How to Wash a Dog Bed?

Are you aware that some infections can live up to a year in your dog’s bed?

Do you know these harmful germs can make him unwell? It is very crucial that you wash a dog bed correctly.

Dogs love their bed, and it is their favourite corner of the house. After having a big playful day around they love to rest in their bed.

Just like us, this furry friend also comes in contact with unwanted microbes which are hazardous for their health.

Dog beds require cleaning, but we never bother about it until we don’t smell any bad odor. Cleaning a dog’s bed minimizes the risk of getting ill and also eliminates infection from your house as well.

But no need to worry anymore. We have come up with some suggestions on how to wash a dog bed and keep it that way.

How to Wash a Dog Bed?

There are many ways by which you can clean a dog bed. Some dog beds can be simply tossed in the washing machine to wash them. While others cannot be washed in the washing machine. We have covered some methods that can help you out easily.

1. How to Remove Hair

To remove hair from the bed all you need is

• Lint roller
• Vacuum.

When your dog bed is full of fur you can roll a lint roller on his bed surface. You must remove excess hair to the max before you wash a dog bed because when you soak, it becomes hard to remove hairs from the fabric especially when you have a hairy friend who sheds a lot of hair.

It is best if you have a vacuum with a pet groomer attachment. You can use the same for best results. Don’t worry even if you don’t have that, you can use regular upholstery attachment too for cleaning.

2. How to Remove Stains

To remove mud stain, you require

• Microfiber roll
• Vacuum

You can vanish mud stains in 2 easy steps

Step 1: If you have a new stain, let it dry. Whereas if you have an old stain, you need to get a piece of fabric with warm water and try to remove the stain.

Step 2: Now, let it dry; once the mud is dry and loosens, use a vacuum on the spot.

To remove urine stain, you will be needing:

• Baking soda
• A spray bottle for containing water vinegar
• A fabric made from Microfiber material

You can get rid of Urine stain in just 3 easy steps

Step 1: Just spread a handful of baking soda over a urine stain and let it stay for a few minutes.

Step 2: Now you need to make water vinegar mixture. Take 4 soup spoon baking soda, 2 cups hot water, and 2 cups vinegar. Blend the mixture thoroughly. Spray this handmade liquid on a urine stain and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: You just have to dab the spots with a dry and clean microfiber cloth. Once it is done, repeat the same process until you get a clean surface.

3. How to Wash Thoroughly

You have to distinguish if your pooch’s bed can be washed in machine or is hand-wash only.

For Machine wash, you need

• Mild laundry detergent
• Vinegar

Just follow these 3 simple steps.

Step 1: You have to remove the cover if it is removable. Clean that in an individual load with hot water.

Step 2: Put a cupful of detergent with 1/4 cup of vinegar that will act as a deodorizer.

Step 3: When one cycle is complete, run and rinse all the soap from the bed.

We advise you to cross-check the bed’s cleaning instruction on the drying method. Few dog’s bed covers can be used in a dryer, but if not then the best way to dry it outside. Lay it on the surface, so it doesn’t dry unevenly.

Which Things Can be Used to Wash a Dog Bed?

1. Baking soda

Baking soda has odor-soaking property, and it works best for cleaning stinky beds. All you need to do is dredge some baking soda on your pooch’s bed evenly. Let it rest for half an hour then dust it off with help of vacuum cleaner.

You can also mix it with water. For making a soda scrub, you need to take a uniform portion of hot water, baking soda and salt. Place this mixture on a sponge and clean the cover of your dog’s bed thoroughly and after that rinse with hot water properly.

This scrub off all the dust and debris from the dog’s bed.

2. Lemon juice

If you are not fond of the smell of vinegar, you can choose lemons, they are a great alternative. Lemons are considered all-purpose cleaner the enzymes in them break fats, oil, and organic matter easily.

To use lemons to wash a dog bed effectively, you will require a vacant spray bottle, baking soda (optional), warm water, and lemon juice. Put 3 cups of warm water, 2 soup spoons of baking soda with 2 soup spoons of concentrated lemon juice.

First, you have to pour boiling water then baking soda, and shake it so well it dissolves fully. Later, add up the lemon juice and stir it well. Spray this homemade liquid on the bed cover and wipe with a damp clean cloth. Your pooch’s bed is ready for use.

3. Pet bed washing detergents

There is a variety of pet washing powders available in the market. If you want to go for detergent try using that one that doesn’t have any harsh compound. Non-bio detergents are also a great option for use.

Some brands use fragrance and optical brighteners that make your pet’s bed neat and tidy. These cleansers are sufficient to remove germs and disease-causing microbes and vanishes stains easily.

Must read the label ingredients before purchasing. Make sure it is safe for the use of your dog because some dogs are allergic to some chemical compound.

How Often You Should Clean?

To get a clear idea for how often you should wash a dog bed depends on various factors such as

• If your pet is active and enjoys playing in the ground then there are chances that the dust and debris gets transferred to his bed. In such cases, immediate wash a dog bed!
• In case your dog is hairy and prone to shedding. It requires more washes.
• If he is a sensitive dog and prone to have allergies in such case you need to wash his bed more often.

Conclusion

Just like keeping our surroundings hygienic is essential for us, it is also important to keep our pet’s area clean too. If you wash a dog bed, it has many benefits, and it can keep away many diseases.

You can clean a dog bed in many ways. You can opt baking soda method, lemon juice, or you can also try detergents too. Make sure your bed has clean and hygienic bedding. It is not just good for his health, but it is better for your health too!

Before choosing detergent make sure you check its ingredients. Detergent with non-bio compound works well for your dog. Remember to keep his health fit and his surroundings clean by maintaining hygiene.

References:

1. How often should you clean your pet’s belongings? – ConsumerAffairs
2. Stain Removal Guide – Speed Queen
3. Cleaning Supplies for your Pet Friendly Home – Dog Time