You wouldn’t want to sleep in a dirty bed, would you? So your dog shouldn’t have to sleep in a dirty bed either. Even the cleanest of dogs are going to leave a furry mess and an unwanted smell in their resting spot, so knowing how to clean their bed effectively is important. You should clean your dog’s bed just as regularly as you clean your own bed sheets. With that in mind, read on to discover some top tips on cleaning your dog’s bed…
Choose a Dog Bed With a Removable Cover
One of the best things you can do is choose a dog bed that comes with a removable cover. The vast majority of dog beds do come with covers that can be removed, but you do need to check to make sure this is the case – do not simply assume it is. Then, whenever washing the dog bed, you can remove the cover completely, which will make it a lot easier for you to clean. Find out more about washable dog beds here.
Read the Instructions
Most dog beds come with instructions, so you should take a look at them before doing anything else. The manufacturer should have provided you with guidelines on the correct way to wash the bed in question. Not only this, but whenever you buy a new dog bed it is always a good idea to wash it before your dog sleeps on it. This will remove any of the chemicals that are on the bed.
Keep Your Dog’s Bed Smelling Fresh
It is a good idea to keep your dog’s bed smelling fresh at all time. This is something you can do with ease using a simple homemade carpet cleaner. You can apply this mixture to the dog bed before you vacuum it. You can easily add some dry ingredients that are found within most kitchens, for example, bay leaves and cinnamon. Of course, make sure you don’t choose any smells that dogs don’t like! Take a look at our review of the best carpet cleaner for pets for more options
Start By Removing the Fur
Before you can wash the bed, you need to get rid of all of the fur. There are plenty of pet hair removal products on the market, including pet hair magnets, which can help you to get rid of pet hair with ease. For more options, check out our detailed review of lint rollers for pet hair.
Vacuum Your Pet’s Bed Regularly
Not only should you make an effort to get rid of the fur before you clean your dog’s bed, but you should also vacuum your pet’s bed on a frequent basis. This is important because it will keep dander, fur and anything else that your dog drags in, at bay. It is a good idea to use a vacuum with HEPA / hypoallergenic filters, as this will stop molecules from becoming airborne and distributing throughout the various rooms in your property. You can also get specialist pet vacuums, with come with extra attachments that are especially beneficial for homes with dogs and cats. These are attachments that have been especially designed to be reliant and resilient when it comes to capturing furs and long hairs.
Check out our guides on Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair and Dyson Vacuums for more info.
Wash at 140 Degrees Fahrenheit or on the Highest Temperature
If your washing machine has a thermometer, you should set it to 140 degrees Fahrenheit while washing your dog’s sheets. If your washing machine does not allow you to dictate the temperature, simply turn it to the highest setting. If your manufacturer advises you to do something else, follow these instructions on the product.
Wash the Dog Bed Once Per Week
A lot of pet owners are unaware of how often they should wash their dog bed. You should never leave the dog bed two weeks without being washed. Washing it once every week is advised. Of course, you may need to wash the beddings twice a week if you have a dog that is active and sheds a lot. You may also like our detailed article on how to wash dog toys.
Get Rid of Stains With Natural Cleansers
It is also a good idea to use specialist natural cleansers in order to get rid of stains on your pet’s bed. This is important because you do not want your dog’s paws and fur to come in contact with harsh cleansers. The stain that you are attempting to clean up will dictate the type of cleaner you use. For vomit, a mixture of ½ cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of liquid soap for dishes, one tablespoon of salt, and a couple of cups of warm water works well. This is because vomit is so acidic. For urine, use an old towel to blot straight away so you can get rid of as much as possible. Once you have done this, use a spray bottle with a mixture of four tablespoons of baking soda, a couple of cups of water – make sure it is warm, and two cups of vinegar. For mud, a damp cloth will suffice. You should then vacuum to area once the mud is dry to lift any of the loose dirt.
Related Post: Dog Stairs for Bed
Follow a Stringent Process if Your Dog Has Had Fleas
Last but not least, if your dog has been diagnosed with fleas, you need to follow a thorough cleaning process. This involves removing the cover, shaking it well, and then using a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the fleas from the bedding – go over every part of the bedding, and do so two or three times! After this, you should fill your bathtub with boiling water, and soak the bedding in it for five minutes to kill all the larvae and eggs. After this, squeeze the bedding and allow it to dry naturally in the sun. You can then use a pet-friendly spray to finish off the cleaning process. Take a look at our review of flea carpet spray & powders for more info.
So there you have it: some useful tips that will help you to clean your dog’s bed quickly and effectively. If you follow the advice that has been provided, you can make sure that your dog has a comfortable and clean place to rest its head every evening. After all, no one wants to sleep in a dirty bed, do they?
Sources:
- Jean Bauhaus, 5 Dog-Safe Cleaning Solutions You Can Mix At Home, The American Kennel Club
- Dr. Gary Michelson, The Definitive Guide to Cleaning your Pet’s Belongings, Michelson Found Animals Foundation
