How to Clean a Dog Bed, Including Foam Inserts

To clean a dog bed, take the cover off, wash it cold and inside out, wipe or spot-clean the insert, and let everything dry fully before it goes back on the floor. Wash the cover weekly, and do a deeper clean every 2 to 3 weeks, according to the AKC. The AKC ties the deeper clean to fleas, which can live in bedding. This guide covers covers, foam inserts, urine accidents, drying, washer upkeep, and the point where replacing the bed makes more sense than another wash.

Before You Start

Check the care tag on the bed and cover first. The manufacturer’s instructions always win over general advice, especially for the filling inside. If the tag is missing, look for a care page on the maker’s website or contact them.

Gather a few basics before you begin:

A mild, unscented laundry detergent, since strong fragrances can linger on fabric your dog sleeps on
Baking soda for odor
A pet-safe enzyme cleaner for urine accidents
A lint roller or vacuum with an upholstery attachment for loose hair
Clean, dry space for air drying

Vacuum or shake the bed outdoors before washing so hair and dirt do not clog your machine. If you are cleaning more often because of fleas or skin irritation, talk to your veterinarian about the best approach for your dog.

Washing the Cover

Start by separating the foam or filling from the outer cover, as Orvis explains in its washing guide. Turn the cover inside out, wash it in cold water, and tumble dry on low heat. Zip any zippers first and fasten any Velcro so they do not snag other fabric.

For extra odor control, Humane World suggests adding baking soda to the detergent. The same pet stain and odor guide says that if a smell remains after the wash, you can wash the item again with an enzyme cleaner.

A few practical tips help the wash go well:

Wash the cover alone or with other pet bedding so hair does not end up on your clothes.
Do not overload the machine. Bulky covers need room to move.
Run an extra rinse if you notice soapy residue.
Check the cover for tears or thin seams before putting it back on the insert.

Cleaning a Foam Insert

Many beds have a waterproof liner around the foam. If yours does, Orvis recommends wiping the waterproof cover with a damp cloth. Let it air dry before the outer cover goes back on.

The foam core itself is different. Foam types and constructions vary from bed to bed, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for that part. If the label does not say the foam can be machine washed, do not assume it can, and contact the maker if you are unsure.

Between deep cleans, you can vacuum the foam’s surface and keep a spare cover on hand. Rotating two covers means one can always be clean and fully dry when the other is in the wash.

Cleaning Up Urine Accidents

Act quickly. Blot up as much liquid as you can with paper towels or a clean cloth, pressing rather than rubbing so the urine does not spread deeper into the fabric. Then take the cover off and treat it as described above.

Use an enzyme cleaner on the spot. The AKC says enzyme cleaners break down the compounds that cause the odor rather than just masking them, which matters because a leftover scent can draw a dog back to the same spot. The same guide advises against hot steam on urine stains, since heat can set the stain and smell. For an overview of product types, see our cleaning and odor control category.

Skip vinegar and ammonia-based cleaners on the urine spot itself. The Cornell Feline Health Center, in its guidance on house-soiling, advises avoiding products with ammonia or vinegar because they smell like urine. Follow the enzyme cleaner’s label for contact time and rinsing.

If accidents on the bed become frequent, or are new for your dog, talk to your veterinarian. Changes in bathroom habits can have many causes, and a cleaner will not address them.

Drying

Let the insert and cover dry completely. Humane World’s guide recommends air drying stained items, which also helps you check whether the smell is gone before heat can lock it in. Hang the cover or lay it flat in a spot with good airflow, and prop the insert up so air reaches every side.

Do not put a bed back together while it is still damp. Trapped moisture can lead to mildew and a musty smell, and a damp bed is not a pleasant place to sleep. Thick foam can take much longer to dry than fabric, so give it extra time, especially in humid weather.

If the weather allows, drying outside in indirect light is a convenient option. Just bring the bed in before dew or rain arrives.

Deodorizing the Washer

Pet bedding leaves hair and odor in your machine. The AKC suggests running an empty cycle with 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda to freshen the washer after washing a dog bed. Wipe out any hair from the drum and the lint trap afterward.

This tip is only for the empty washer. Do not use vinegar on urine stains on the bed or cover, because the guidance above says to avoid it there. Use an enzyme cleaner for those spots instead.

When to Replace the Bed

A bed is ready to retire when it still smells after you have washed it, dried it fully, and repeated the wash with an enzyme cleaner. Other signs include flattened or lumpy filling, torn seams, or a cover that no longer fits snugly. A worn-out bed may no longer give your dog the support it once did.

If your dog is older or seems stiff, mention it to your veterinarian before choosing a replacement. For options, see orthopedic dog beds for senior dogs and how to choose a dog bed for what to look for. When you are ready to shop, browse our dog beds and furniture category. A removable, washable cover will make the next bed far easier to keep clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash a dog bed?

Wash the cover weekly, and do a deeper clean every 2 to 3 weeks, as described at the top of this guide. Wash it right away after any urine accident or if your dog has been rolling in something unpleasant.

Can I wash the foam insert in the washing machine?

Only if the manufacturer says so. Foam construction varies, so follow the care tag or the maker’s instructions. If the foam has a waterproof liner, wiping it with a damp cloth and air drying is a common approach.

How do I get urine smell out of a dog bed?

Blot up the liquid, remove the cover, and treat the spot with an enzyme cleaner according to its label. Wash the cover again if a smell remains, avoid steam, and dry it fully. Skip vinegar and ammonia products on urine.

Can I use vinegar to clean a dog bed?

Vinegar is suggested only for freshening an empty washer after washing the bed, along with baking soda. Do not use it on urine stains, since it can smell like urine to pets.

How do I clean a dog bed without washing it?

Vacuum the surface, wipe a waterproof cover with a damp cloth, and let the bed air dry. This works for light upkeep between washes. It will not replace a full wash of a removable cover.

Sources

About the author

Best Pet Supplies Guide

Best Pet Supplies Guide publishes research-based buying guides, size guides and care how-tos for dog, cat and pet home supplies, using manufacturer specifications and guidance from reputable pet-care organizations.

How to Clean a Dog Bed (Including Foam Inserts)