The Proper Method for Cleaning a Dog Bed
Our pets, most particularly dogs are like an extension of our family. Their health and cleanliness is our duty therefore. It is not only healthy to regularly clean the bed of your dog, but it also helps to keep your home clean and free of germs. Unclean beds have the potential to transmit smell, bacteria and parasites such as fleas and ticks. In this guide, I am sharing how to clean a dog bed – that is, how to clean a dog bed, what you need, and how to do it easily, so that the job is hassle-free.
So, what is the reason to wash a dog bed?
Dog beds collect dead skin, fur, dust and different forms of germs. These bacteria have the potential to infect different diseases in dogs as well as humans. Regular cleaning:
Health protection: Prevents respiratory health problems, allergies and skin diseases in dogs.
Deodorization: Removes bad smell on the bed, hence keeping your home clean.
Pest Control: Fleas, ticks and other parasites are unable to nest.
Steps to Cleaning a Dog Bed
Cleaning a dog bed will vary and depend on the kind of bed the dog has and the material. There are machine-washable beds and also hand cleaning ones.
Step 1: Cut off any unwanted fur and dirt.
Cleaning up of a bed involves first eliminating fur, dust and bulk amount of dirt on the surface. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner, particularly when you have a large bed which cannot be washed by machine. And even when you do not have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a stiff brush or a roller to take away the fur and dust. The cleaner you can cleanse the slide the less difficult the subsequent steps will be.
Step 2: Fit to wash according to type of bed.
Machine-washable beds: A majority of fabric or zipper beddings are machine-washable. To begin with, take off the cover and unzip it. When the inner padding or bed cushion can be washed by the machine, take that off the cover, too.
Beds that cannot be washed in a machine: There are also large, foam or memory foam beds that could not be machine-washed. Hand washing should be used to clean them.
Step 3: Washing method
Machine-washing: Place the cover and the other items that can be washed in a washing machine that is large. Hot water is very effective in killing germs and bacteria. Nevertheless, do what the labels on the cloths say. Wash with a low-detergent that is not harmful to the skin of your dog. Do not use bleach which can irritate the skin of your dog and damage the fabric.
Step 4. Proper drying method
You can dry machine-washed clothes on low heat. Using a dryer ball will reduce the drying time. Drying in sunlight is very beneficial, because sunlight is a disinfectant. However, direct excessive heat can damage the foam bed, so let it dry in a shaded place.
Hands washing (non-washable beds):
Add a big bowl of hot water and a small amount of detergent.
The bed surfaces should be scrubbed using soft brush or sponge.
Be particularly alert of the stained or odorous areas.
Rinse with clean water very carefully, so as to leave no soap.
Wash repeatedly with change of soapy water when necessary.
Getting rid of the stains and smell of dog bedding.
Certain home solutions are quite effective in eliminating stains and unpleasant smell of bedding:
Vinegar and baking soda mixture: Add equal measure of white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle. Wet the area of the stain or fragrance and allow some time to pass. Then wipe with a soft cloth. Another good tip is to sprinkle baking soda on the smelly part and then vacuuming them in 15-20 minutes.
Enzyme cleaner: The enzyme cleaners are highly effective in cleaning out the stains and smell of dog urine or vomiting. Such cleaners dissolve germs and remove the origin of the odor. Apply an enzyme cleaner that is animal safe.
Drying method
Drying of the bedding is of great importance. Unless water is dried, there may be the development of mould and mildew, which is unhealthy.
Drying: It is possible to tumble dry machine-washable stuff on a low heat setting. Dryer balls will decrease the time spent drying and decrease shedding.
Sun drying: Sun drying is a natural method of drying. Sunlight also comes in handy to kill germs. Make a sleeping spot in good air vent. Always lay on bed when it is completely dry.
Regular cleaning routine
The frequency of cleaning the bed of your dog will be determined by its usage.
Weekly: Vacuum the bed once a week, to get out the fur and dust.
Monthly: Clean it clean monthly. You might also have to wash your dog more frequently in case it spends much time outdoors or the bed gets dirty within a short period of time.
Some additional tips:
Bed covers: Purchase a variety of covers. In case one of them becomes dirty, you can use the other.
Do NOT Wet Clean up: Dry up the bed when your dog urinates on it.
The right detergent: It is worth to keep in mind that one must purchase a type of detergent that deals with cleaning dogs in particular. It contains none of the toxic chemicals.
Washing the bedding of your pet is not just a venture, it is also an expression of your love to the animal. Proper guidance will help you at least give a healthy and comfortable environment to a dog.
Note: You should pay attention to a veterinarian in case of any health related problems in your pets.
some common questions to Answers (FAQ)
Q1. And what frequency should I use to wash the bed?
Answer: When the dog is a pet in the house, it is advisable to bathe it after a month. Nevertheless, when a dog plays outside and rolls in the dirt, it is preferable to wash it after every 10-15 days.
Q2. What in case the natural smell gathers in the dog bed?
Answer: Spray it by mixing vinegar and water in a 1:1 mixture. Then dry it sprinkle a little baking soda and vacuum it after 20 minutes. This will destroy the source of the smell.
Q3. Is it not possible to dry the foam of the bed in the sun when it becomes wet?
Answer: Of course, but not in direct sunlight, but in a sunny or shady position. The foam may either stiffen or explode in the excessive heat.
Q4. What do I do to get rid of dog urine or vomit?
Answer: Use a dry cloth or a tissue to get excess liquid out. The next step would be to wet the stained part with an animal-friendly enzyme clean solution, leave it sometime and then rub it dry. Then wash it with clean water.
Q5. The skin of my dog is very sensitive what soap or detergent should I use?
Answer: Wash using a non-perfume and non-chemical hypoallergenic laundry or baby laundry detergent. One can also use natural soaps (e.g. coconut oil soap) and so on.
Q6. What will become of me in the event I fail to part the bed cover?
Answer: The inner cushion can get moist and dirty and this can provide the germs to grow. It is healthier thus to take off the cover and wash it separately.
Q7. What are the substitutes to machine washing in case it cannot be done?
Answer: Of course. It can be washed by hand soaked in warm water, and rubbed. You can soak the bed in a large bucket or bathtub with detergent (30-40 minutes), and then wash them.
Q8. How do I deal with the musty smell of the bed after laundry?
Answer: It probably didn’t dry properly. Put it back in the sun or under a fan. Air should also be allowed to circulate under the bed while drying.
Q9. Can I use aroma spray after washing the bed?
Answer: Does a dog get hurt with aroma sprays or perfumes designed to be used by humans? You can spray some sort of a pet safe scented spray on dogs, which is dog safe.
Q10. When should I use a new bed for my dog?
Answer: If the color of the bed has faded, the smell keeps coming back, the foam has settled, or the dog no longer feels comfortable in it — then it is best to give it a new bed.
The Last Word: A Story of a Bed, a Bond of Two Hearts
A dog bed is like a small kingdom—where he is the king, and you are his world. When he comes to lie down in that soft corner after his daily running, wagging his tail, and looking at you. He is not just resting—he is trusting, relying on, and loving you.
So buying a comfortable bed is a silent way to say “I love you.” Because dogs don’t understand language, but they understand the heart. And this bed—then a piece of space that touches the heart, which is called: the house of love.