How to Wash Pet Bedding: A Complete Guide for Dog and Cat Owners  

To wash pet bedding properly, start by removing loose hair and checking the care label. Take off any removable covers, use a natural laundry detergent and choose the gentlest effective wash allowed by the manufacturer. Make sure every part is completely dry before returning it to your pet.

There’s no fixed rule for how often bedding needs washed. A dog that comes home covered in mud will need more frequent bedding changes than an indoor cat. Moulting, accidents and stubborn smells can also mean it’s time for an earlier wash.

This guide covers machine washing, handwashing and caring for different bed fillings. It also explains how to choose detergent, alongside our wider advice on pet-safe cleaning products.

How Often Should You Wash Pet Bedding?  

There isn’t one washing schedule that suits every pet. How often you wash their bedding depends on where they sleep, how quickly it becomes dirty and whether they have any health concerns.

Bedding used every day will need regular attention, especially during moulting season or after muddy walks. Wash it sooner if you notice visible dirt, a strong smell or marks from urine, faeces or vomit. If your dog or cat sleeps on your bed, their usual sleeping area will also need cleaning more often.

Not every clean needs to involve washing the complete bed. Between deeper cleans, you can shake out or vacuum loose hair. Small marks can be spot-cleaned, while removable covers and blankets may need washing more often than the mattress or filling beneath them.

If your pet has fleas, a contagious illness or an ongoing skin problem, follow your vet’s cleaning advice. Ordinary washing alone won’t treat the underlying issue. PDSA’s flea guidance recommends washing bedding alongside treating your pets and home.

Pet-bedding cleaning checklist  

• Remove hair regularly

• Treat fresh marks

• Wash visible dirt

• Adjust for health needs

• Dry completely

What to Check Before Washing a Pet Bed  

Start with the care label, even if you’ve washed the bed before. Different parts of the same bed may have their own instructions, so check the cover, liner and inner cushion separately.

Look for guidance on:

• Maximum temperature

• Wash cycle

• Spin speed

• Tumble drying

• Handwashing

Remove any washable covers or liners. Check the zips, seams, foam and filling for signs of damage. A small tear can worsen in the machine and allow the filling to escape.

Make sure the bedding fits comfortably inside the drum. It needs enough room to move during the cycle, so don’t force a bulky bed into your washing machine. A large-capacity launderette machine may be suitable, provided the care label allows machine washing.

Memory foam, waterproof fabric, wool and fibre-filled beds can all require different care. Some covers can go in the machine while the mattress beneath cannot. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will help prevent shrinking, damaged coatings and misshapen filling.

How to Wash Pet Bedding in 7 Steps  

1. Remove as much pet hair as possible  

Remove loose hair before putting pet bedding in the washing machine. This helps the detergent reach the fabric and reduces the amount of fur left inside the appliance.

Shake the bedding outdoors where practical, then vacuum both sides. Pay close attention to seams and folds where hair becomes trapped. A pet-hair brush, lint roller or slightly damp rubber glove can help lift stubborn fur.

2. Separate the covers, liners and filling  

Unzip removable covers and check the care label for each part. The cover may be machine washable even when the filling or mattress isn’t.

Don’t wash foam unless the manufacturer clearly says it’s suitable. Check whether zips should be closed before washing, as this can help protect the teeth and prevent snagging.

3. Treat stains promptly  

Blot fresh marks with a clean cloth instead of rubbing them into the fabric. Apply a stain treatment that’s suitable for the bedding, following both product instructions and the bed manufacturer’s advice.

Test any treatment on a hidden area first. Wear gloves when handling urine, faeces, vomit or blood, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Avoid adding homemade disinfecting mixtures. They could damage the fabric or create an unsuitable combination of cleaning products.

4. Choose a suitable laundry detergent  

Use a detergent that works at the temperature allowed by the care label and follow the correct dose. Many owners prefer a non-bio formula for items that remain in close contact with their pets. A fragrance-free option may also suit households that wish to avoid added scent.

Our non-bio laundry sheets are pre-measured, so there’s no liquid to pour or dose. The quick-dissolving sheets are available in Lavender, Fresh Linen and Fragrance Free. No detergent can be guaranteed to suit every animal, so consider your individual pet’s needs.

5. Select the right cycle and temperature  

Always follow the care label rather than choosing one temperature for every pet bed. Some covers can cope with a warmer wash, while delicate materials and certain fillings need gentler treatment.

