Grit, hair and even fleas or ticks can lurk inside your dog’s bedding. Washing his bed every few weeks, or more if he spends a lot of time outdoors, reduces allergens, filth and insects inside your house. The material and style of your dog’s bed determine the most effective washing procedure.
Step 1
Shake your dog’s bed outside, and use a fresh lint roller to remove hair from the surface. Loose dog hair will rinse off and reattach during the wash cycle, or clog the lint screen in the dryer.
Step 2
Unzip the outer material cover and turn it right-side out before placing it inside the washing machine. If the interior bed is made of foam or synthetic filling, place it inside the washing machine.
Step 3
Add a mild, perfume-free detergent. Choose a detergent labeled as, “scent-free” or “sensitive skin.” The perfumed detergent you use for human laundry can irritate your dog’s skin, leading to itching, eczema and hives.
Step 4
Wash the bedding and the outer cover on a gentle wash cycle with cool water. A normal wash cycle and hot water can disfigure, shrink or melt parts of the bed.
Step 5
Tumble dry the bed and covering on low-heat with a perfume-free dryer sheet. The dryer sheet reduces static electricity, which decreases the amount of hair that sticks to the bed.
References
Tips
- Most dog beds come with washing instructions on the side tag. Defer to these instructions for washing a specific material.
Warnings
- Never attempt to launder a down-filled dog bed in a washing machine. Dry cleaning is the only safe option for such materials.
Writer Bio
Christina Bednarz Schnell began writing full-time in 2010. Her areas of expertise include child development and behavior, medical conditions and pet health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations.