Maintaining Clean Dog Bedding: Hygiene Best Practices
01
Weekly Washing
Clean covers every 1-2 weeks to prevent bacteria and odor buildup
02
Pet-Safe Products
Use enzymatic cleaners to remove stains without harsh chemicals
03
Protect the Foam
Waterproof liners extend bed life by blocking moisture and dirt
By BarkLoyal Team · December 1, 2025
Maintaining Clean Dog Bedding: Hygiene Best Practices
Your dog's bed is their personal sanctuary, a place where they spend 12-14 hours daily sleeping, resting, and relaxing. Over time, beds accumulate dirt, oils, dander, bacteria, and odors that can affect both your dog's health and your home's cleanliness. Proper bed maintenance isn't just about aesthetics; it's essential for preventing skin issues, respiratory problems, and parasite infestations while extending the life of your investment in quality bedding.
Why Clean Bedding Matters
Dogs naturally shed skin cells, oils, and hair that accumulate in bedding fibers. Combined with outdoor dirt, drool, and occasional accidents, beds quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria, dust mites, and fungi if not cleaned regularly.
Dirty bedding can cause or exacerbate skin conditions like hot spots, allergies, and infections. Dogs with sensitive skin or existing allergies are particularly vulnerable to irritation from accumulated allergens in unwashed beds.
Respiratory health can also suffer from dusty, dirty bedding. Mold and mildew growth in damp beds releases spores that irritate airways, potentially causing coughing, sneezing, or more serious respiratory issues.
Parasites like fleas find dirty bedding attractive for laying eggs. Regular washing disrupts their life cycle and helps prevent infestations from establishing in your home.
Beyond health concerns, clean bedding simply smells better and looks more appealing, making your home more pleasant for everyone.
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Establishing a Cleaning Schedule
For most dogs, washing bed covers every 1-2 weeks strikes the right balance between hygiene and practicality. However, several factors might require more frequent cleaning:
Dogs who spend significant time outdoors, roll in dirt, or swim regularly need weekly washing to manage the extra debris they bring to their beds.
Heavy shedders benefit from more frequent washing to remove the constant accumulation of loose hair that can mat into bedding and trap odors.
Dogs with allergies, skin conditions, or compromised immune systems require the cleanest possible sleeping environment, consider washing covers weekly or even twice weekly.
Puppies and senior dogs prone to accidents need immediate spot-cleaning when incidents occur, with full washing at least weekly.
Multi-dog households where dogs share beds may need more frequent washing due to increased use and accumulated oils from multiple animals.
Proper Washing Techniques
Before washing, remove as much loose hair as possible using a vacuum, lint roller, or rubber grooming glove. This prevents hair from clogging your washing machine and ensures more effective cleaning.
Check care labels for specific instructions, but most quality dog bed covers can be machine washed in warm or hot water. Hot water (140°F or higher) is most effective at killing dust mites, bacteria, and flea eggs, though some fabrics require cooler temperatures to prevent shrinking.
Use a pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent. Many dogs are sensitive to strong scents and harsh chemicals found in regular detergents. Avoid fabric softeners, which can leave residues that irritate sensitive skin and reduce the absorbency of waterproof liners.
For heavily soiled covers, pre-treat stains with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes. These cleaners break down organic materials like urine, feces, and vomit at the molecular level, eliminating odors rather than just masking them.
Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residue is removed. Leftover soap can irritate skin and attract dirt more quickly.
Drying Best Practices
Air drying is gentlest on fabrics and prevents shrinkage, but it takes longer. Hang covers in direct sunlight when possible, UV rays provide natural sanitizing and deodorizing benefits.
If using a dryer, choose a low to medium heat setting to prevent damage to waterproof liners and avoid shrinking. Remove covers promptly when dry to prevent wrinkles and make reassembly easier.
Ensure covers are completely dry before putting them back on beds. Any residual moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, especially in foam-filled beds with limited airflow.
Caring for Foam Inserts
Most memory foam and orthopedic foam inserts should never be machine washed or submerged in water, as this damages the foam's structure and supportive properties. Always check manufacturer instructions.
For spot cleaning foam, use a damp cloth with mild soap to gently clean soiled areas. Blot, don't rub, to avoid pushing stains deeper into the foam.
For odor removal, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the foam surface, let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors without chemicals.
Air out foam inserts regularly by removing covers and placing the foam in a well-ventilated area or outdoors in indirect sunlight. This helps dissipate odors and moisture.
If foam becomes wet from accidents, blot up as much moisture as possible with towels, then air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Use fans to speed drying and prevent mold growth.
Waterproof Liners: Your First Line of Defense
Investing in quality waterproof liners that fit between the foam and outer cover dramatically extends bed life and simplifies maintenance. These barriers prevent liquids, dirt, and oils from reaching the foam core.
Wash waterproof liners according to care instructions, typically with the outer cover. Avoid high heat, which can damage waterproofing properties.
Inspect liners regularly for tears or worn areas that compromise protection. Replace damaged liners promptly to maintain foam protection.
Dealing with Accidents and Stains
Address accidents immediately for best results. Blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels or clean cloths, pressing firmly to absorb moisture from deep in the fabric.
Apply an enzymatic pet stain and odor remover according to product instructions. These cleaners need time to work, typically 10-15 minutes, before blotting or washing.
For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, let dry, then vacuum or brush away. This gentle method works on many organic stains without harsh chemicals.
Never use ammonia-based cleaners on pet bedding. Ammonia smells similar to urine and may encourage dogs to urinate on the bed again.
Vacuuming and Daily Maintenance
Between washings, vacuum beds weekly to remove loose hair, dander, and dirt. Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment for best results.
Shake out or beat beds outdoors periodically to dislodge embedded dirt and refresh the filling.
Wipe down waterproof or vinyl beds with pet-safe disinfectant wipes weekly to maintain hygiene between deep cleanings.
Extending Bed Life Through Proper Care
Rotate beds regularly if you have multiple options, allowing each to air out between uses. This prevents excessive wear and gives you backup options during washing.
Keep beds away from direct moisture sources like water bowls or humid areas where mold and mildew thrive.
Trim your dog's nails regularly to prevent snags and tears in bed fabric.
Use washable blankets or throws on top of beds for an extra protective layer that's easy to wash frequently.
When to Replace Bedding
Even with excellent care, beds eventually need replacement. Signs it's time for a new bed include:
• Foam that no longer springs back or has permanent compressions
• Persistent odors that don't respond to cleaning
• Tears, holes, or significant wear in covers or foam
• Visible mold or mildew that can't be removed
• Loss of waterproofing in liners
• Your dog avoiding the bed or seeming uncomfortable
Creating a Sustainable Routine
Make bed maintenance part of your regular household cleaning schedule. Wash dog beds on the same day you change your own bedding, or designate a specific day each week for pet bedding care.
Keep spare covers on hand so you can rotate them during washing, ensuring your dog always has a clean bed available.
Store cleaning supplies specifically for pet bedding in an accessible location to make the process more convenient.
Conclusion
Maintaining clean dog bedding requires consistent effort but pays significant dividends in your dog's health, comfort, and the overall cleanliness of your home. By establishing a regular washing schedule, using appropriate cleaning products, protecting foam with waterproof liners, and addressing accidents promptly, you create a hygienic sleeping environment that supports your dog's wellbeing. Clean bedding isn't just about appearances, it's a fundamental aspect of responsible dog care that contributes to your companion's long-term health and happiness.
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