HOW TO WASH DOG BEDS
The removable covers on dog beds can usually be machine washed in a few simple steps, while dog beds without removable covers may need to be hand washed or taken to the laundromat. Dog beds can be a magnet for pet hair as well as the target of the occasional accident, but with proper care, dog beds, pets and your home will stay fresh.
When your dog is outside enjoying nature, splashing in puddles or chasing a ball, you might not know how to handle the mess they will bring into the house and their bed. Read this guide to learn about how to properly wash your dog’s bed.
CAN YOU PUT A DOG BED IN THE WASHING MACHINE?
Prior to machine washing your dog bed, read the care tag for instructions. Most removable dog beds covers can be put in the washing machine, but it’s best to handwash the bed insert or take it to the laundromat. The Maytag® Pet Pro Washer is designed to trap and remove pet hair. Press the Pet Pro option to activate the built-in Pet Pro Filter and remove 5x more pet hair1 from your dog bed covers or other items.
WHAT IS THE BEST DETERGENT TO WASH DOG BEDDING?
It is recommended to wash your dog bed using detergent that is listed as pet-safe or that is otherwise gentle and free from fragrances or dyes. Your detergent should be mild and not have ingredients likely to cause an allergic reaction in your pet. You can also add an extra rinse to your washing cycle for pets with sensitive skin.
HOW TO WASH A DIRTY DOG BED IN THE WASHER
If your dog bed has a removable cover, you can most likely wash it in the washing machine, but should hand wash the bed insert or take it to the laundromat. The steps below will help you wash your dog’s bed cover and keep it clean and comfortable as well as smelling fresh for your furry friend.
SUPPLIES
Vacuum
Pet-safe detergent
Mild stain remover
Baking soda
STEP 1: REMOVE PET HAIR
The first step to cleaning your dog’s bed is to remove excess pet hair. You can do this by thoroughly vacuuming it or you can take it outside and shake it, like you might do with a rug. The Maytag® Pet Pro System allows you to skip this step as a built-in filter is designed to remove 5x more pet hair1 when you select the Pet Pro option with your wash cycle.
If your dog’s bed has an unpleasant odor, you can sprinkle a little baking soda on it prior to removing the cover, let it sit for a few hours and then vacuum the baking soda or shake it out outside.
STEP 2: CLEAN STAINS
If the bed cover has stains, you will want to pretreat them before putting it in the washing machine, to help prevent the stains from becoming set-in. You can use a mild stain remover or laundry detergent before washing the cover. A washing machine with a built-in faucet can help pretreat and rinse stains right at the washer.
STEP 3: WASH THE BED COVER
First, check out the label on your dog’s bed cover for any specific instructions and to ensure that it is machine washable. Using a gentle, pet-safe detergent, wash your dog’s bed cover in the washing machine using the warmest water temperature allowed per the care tag. Be sure to choose a cycle that aligns with the instructions on the care tag or consider choosing a cycle based on the soil level of the dog bed cover.
If using a Maytag® Pet Pro washer, be sure to select the Pet Pro option to unleash additional water and a deep rinse, which lifts and captures pet hair. Once removed, pet hair is caught in the built-in Pet Pro Filter for a clean you can see. The Pet Pro option is perfect for any items prone to collecting pet hair including your clothes, blankets and even your dog’s toys and your dog’s clothes.
STEP 4: DRY THE BED COVER
If the cover on your dog bed can be tumble dried per the care tag, you can put it in the dryer. Otherwise, you can hang it up or lay it out to air dry. Pair the Maytag® Pet Pro washer with the Pet Pro dryer featuring an XL lint trap that traps and removes additional pet hair. The Maytag® Pet Pro System works together as a complete laundry solution for pet parents.
HOW TO WASH A DOG BED WITHOUT A REMOVABLE COVER
If your dog bed does not have a removable cover, you may want to wash it by hand or take it to a laundromat. As always, check the dog bed’s care label before washing. If allowed per the care tag, follow the steps below to wash your dog bed by hand at home to keep it fresh, clean and comfortable for your pet.
SUPPLIES
Vacuum
Large basin or sink
Pet-safe detergent
Scrub brush or toothbrush
Baking soda
STEP 1: REMOVE PET HAIR
The first step to handwashing your dog bed is to remove excess pet hair. You can do this by vacuuming or by taking the bed outside and shaking it.
STEP 2: FILL BASIN OR BATH
Next, fill the basin or bath with enough warm water to fully submerge the dog bed. Add the pet-safe detergent to the warm water.
STEP 3: SOAK BED
Submerge the bed in the warm soapy water and allow it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently move the bed back and forth through the water or gently squeeze to create mild friction.
STEP 4: SCRUB BED
If necessary, scrub the bed with baking soda and a scrub brush or toothbrush in any areas that need extra attention.
STEP 5: RINSE THOROUGHLY
Rinse the bed thoroughly, being careful to remove all soap, baking soda and dirty water before setting it out to dry.
STEP 6: DRY
Allow the dog bed to air dry. Placing the dog bed in the sun to dry is a good way to ensure that it is thoroughly dried inside and out before your pet uses it again.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH A DOG BED?
In order to keep your dog’s bed clean and comfortable, you should wash it about once a week or once every other week, depending on the soil level. If you notice that the bed is particularly dirty or visibly soiled, you can wash it more often. Learn how to wash dog collars and stuffed animals in the washer as well.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHER WITH PET HAIR REMOVAL
Conquer pet hair like a pro with the Maytag® Pet Pro System. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer removes 5x more pet hair,1 while the XL lint trap in the dryer traps and removes additional pet hair. Features like a built-in faucet, Deep Fill options and a steam-enhanced dryer make The Maytag® Pet Pro System a complete laundry solution for pet parents.
EXPLORE MORE DOG LAUNDRY TIPS FROM MAYTAG BRAND
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1. Comparing Normal cycle with Pet Pro Filter and option to cycle using traditional agitator without Pet Pro Filter and option. Results will vary based on fabric and type of pet hair.
