How To Wash A Dog Bed Without Using Harsh Chemicals
We love our dogs so much that we make sure he has everything he needs. We want to make sure he is comfortable in the home, and we supply him with toys, the right dog food, and a comfortable bed. But let’s face it, if you think your dog needs a bath, then it follows that the dog’s bed needs to be cleaned out as well. Learn how to wash a dog bed without using chemicals in this quick and easy guide.
Always Vacuum The Dog Beds
Before knowing how to wash a dog bed, you have to make sure it is vacuumed first. Regular vacuum maintenance can help minimize dog hair sticking to the fabric as well as pet dandruff, dander, insects, and mites making a home out of the bed. You wouldn’t want it to lay its eggs where your dogs are sleeping.
Make sure to vacuum dog beds as often as you can. If you have pet vacuums, use one with hypoallergenic filters. Such filters prevent molecules from going airborne and being distributed in other rooms.
Can I Wash Dog Beds In The Washing Machine?
Can you wash a pet bed in the washing machine? You can wash dog beds in the washing machine, but there are beds that may be too large for the standard machine and dryer. You may need to take it to the laundromat to be cleaned. Most beds have removable covers.
If you can’t throw the dog bed in the machine, you can go to your local laundromat. You can use pet-safe laundry detergents when washing your dog’s bed. If you’re using the laundromat, you can wash it in hot water setting to kill any insects and eggs that may be present. Sometimes using the washing machine may not effectively remove all the stains. An alternative is to hand wash and scrub it in a bathtub and pour hot water and pet-friendly detergent in the mix.
Types Of Stains Your Dog Can Make
Learning how to wash a dog bed also means learning what types of stains you will be dealing with. Our pets can have sensitive skin and a very sensitive sense of smell. If you’re not keen on using harsh chemicals to clean stains, you can use natural cleaners like vinegar:
- Pet vomit - Can you wash a dog bed with pet vomit? There is the occasional pet puke, and it can give out an off-putting acidic smell. Create a mixture of 2 cups warm water, 1 tbsp of salt, 1 tbsp of liquid dishwashing soap, and half a cup of vinegar. Use a sponge to blot the area affected and wipe clean. If the stain is really hard to get out, sprinkle dry baking soda on the area and blot it with hydrogen peroxide and liquid dish soap solution.
- When there’s mud, there’s usually mud cake. - Can you wash dog beds with mud? Mud can get cakey if left alone for a long period. Before putting it in the machine, you can use a damp cloth to remove the stain, and when it dries, use the vacuum to lift the dirt.
- Pet urine. - Immediately blot the stain with an old towel to absorb whatever you can. Then spray a vinegar solution: mix 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups warm water, and 4 tbsp baking soda. For pet urine that has stayed too long, sprinkle baking soda on the stain then spray with the solution. Wait about ten minutes, then blot it with a towel and wipe clean.
How To Keep The Dog Bed Smelling Fresh
When you know how to wash a dog bed, you’ll also learn that you would want it smelling fresh. You can make a deodorizing spray with baking soda, essential oils like lavender and lemongrass, and water. Make sure first that your dog isn’t allergic to essential oils.
Keep the dog beds sprayed between washings and vacuumings, too. You can use tea tree oil as well. It is a natural disinfectant that keeps bacteria away. Dilute 1 tsp of baking soda in a cup of warm water and add a few drops of tea tree oil.
Make sure you allow the bed to air-dry and mist the other side of the dog bed as well. Afterward, vacuum the baking soda off the mattress.
Quick Recap
Cleaning dog beds can be a stinky job, but it’s all part of a good dog owner’s responsibility. A few easy steps can make the difference:
- Vacuum the cover (and the mattress for good measure). Make sure to get rid of all the pet hair on the fabric, or else it will stick when it’s in the washing machine.
- Remove the fabric cover. If it can be removed, you can wash them separately. If there are stains on the cover, you need to take care of that first. If it has seeped into the mattress, you can also apply the same treatment.
- You can hand wash the cover so you can remove tough stains. If you don’t have a bathtub to hand wash the mattress, you can throw it in the washing machine if it fits, or head down to your local laundromat. Make sure to use pet-friendly detergents and use the hot water setting.
- Drying the bed is just as important as cleaning it. A moist bed promotes bacterial growth and can become stinky. Tumble dry the bed and cover in the dryer if it can fit. If it can’t fit, you can let it dry out in the sun. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can also kill germs.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on buying new dog beds, make sure to buy beds with a removable and washable cover. If you can’t wash the bed just yet, you can use a lint and pet hair remover right after vacuuming, for good measure. Knowing how to wash a dog bed is essential to your dog’s health and your health, too. We hope you enjoyed these organic and chemical-free cleaning tips and remember to vacuum the bed as often as you can.