If your dog's bed has reached the point where you can smell it from the hallway, you're not alone. Between the mud, the drool, the fur, and whatever they rolled in at the park — dog beds go from fresh to questionable faster than you'd think. And when life is already full, the dog bed is easy to forget.
**Quick Answer:** To deep clean a dog bed, start by vacuuming off all fur and debris, spot-treat stains with an enzyme cleaner, then soak the bed in warm water with a gentle, pet-safe detergent for 15 minutes. Scrub with baking soda to neutralise odours, rinse thoroughly, and air dry outdoors in sunlight. For beds with removable covers, machine wash the cover on a warm cycle and deep clean the inner bed separately.
Why Your Dog's Bed Needs More Than a Quick Vacuum
It's tempting to give the bed a shake and call it done. But what you can't see is often worse than what you can.
A [2022 study published in *Pathogens*](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9606909/) by researchers at Utrecht University found that dog sleeping areas carry an average of 34.3 colony-forming units of bacteria per square centimetre — nearly **seven times higher** than hospital hygiene standards allow. The same study detected *Enterobacteriaceae* (faecal bacteria) on 86% of dogs tested, and fleas in 14% of animal sleeping areas.
Beyond bacteria, dog beds can harbour dust mites, flea eggs, and allergens that affect both your pet and your family. The [RSPCA recommends](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/can-you-give-me-some-advice-on-caring-for-my-dog) cleaning pet bedding regularly as part of responsible dog care — and for a broader approach to [keeping a pet-friendly home clean](/cleaning-101/family-pets/simple-effective-tips-pet-friendly-clean-home), routine bed washing is one of the most impactful habits you can build.
The good news? A proper deep clean doesn't take long, and it makes a genuine difference to your home's freshness and your dog's health.
How to Clean a Dog Bed with a Removable Cover
Many dog beds come with a zip-off cover designed to catch the worst of the mess. If yours does, this is the easier path.
Machine Washing the Cover
**Remove loose fur first** — use a lint roller or vacuum the cover while it's still on the bed. Dog hair sticks to wet fabric, so get as much off as you can before washing.
**Check the care label** — most covers can go in the washing machine on a warm cycle (40–60°C). Use a **fragrance-free, pet-safe detergent** to avoid irritating your dog's skin.
**Add half a cup of white vinegar** to the rinse cycle — it's a natural deodoriser that helps break down lingering pet smells.
**Air dry if possible** — or tumble dry on low heat. High heat can shrink the cover or weaken the fabric.
Hand Washing the Cover
If the label says no machine washing:
Vacuum the cover thoroughly to remove fur and debris
Fill a basin with warm water and add ¼ cup of baking soda — soak for 15 minutes
Spot-treat any stains with a pet-safe enzyme cleaner and a clean cloth
Scrub gently with a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush
Rinse until the water runs completely clear — residual detergent can irritate your dog's skin
**Even with a removable cover, the inner bed still needs a deep clean.** Drool, damp fur, and moisture seep through over time.
How to Deep Clean a Dog Bed Without a Removable Cover
This is where most pet owners get stuck. The bed is too big for the washing machine, and you're not quite sure where to start. Here's the process, step by step.
What You'll Need
Vacuum cleaner (with upholstery attachment)
Pet-safe enzyme cleaner for stains
Large basin, laundry tub, or bathtub
Gentle, pet-safe laundry detergent
Baking soda
Soft scrub brush
Clean towels
Old toothbrush (for seams and corners)
Step 1: Vacuum Thoroughly
Use the upholstery attachment to get into every fold, seam, and corner. Don't forget the bottom and sides. If fur is tangled into the fabric, loosen it with a stiff brush first, then vacuum again. For heavy shedders, [tackling pet hair](/cleaning-101/family-pets/removing-pet-hair-at-home-go-from-furry-to-fur-free) before the wash makes a real difference.
Step 2: Spot-Treat Stains
Before soaking, treat visible stains with a pet-safe enzyme cleaner. These cleaners contain proteases that [break down the proteins and uric acid in pet urine](https://www.rover.com/blog/do-enzymatic-cleaners-work/) into water and carbon dioxide — which is why they work on old stains that regular detergent can't shift.
Apply the cleaner directly to the stain, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot with a clean towel. For stubborn marks, use a soft toothbrush to work the cleaner into the fabric. If urine has reached the floor beneath the bed, [our guide to removing pet pee odour from floors](/cleaning-101/floors-surfaces/how-to-remove-pet-pee-odour-from-floor-tiles-and-carpet) covers that too.
Step 3: Soak in Warm, Soapy Water
Fill your tub or basin with enough warm water to fully submerge the bed. Add a small amount of pet-safe detergent — just enough to create suds.
Soak for 15 minutes. Every few minutes, press down on the bed to push water through the filling and force out trapped dirt. If the water turns brown, drain it, refill with fresh soapy water, and soak for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Scrub with Baking Soda
Lift the bed out, dip a damp scrub brush in baking soda, and scrub every surface. [Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) works by chemically neutralising acidic and basic compounds](https://www.sciencing.com/1860835/how-baking-soda-gets-rid-odors/) that cause pet odours — it doesn't just mask the smell, it eliminates the molecules causing it.
Use a toothbrush to get into seams, piping, and corners where flea eggs and debris like to hide.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
This step matters more than you might think. [The American Kennel Club notes](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-clean-a-dog-bed/) that dogs can be sensitive to ingredients in cleaning products you may not be aware of. Residual detergent left in the bedding can cause skin irritation, itching, or allergic reactions.
Fill the tub with fresh water, knead the bed to push out soap, then drain and repeat. Keep going until no suds remain — it usually takes two to three rinses.
