6 Best Washable Dog Beds: Fully Washable and Removable Cover Picks

The best washable dog beds are the ones you can clean quickly: either the whole bed goes in the washer, or a zip-off cover does. Pick based on your dog’s size, whether accidents are likely, and how thick a bed you need. This guide covers six options, from a fully washable crate bed to a foam bed with a separate waterproof inner liner. Specs come from the Amazon listings and published care guidance, not from in-person use, so always check the care label on the bed you buy.

Our Top Picks

The picks are grouped by need: whole-bed washing, cover-only washing over foam, and thin crate pads. None of these beds is chew resistant. If your dog chews bedding, start with our guide to dog beds for chewers instead.

For crates, fully washable: MidWest QuietTime Fleece Bolster Dog Bed (36-Inch Crates)

This is the simplest option here. The whole bed goes in the washer and dryer, with no insert to remove and refit. It is sized for a standard 36-inch crate, and elastic corner straps hold it in place on the crate pan.

Key specs (per the Amazon listing):

• 36 x 23 in, about 2.6 in thick
• Synthetic fleece top, padded polyester bolsters, cushioned poly-cotton base
• Elastic corner straps attach it to a crate pan
• Listing says fully machine washable and dryer safe
• Listing suggests medium to large breeds, 41 to 70 lb

Consider: At about 2.6 in thick it is a soft layer, not a foam mattress. The suggested weight range is broad, so check that your dog can lie flat inside 36 x 23 in.

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For small dogs that curl up: Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Bed (Lux, Small 23 in)

The small size suits dogs that like a raised rim to rest their head on, and the whole bed can be machine washed. “Calming Donut” is the product’s own name, not a claim made here.

Key specs (per the Amazon listing):

• Round donut, 23 x 23 x 7 in, 2.7 lb, for dogs and cats up to 25 lb
• Faux fur (Lux, short pile) with a raised bolster rim and polyester fiber fill
• Water- and dirt-resistant bottom
• Listing says the entire small bed is machine washable
• Care: wash cold and separately on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, no bleach, tumble dry low or extra low until completely dry, then reshape

Consider: Only the small size washes whole. Medium to XL sizes have a removable washable cover instead. The listing recommends a garment bag and a washer without an agitator, warns that color may transfer if the bed is wet, and says the bed is not a chew toy.

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For bolster lovers, with a waterproof-lined cover: Bedsure Bolster Dog Bed (Medium 28 in)

This one pairs an egg-crate foam base with a four-sided bolster and a lowered entrance. You unzip the cover and wash only the cover. The listing says the cover has a laminated waterproof layer, which is the kind of feature to look for if accidents are possible.

Key specs (per the Amazon listing):

• 28 x 23 x 6.5 in, flannel fabric
• Egg-crate foam base, 4-sided bolster with a lowered entrance
• Cover has a laminated waterproof layer; unzip and remove it for machine washing
• Non-skid bottom
• Maximum weight listed: 30 lb for this size

Consider: The 30 lb limit applies to this size; the same Bedsure bolster design comes in larger sizes as separate listings. The cover is what gets washed, not the foam.

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For puppies and muddy dogs: PETMAKER 2-Layer Foam Dog Bed with Waterproof Inner Liner (30 x 21 in)

The listing says a removable waterproof inner liner protects the foam if a dog is wet or muddy, while the microsuede outer cover goes in the wash. It also suggests the bed as a puppy bed, which makes it a fit for puppies and dogs that come in wet. The listing also suggests it for crates, car, porch or patio use.

Key specs (per the Amazon listing):

• 30 x 21 x 3.5 in, 3.6 lb, for pets about 20 to 45 lb
• 1.75 in memory foam base plus 1.75 in high-density foam
• Removable waterproof inner liner around the foam
• Removable microsuede outer cover with a wraparound zipper; listing says machine wash or light vacuum
• Water-resistant non-skid bottom

Consider: There are two layers to remove and refit, and the foam itself is not washed. At 30 x 21 in it is a medium size, so measure your dog and your crate first.

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For larger dogs that sprawl: Bedsure Flat Sherpa Dog Bed with Removable Cover (36 x 27 in)

This is a flat foam bed with no bolsters, so a big dog can stretch out in any direction. It works on the floor or in a large crate. The zip-off sherpa cover is the part you wash.

Key specs (per the Amazon listing):

• 36 x 27 x 3 in, high-density egg-crate foam
• 200gsm sherpa fleece cover that unzips for machine washing
• Listing care tip: wash on a normal cycle, air-dry, and lint roll pet hair off first
• Rubberized anti-slip bottom
• Listing weight range 40 to 55 lb (max 65 lb); other sizes available

Consider: The listing does not describe a waterproof layer, so nothing is listed to protect the foam from accidents. The listing’s care tip is to air-dry the cover.

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For a thin, fully washable crate pad: Exsnugy Washable Dog Crate Mat (36 x 23 in)

This plush mat has no foam insert, so the whole thing can go in the washer. It folds, it is lightweight, and it makes a handy travel layer. For more crate-specific options, see our guide to dog crate mats and pads.

