Your dog’s bed is likely the most beloved location in his doggie world. Because he spends so much time there, you can expect it to be one of the dirtiest and hairiest places in your house. Washing your dog’s bed every week will help to keep your dog’s sanctuary as clean and disease-free as possible. Let’s spend a few moments identifying how to do just that.
Removing Doggie Hair
It is essential to remove as much hair as possible from your dog’s bed before even putting inside the washer. This is because if you don’t, your washing machine may become clogged up with dog hair, and the bed may not become optimally clean.
Try using the hand tool on your vacuum cleaner to remove pet hair from the bed’s surfaces and out of all its crevices. Finishing off by using a lint roller or masking tape will help whisk away any hair that has been left behind.
Cleaning a Delicate Hand-Washable Bed
After you vacuum the bed to remove hair and debris, put the bed into your bathtub. Next, fill up your tub with lukewarm water. Add a cup of vinegar and an adequate amount of laundry detergent.
Take the dog bed down into the water and knead the fabric. Next, squeeze it out with your hands. Repeat this process a few times until the dirt is washed away. Empty the water out of the basin and run water over the bed to get any remaining soap out.
Keep in mind that if you think your dog’s handwash-only bed could be infested with fleas, it is best to go ahead and throw it out and buy another.
Cleaning a Dog Bed With a Zippered Cover
Go ahead and vacuum the whole zippered cover before taking it off your dog’s bed. Should the removable cover be stained, read and follow the instructions to come that will cover removing stains.
After reading and following the bed’s washing instructions, launder the cover in hot water, laundry detergent, and ½ cup of vinegar to kill the germs.
If the bed itself is washable, wash it separately also in hot water and the same concoction.
Cleaning a Dog Bed Made of Memory Foam
Because you can’t just throw a memory foam dog bed into the washer, you will need to make special preparations. After vacuuming it with a furniture attachment, spray it down with ½ cup of laundry detergent mixed with water. Avoid getting the mattress too soaked.
Next, sprinkle baking soda onto the mattress. Allow it to sit for several hours to absorb any bad smells. Then, use the vacuum on it for one last time. Be sure to repeat this process on the other side of the mattress.
Pre-Treating to Remove Stains
Baking soda and vinegar are many people’s favorite natural ingredients to remove stains and odors from dog beds. However, it is worth a try to give enzymatic pet stain cleaners a try. Pre-treating any stains on your pet’s bed beforehand and letting the areas soak for a few hours before washing the bed is sure to help give you the results that you are looking for.