Step 6: Dry Completely
Squeeze sections of the bed gently to remove excess water — avoid heavy wringing, which can warp the filling. Then lay the bed flat outdoors in a well-ventilated spot.
[Research published in the *Journal of Hospital Infection*](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7132476/) confirms that natural sunlight has genuine bactericidal properties — UV radiation disrupts bacterial DNA. Drying your dog's bed in direct sunlight does double duty: it speeds up drying and helps kill remaining bacteria.
**Tip:** Make sure the bed is **completely dry** before letting your dog use it again. Damp bedding is a breeding ground for mould and mildew.
How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?
Most veterinary sources recommend a thorough wash **every two to three weeks**, with the CDC suggesting weekly cleaning to reduce the risk of parasites and zoonotic infections.
In practice, adjust the frequency based on your dog:
**Wash more often** if your dog swims, plays in mud, has allergies, or sheds heavily
**Wash the cover weekly** if the bed has a removable cover — it's a quick win that extends the time between deep cleans
**Vacuum the bed weekly** regardless, to keep fur and dander under control
Tips to Keep a Dog Bed Fresh Between Washes
Deep cleaning takes effort, so here's how to stretch the time between washes:
**Vacuum the bed when you vacuum your floors** — make it part of the routine rather than a separate task
**Place the bed in direct sunlight once a week** for an hour or two to naturally reduce bacteria and odours
**Sprinkle baking soda over the bed**, leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up — a quick odour reset
**Use a waterproof liner** under the cover to protect the inner filling from moisture and stains
**Keep a spare cover** so you can rotate and wash one while the other is in use
**Groom your dog regularly** — less loose fur and dander means a cleaner bed
**Wipe muddy paws** before your dog comes inside — a damp towel by the door takes seconds and saves you a wash
**⚠️ Safety note:** You may see advice online suggesting apple cider vinegar as a flea preventative for dog beds. [PetMD veterinarians confirm](https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/does-apple-cider-vinegar-kill-fleas) that there is no evidence ACV kills or repels fleas, and it can cause skin irritation in dogs. For flea prevention, speak to your vet about proven treatments instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should you wash a dog bed?
Every two to three weeks for a full deep clean, with weekly vacuuming and spot cleaning in between. If your dog is a heavy shedder, swims regularly, or has skin allergies, wash more frequently. Removable covers can go in the machine weekly for a quick refresh.
Q: Can you put a dog bed in the washing machine?
If the bed fits and the care label allows it, yes. Use a warm cycle (40–60°C) with a pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent. Remove as much dog hair as possible first — it clogs filters and sticks to wet fabric. Larger beds without removable covers will need to be hand washed in a bathtub or laundry tub.
Q: What is the best detergent for washing a dog bed?
Use a fragrance-free, pet-safe laundry detergent. Baby laundry detergent is a gentler alternative if you don't have a pet-specific product. Avoid anything with strong fragrances, optical brighteners, or fabric softeners — these can irritate your dog's skin or trigger allergies.
Q: How do you get the smell out of a dog bed that won't go away?
Baking soda is your best option. Sprinkle it generously over the bed, leave for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better), then vacuum thoroughly. For deep odours, follow with a full soak and scrub using the method above. Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse water also helps neutralise stubborn pet smells.
Q: Can I just throw out my dog's bed and buy a new one?
You can, but it's rarely necessary. A proper deep clean restores most beds to near-new freshness. If the bed is falling apart, the filling is lumpy and won't refluff, or it has persistent mould, then it's time to replace it. Otherwise, a good wash every few weeks will extend its life significantly.
Related Reading
[Removing Pet Hair at Home — Go From Furry to Fur-Free](/cleaning-101/family-pets/removing-pet-hair-at-home-go-from-furry-to-fur-free)
[Simple Effective Tips for a Pet-Friendly Clean Home](/cleaning-101/family-pets/simple-effective-tips-pet-friendly-clean-home)
[Easy, Effective and Everlasting Cleaning Habits for the Whole Family](/cleaning-101/family-pets/easy-effective-and-everlasting-cleaning-habits-for-the-whole-family)
[How to Remove Pet Pee Odour From Floor Tiles and Carpet](/cleaning-101/floors-surfaces/how-to-remove-pet-pee-odour-from-floor-tiles-and-carpet)
[How to Clean a Mattress and Get Rid of Stains](/cleaning-101/bedroom-living/how-to-clean-a-mattress-and-get-rid-of-stains)
Sources & References
**Lucie A. Zanen, Johannes G. Kusters, Paul A. M. Overgaauw**, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University — [Zoonotic Risks of Sleeping with Pets](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9606909/). Referenced for bacterial colony counts on dog sleeping areas (34.3 cfu/cm²) and zoonotic health risk data.
**RSPCA Australia** — [Advice on Caring for My Dog](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/can-you-give-me-some-advice-on-caring-for-my-dog). Cited for pet bedding hygiene recommendations and regular cleaning guidance.
**American Kennel Club** — [How to Clean Your Dog's Bed and Why It's Important](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-clean-a-dog-bed/). Cited for detergent sensitivity in dogs and comprehensive cleaning method guidance.
**PetMD** — [Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Fleas?](https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/does-apple-cider-vinegar-kill-fleas). Referenced for veterinary evidence debunking apple cider vinegar as a flea treatment or preventative.
**Rover.com** — [Do Enzymatic Cleaners Work on Pet Stains? What the Science Says](https://www.rover.com/blog/do-enzymatic-cleaners-work/). Referenced for how enzyme cleaners break down uric acid and proteins in pet urine.
**Hobday & Dancer**, Journal of Hospital Infection — [Roles of Sunlight and Natural Ventilation for Controlling Infection](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7132476/). Cited for UV radiation's bactericidal properties and sunlight disinfection research.
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