Choose the recommended cycle and spin speed. A lower spin may help protect some fillings from clumping or losing their shape. Don’t overload the drum, as the bedding needs room to move and rinse properly.

If detergent residue is a concern, use an extra rinse where the fabric and washing machine instructions permit it.

6. Dry every part completely  

Check the drying instructions before moving the bedding from the machine. Air drying in a well-ventilated space works for many washable covers and blankets, but some items can be tumble dried on an approved setting.

Reshape fibre-filled cushions while they’re still damp if the manufacturer recommends it. Pay close attention to thick seams, mattresses and inner fillings, which can remain damp after the outside feels dry.

Don’t reassemble the bed until every part has dried. Trapped moisture can lead to musty smells and mould growth.

7. Clean the washing machine afterwards  

Remove any visible hair from the drum and around the door seal once the cycle has finished. Wipe these areas with a clean cloth so the hair doesn’t transfer to your next load.

Check the filter and clean it according to your appliance instructions. If the drum still contains hair or dirt, run the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance programme. Our guide on how to clean your washing machine covers the wider cleaning process.

How to Hand Wash Pet Bedding  

Handwashing works well for small blankets and travel bedding marked as hand-wash only. It can also help when an item fits comfortably in a basin but isn’t suitable for the washing machine.

Remove loose hair first. Fill a clean basin with water at the temperature shown on the care label, then dissolve the correct amount of detergent before adding the bedding.

Gently move the item through the water, paying more attention to stained or heavily used areas. Avoid rough scrubbing, as this may stretch the fabric or damage its surface.

Rinse until the water runs clear and no detergent remains. Press out excess water without twisting delicate materials, then reshape and dry the item as directed.

Quick-dissolving laundry sheets can be used for handwashing and are easy to store without a liquid bottle. Adjust the amount to the size of the load and water volume, following the current product instructions. Their compact sample packs are also useful for pet bedding taken on trips.

How to Clean Different Types of Pet Bedding  

The right method depends on what the pet bed is made of. Always check each component before washing, rather than treating the whole bed in the same way.

Removable covers and pet blankets  

These are usually the easiest items to wash. Remove the cover, treat any stains and follow its care label. Fasten zips if instructed and leave enough space for the item to move inside the drum.

Beds without removable covers  

Check whether the complete bed is machine washable. If it doesn’t fit comfortably in the drum, handwashing or professional cleaning may be more suitable. Thick internal filling can take a long time to dry, so check it carefully before reuse.

Foam and memory-foam beds  

Don’t put foam in the washing machine unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Wash removable fabric covers separately. Avoid soaking or saturating the foam unless its cleaning instructions say this is safe.

Fibre-filled beds  

Use the cycle and spin speed shown on the care label. A fast spin may cause some fillings to clump or lose their shape. Reshape the bed as it dries if the manufacturer recommends doing so.

Waterproof or specialist materials  

Waterproof coatings, wool and other specialist fibres may need particular products or temperatures. General washing advice may damage them or reduce their performance, so follow the manufacturer’s directions closely.

What Is the Best Laundry Detergent for Pet Bedding?  

The best detergent for pet bedding is one that cleans effectively at the temperature permitted by the care label. It should be correctly dosed, rinse thoroughly and suit your individual pet.

A non-bio detergent may appeal if you want a gentle everyday option. Our guide to the difference between bio and non-bio detergent explains how the two formulas differ.

Fragranced detergent isn’t unsuitable for every animal. However, Fragrance Free may be a sensible choice for pets or people with known sensitivities. Natural ingredients can still cause individual reactions, so pay attention to any changes after introducing a new product. If your pet develops persistent itching or redness, stop using it and contact your vet. PDSA also advises speaking to a vet if a dog scratches more than normal.

GreenSheets™ for pet bedding  

Laundry Detergent GreenSheets™ offer a safe, natural and non-bio option for washable pet bedding. They’re quick-dissolving and pre-measured, with Lavender, Fresh Linen and Fragrance Free choices.

The sheets work in washing machines and for handwashing. Their compact format comes in a plastic-free, biodegradable cardboard pouch, with no bulky detergent bottle to store.

How to Keep Pet Bedding Fresh Between Washes  

There are a few small jobs can keep bedding cleaner without putting the complete bed through another wash.