Key specs (per the Amazon listing):

• About 36 x 23 x 1.5 in (L size)
• 300gsm plush polyester with polyester fiber fill
• Listing says the whole mat can be fully washed in a washing machine and keeps its shape
• Foldable and lightweight; fits most standard crates; for dogs up to 65 lb

Consider: At only about 1.5 in thick it offers little cushioning for heavy or older dogs. For those dogs, see our orthopedic beds for senior dogs. The listing describes no waterproof layer.

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Washable Dog Bed Comparison

Sizes and weight ranges below are as stated on each Amazon listing.

How to Choose a Washable Dog Bed

Whole bed or removable cover

The AKC suggests choosing either a bed that is itself machine washable and dryable, or one with a removable cover you can easily toss in the wash weekly. A whole-bed washer works well for thin or lightly filled beds. For thicker foam, a zip-off cover is usually easier to handle, and the AKC’s cleaning guide notes that removable covers wash faster than thick stuffed beds.

Read the care label first

Care instructions differ from bed to bed. Check the water temperature, the cycle, and whether the bed can go in the dryer. The listings here range from “wash cold, gentle cycle, tumble dry low” to “normal cycle, air-dry.” Some also suggest lint rolling first or using a garment bag.

Waterproofing for puppies and older dogs

Washability matters most for young pups who are still potty training and older dogs who may have incontinence issues, according to the AKC. For dogs prone to accidents, it calls a bed that is machine washable or has a waterproof removable cover ideal. Only the Bedsure bolster and the PETMAKER foam bed describe a waterproof layer on their listings, so do not assume the others have one. If accidents are new or frequent, talk to your veterinarian.

Size and thickness

Larger dogs need a bed with room to stretch out. Compare your dog’s size to the listed dimensions and check the listed weight range. For measuring steps, bed types and fit, see our guide on how to choose a dog bed. If the bed is going in a crate, measure the crate floor too.

How to Wash a Dog Bed

The AKC’s cleaning guide says there is no hard rule on frequency. It cites guidance recommending that dog bedding be washed weekly, and an EPA suggestion to deep clean dog beds every two to three weeks for flea control. It also advises vacuuming the surface, crevices and edges before and in between washings.

1. Vacuum or lint roll first to lift loose hair and debris.
2. Follow the bed’s own label. The AKC notes that high-temperature programs can kill germs and parasites. The Orvis guide and the listings for these beds lean toward cold or gentle cycles, so the label wins.
3. With foam beds, take the cover off. Orvis advises removing the foam core from the cover, wiping a waterproof cover on the core with a damp cloth, turning the outer cover inside out, washing it in cold water, and drying it on low heat.
4. Use a fragrance-free, pet-friendly detergent, as the AKC suggests, and dry the bed completely. The AKC says air drying is usually best, and that a damp bed encourages mold and mildew.

For a longer walkthrough, including odors that linger, see our guide on how to clean a dog bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a machine washable dog bed better than one with a removable cover?

Neither is better in every case. A whole-bed washable is simplest for thin beds and crate pads, like the MidWest and Exsnugy picks. A removable cover is more practical over foam, since the foam beds here list washing the cover, not the foam.

Can I put the foam part of a dog bed in the washing machine?

Follow the bed’s care label. The listings for the foam beds here describe washing the cover, not the foam. Orvis suggests removing the foam core and wiping a waterproof cover on the core with a damp cloth.

Do I need a waterproof layer?

It depends on your dog. A waterproof layer adds protection for puppies, dogs that have accidents, and dogs that come in wet. If your dog has sudden or repeated accidents, ask your veterinarian about it.

How often should I wash my dog’s bed?

There is no single rule. The washing section above summarizes what the AKC says, and the bed’s care label comes first.

Which of these suit a medium dog or a Labrador?

Compare your dog’s length and weight to the listed size and weight range, because breed alone does not fit a bed. For medium dogs, the PETMAKER foam bed (about 20 to 45 lb) is a medium size. For larger dogs, the Bedsure flat bed (40 to 55 lb, max 65 lb) and the MidWest crate bed (41 to 70 lb suggested) are the roomier choices here. The Exsnugy mat lists dogs up to 65 lb but is thin.

Conclusion

For a crate where you want the whole bed to go in the washer, the MidWest bolster bed or the thin Exsnugy mat are the easiest. For a small dog that likes a rim, the small Best Friends donut washes whole. If you want a waterproof layer, look at the Bedsure bolster (28 in size, up to 30 lb) or the PETMAKER foam bed with its inner liner. For a larger dog that sprawls, the Bedsure flat sherpa bed has a zip-off cover. Whichever you choose, follow the care label and dry the bed completely.

Sources

• American Kennel Club, Choosing the Right Dog Bed
• American Kennel Club, How to Clean a Dog Bed
• Orvis, How to Wash a Dog Bed

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