How to Wash a Dog Bed (Covers, Foam and Stuffed Beds)

By Dog Gear Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 November 2026

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Not veterinary advice. This article shares general information about dog gear only. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Check fit and supervise your dog with new gear, toys and chews, and ask your vet about health, diet, injuries or behaviour concerns.

Dog beds collect hair, dander, dirt, drool and the occasional muddy paw print. Regular washing keeps the bed comfortable, cuts down on smells and helps you spot fleas or skin problems early.

How you wash a bed depends on how it's built. Start by finding the care label. Then use the method below that matches your bed.

Before you wash: three quick steps

1. Remove loose hair. Vacuum the bed with an upholstery attachment, or use a rubber glove or lint roller to pull up fur. Hair clogs washing machines.
2. Check the label. It tells you the maximum water temperature and whether the bed, cover or insert can go in a washer or dryer.
3. Treat stains. Blot fresh stains rather than rubbing. For urine or vomit, an enzyme cleaner made for pet messes breaks down the residue that causes lingering smells.

Method 1: Beds with a removable cover

Most foam beds have a zip cover. This is the easiest kind to keep clean.

1. Unzip and remove the cover. Close the zip again so it doesn't snag in the wash.
2. Wash on the warmest setting the label allows, with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Dogs have sensitive noses and some have sensitive skin.
3. Add an extra rinse to remove detergent residue.
4. Air-dry or tumble on low if the label allows. High heat can shrink covers so they won't fit back on.
5. Make sure the cover is fully dry before putting it back on the insert, or the foam can get musty.

Method 2: Memory foam and foam inserts

Foam should not go in a washing machine. The agitation can tear it, and it holds water for a long time.

1. Vacuum both sides of the foam.
2. Sprinkle with baking soda, leave for a few hours, then vacuum it off. This helps with odors.
3. Spot-clean stains with a cloth dampened in a little mild detergent and water. Dab, don't soak.
4. Let the foam air-dry completely, ideally in a warm room with good airflow. Turn it during drying.

If foam has been soaked through with urine, it's very hard to clean fully. A waterproof liner between the foam and the cover prevents this. A waterproof dog bed liner is a cheap way to protect a good insert.

Method 3: Stuffed beds that go in the machine

Some fiber-filled beds are fully machine washable. Check the label, then:

1. Make sure the bed fits loosely in the drum. Overstuffing the drum means it won't get clean, and a large wet bed can strain a home washer. A laundromat's large machine may be better for big beds.
2. Wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
3. Run an extra rinse.
4. Dry on low with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to stop the filling from clumping. Or air-dry, fluffing the filling every few hours.

Method 4: Beds that can't be machine-washed

For bolster beds with sewn-in filling or beds too big for any machine:

1. Fill a bath with lukewarm water and a little mild detergent.
2. Press and squeeze the bed underwater. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
3. Drain, refill with clean water and rinse until the water runs clear.
4. Press out as much water as you can. Rolling it in a towel helps.
5. Dry outside on a sunny, breezy day, or in a warm room, turning it often.

Getting rid of a stubborn smell

• Wash more often, as smells build up between washes.
• Use an enzyme cleaner on any spot that's been soiled.
• Dry the bed completely. Damp beds smell.
• Wash your dog's blankets and toys at the same time.
• Air the bed in sunlight when you can.

If your dog's bed smells strongly again soon after washing, look at your dog too. A strong odor can come from skin, ear or dental problems, so mention it to your vet.

How often to wash a dog bed

• Cover: every one to two weeks for most dogs, more often for dogs that roll in things or shed heavily.
• Blankets: weekly.
• Insert: vacuum weekly and deep-clean every few months.
• After illness, fleas or accidents: straight away. Treat fleas on your pet with a product your vet recommends, and wash all bedding.

Having a spare washable dog bed cover means your dog isn't left without a bed on washing day.

When to replace the bed

Replace a bed when:

• The foam stays flat or lumpy
• The cover is torn and your dog could chew the filling
• Smells come back immediately after washing
• Your dog's needs have changed, for example as it gets older. See dog beds for older dogs.

If you're choosing a new bed, look for a removable, washable cover from the start. It makes everything on this page easier. A clean bed also suits a well-set-up crate; our crate size guide covers bedding for crates.

Regular brushing also means less hair on the bed between washes. See our grooming tools guide.

Read next: Winter Dog Coat Buying Guide: Does Your Dog Need One? →