily mean the inner bed is washable.
Ignoring Loose Hair
Removing excess hair before washing can make the process cleaner and easier.
Using the Hottest Setting Automatically
Always follow the manufacturer’s specified temperature and washing method.
Putting Damp Components Back Together
Make sure the bed is completely dry before reassembly and use.
Overloading the Washing Machine
Make sure the washable component is appropriate for your washer’s capacity.
Ignoring the Drying Instructions
Washing is only part of proper care; drying requirements matter too.
Make Washing Part of a Regular Cleaning Routine
A machine-washable dog bed is most useful when its cleaning process fits naturally into your routine. How often you wash the bed depends on factors such as your dog’s shedding, outdoor activity, habits, and how quickly the bed becomes dirty.
Between Washes
Remove loose hair and surface debris regularly.
Routine Washing
Wash machine-safe components according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Inspect the Bed
Check covers, seams, closures, and inner components periodically.
Before You Start the Washing Machine
☑ Read the care label.
Confirm the washable component and recommended washing method.
☑ Remove loose hair and debris.
Brush, shake, or vacuum the bed as appropriate.
☑ Remove the cover if applicable.
Separate washable and non-washable components.
☑ Check stains and closures.
Address visible stains appropriately and secure zippers or fasteners.
☑ Confirm your washer can handle the load.
Especially important for thick, bulky, or large dog bed components.
☑ Check drying requirements.
Know how the component should be dried before starting the wash.
Washing a Dog Bed Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
The key is to start with the manufacturer’s instructions. Identify which components are machine washable, remove loose hair and debris, separate the cover from the inner cushion when appropriate, use the recommended washing settings, and dry everything completely before putting the bed back together.
If you’re choosing a new bed, a removable machine-washable cover can be a particularly practical feature because it makes routine cleaning easier without requiring you to wash the entire bed every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a dog bed in the washing machine?
Only if the manufacturer specifically indicates that the relevant component is machine washable. Some dog beds have machine-washable covers but non-washable inner cushions or foam.
How do I wash a removable dog bed cover?
Check that the cover is machine washable, remove loose hair and debris, follow the recommended washing settings, and dry it according to the manufacturer’s instructions before putting it back on the bed.
What washing temperature should I use for a dog bed?
Use the temperature specified by the manufacturer’s care instructions. There is no single temperature that is appropriate for every dog bed or fabric.
Should I remove dog hair before washing the bed?
Removing as much loose hair and debris as practical before washing can make the cleaning process easier, particularly for dogs that shed heavily.
Can I wash a dog bed with foam in the washing machine?
Do not assume that foam is machine washable. Check the specific care instructions for the foam and inner cushion. The outer cover may have different washing instructions.
How do I dry a dog bed after machine washing?
Follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions. Depending on the component, this may involve air drying or another approved method. Make sure the bed is completely dry before use.
Can I wash a large dog bed in a normal washing machine?
It depends on the bed and your machine’s capacity. A large bed may be technically washable but too bulky for a household washer. A removable cover can be a more practical option for larger beds.
Continue Exploring Dog Bed Cleaning
Explore related guides for choosing, washing, and maintaining a cleaner dog bed.
A Clean Dog Bed Starts With the Right Washing Routine
Before putting a dog bed into your washing machine, identify the washable components, remove loose debris, follow the care label, use appropriate washing settings, and dry everything completely. When choosing a new bed, look for clear care instructions and a removable machine-washable cover if convenient routine cleaning is important to you.