Shake out or vacuum loose hair and dirt regularly. Wipe muddy paws before your pet settles down, and spot-clean fresh marks before they have time to soak into the fabric.

Air the bedding if its care instructions allow it. Rotating washable blankets or covers also makes it easier to keep your pet’s sleeping area clean. A spare cover is useful while the other one dries.

Avoid relying on strongly fragranced sprays to cover persistent smells. If an odour quickly returns, check whether the mattress or internal filling is still damp or needs a deeper clean.

A Simpler, Lower-Waste Way to Wash Pet Bedding  

Pet bedding often needs more frequent washing than other household items. Choosing a compact, correctly measured detergent can make those extra loads easier to manage.

GreenSheets™ remove the need for a bulky single-use plastic detergent bottle. Their concentrated format also reduces packaging and takes up less storage space.

Each sheet is pre-measured, so there’s no liquid to pour or spill. They’re lightweight, quick to dissolve and suitable for both machine washing and handwashing. You can also choose between Lavender, Fresh Linen and Fragrance Free, depending on what works best for your home and pet.

What Pet Owners Say About Using GreenSheets™  

Many customers already use GreenSheets™ when washing their dogs’ bedding and other fabric accessories.

Marlis O. gave GreenSheets™ five stars in a review titled “Stress free”:

“Tried these to start with on my dogs bedding and collars. No irritating, very happy with product.”

Lorna also left a five-star review titled “Absolutely Fantastic”:

“A British Company. Sheets smell amazing & clothes smell lush after washing & very delicate on the skin especially for our dogs items. Removes stains brilliantly.”

These are the experiences of two individual customers. Results can vary depending on the bedding, type of stain and individual pet.

Frequently Asked Questions  

How often should you wash dog or cat bedding?  

Wash pet bedding when it becomes visibly dirty, develops an odour or has been soiled by an accident. Bedding may need more frequent cleaning during moulting, muddy weather, illness or periods of skin irritation.

Can you wash pet bedding in the washing machine?  

Yes, if the care label allows machine washing and the item fits comfortably inside the drum. Check covers, liners and fillings separately, as each part may have different instructions.

What temperature should you wash pet bedding at?  

Use the temperature stated on the care label. The correct setting depends on the fabric, filling and reason for washing, so one temperature won’t suit every pet bed.

What detergent is safe for washing dog bedding?  

Choose a correctly dosed detergent that suits the material and your individual dog. A non-bio detergent, such as Fragrance Free GreenSheets™, may suit owners who want a gentler everyday choice.

Can I use fabric conditioner on pet bedding?  

Check the instructions for both the bedding and conditioner first. Some absorbent or specialist materials can be affected by products that coat the fibres.

How do you get dog smell out of bedding?  

Remove loose hair, treat any stains and wash the bedding according to its care label. Dry the cover and filling completely rather than trying to hide the smell with fragranced sprays.

Can you hand wash a dog or cat bed?  

Yes, provided the care label permits it and the bed is a practical size. Quick-dissolving GreenSheets™ can be dissolved in the water before adding the bedding.

Is it hygienic to wash pet bedding in a household washing machine?  

Generally, yes. Remove hair and debris beforehand, follow the bedding instructions and clean any residue from the drum, door seal and filter afterwards.

What should I do if my pet has fleas or a contagious condition?  

Follow your vet’s advice and any cleaning instructions provided with the treatment. Don’t rely on an ordinary detergent wash alone to deal with fleas or an infection.

Final Pet-Bedding Cleaning Checklist  

Before returning clean bedding to your dog or cat:

• Check every care label

• Remove hair and dirt

• Separate washable parts

• Treat stains promptly

•  Use pet friendly laundry detergent

• Choose permitted settings

• Avoid overloading

• Rinse thoroughly

• Dry every part

• Clean the washing machine

Taking a moment to check each stage can protect the fabric, filling and shape of the bed. It also helps prevent dampness or detergent residue from being left behind.

Keep Pet Bedding Clean Without the Fuss  

Washing pet bedding starts with checking the care label and removing as much loose hair as possible. From there, use a non-toxic laundry detergent, follow the permitted wash settings and make sure every part dries fully.

The right routine will depend on your pet and the type of bed they use. Regular vacuuming and prompt stain treatment can make full washes easier when they’re needed.

GreenSheets™ offer a simple, non-bio option in a compact, lower-waste format. Choose Lavender, Fresh Linen or Fragrance Free for your next pet-bedding wash.

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