Your pet loves their bed—but the fur, dirt, and mystery smells are starting to make you wonder how to wash it safely.

Throwing the whole bed into the machine may sound simple. Yet a hot cycle, an unsuitable detergent, or a damp filling can leave a once-comfortable bed misshapen or unpleasant to use.

The good news: you do not need one harsh cleaning method for every bed. Start with the care label, separate what can be washed, and let every layer dry fully. Here is how to clean a pet bed while protecting its shape and materials.

1Check the Label and Identify the Layers

Before you clean anything, locate the sewn-in label or the care instructions for your exact product and size. The CDC advises following the instructions supplied with pet items.

Look for three separate pieces:

1. Outer cover: Does it unzip or lift off? Is it labeled machine washable, hand washable, or spot clean only?
2. Inner cushion or filling: Can it be removed? Does it have its own care label?
3. Base or frame: Is it fabric, foam, plastic, or a raised mesh surface?

Do not assume that a removable cover means the filling can also be washed. Check every component before choosing a method.

If the label is missing or unclear, ask the seller for the care instructions. When in doubt, avoid heat and soaking until you know what the material allows.

2Remove Fur and Treat Small Messes First

Dry cleanup makes the wash easier. Loose hair can cling to damp fabric and collect in your washing machine.

• Shake the bed or cover outside, if practical.
• Lift hair from seams and corners with a vacuum or a soft brush.
• Blot a fresh spill with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing it deeper into the fabric.
• For a small mark, test any label-approved cleaner on a hidden area before treating the visible spot.

These tools handle surface hair; they do not replace the care-label-approved method for washing or treating a stain.

For loose fur on the bed and nearby fabric, compare these tools from the PawlyEden Home Cleaning & Odor Control collection:

Pet Hair Remover BrushGather loose hair from bedding and nearby fabric. Double-Sided Pet Hair Lint RollerPick up hair and lint before washing a removable cover.

3Wash a Removable Cover Without Guessing

If the cover is labeled machine washable, remove it and follow its stated temperature, cycle, and drying instructions. Use the appropriate amount of detergent, and rinse well.

The CDC notes that a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent may be a better choice for pets with sensitive skin. That is a practical option when it also suits the fabric's label.

Before pressing start:

1. Empty trapped fur from the cover and check its seams.
2. Close any zipper or fastening so it does not catch on the fabric.
3. Wash only the layers the manufacturer says may go in the machine.
4. Use the indicated temperature and cycle; do not assume hotter is better.

Remember: “washable” does not automatically mean “machine washable.” The care label determines the method. Never put foam or an inner cushion in the wash simply because its outer cover can be removed.

4Clean a Bed That Cannot Go in the Machine

A fixed cover, foam insert, or framed bed calls for a different approach. First follow the product's own care directions.

For a surface that permits hand cleaning, wipe or gently scrub the soiled area with a cloth, water, and a small amount of suitable detergent. Remove any soap residue with another damp cloth. Avoid saturating filling that is difficult to dry.

For a frame or hard base, clean each accessible surface and let it dry before putting a cushion back. The CDC distinguishes routine cleaning with soap or detergent from disinfecting; routine cleaning is usually sufficient for most pet items. If an animal is ill or the bed is contaminated, follow veterinary advice and the disinfectant label instead of improvising a mixture.

Do not treat vinegar as a reliable disinfectant. The CDC says its ability to clean or kill germs is not established well enough for that purpose.

5Dry the Bed All the Way Through

The cover may feel dry while the center of a cushion is still damp. Check the seams, corners, and thickest part before reassembly.

• Follow the label if it allows a dryer. Avoid high heat when the fabric or filling does not permit it.
• Spread air-dry pieces out where air can reach both sides; turn thick cushions as they dry.
• Keep your pet's bed out of use until the cover and the inner layers are completely dry.

The American Kennel Club advises waiting until thick, filled beds are fully dry before a dog uses them again. If a bed retains a persistent musty smell or its filling cannot dry properly, consider whether it needs replacement.

6Build a Simple Cleaning Routine

The CDC's example schedule recommends cleaning pet beds and blankets every week. Clean sooner when the bed looks dirty or smells bad.

Keep the routine manageable:

• Between washes: remove hair, crumbs, and loose dirt.
• Each cleaning day: check the label, clean the permitted layers, and dry them fully.
• Occasionally: inspect seams, zippers, cushion shape, and stubborn odors.

If your pet is sick, has fleas, or repeatedly soils the bed, ask your veterinarian what additional cleaning is appropriate. Washing the bed does not diagnose or treat the underlying issue.

7Choose a Bed That Fits Your Care Routine

A bed fits your care routine when you can manage its usual messes without a difficult cleanup. Think about what collects between washes: loose fur, damp paws, and the occasional small spill.

• How easily does it come apart? Check which pieces separate and whether you can remove and replace the cover without a struggle.
• Where does fur collect? Deep seams and textured fabric may need more brushing than a simple, accessible surface.
• What can actually be washed? Read the instructions for the cover, filling, and base. “Waterproof” or “washable” does not mean every layer belongs in a machine.
• Can you dry it fully? Consider the space and time needed for a thick insert to dry before your pet uses the bed again.

Compare the care directions for the exact size you plan to buy. Choose a design that fits the time and tools you can realistically use each week.

Explore beds with practical care features

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Removable Washable Pet Bed for Small Dogs and Cats Corduroy Pet Bed with Removable, Washable Cover Waterproof All-Season Dog Bed with Washable Cover Semi-Enclosed Removable-Washable Cat & Dog Bed Waterproof Cat Bed Mattress with Removable, Washable Cover Memory Foam Pet Bed Mat for Small Dogs, Removable & Washable Removable Washable Plush Pet Bed Mat for Cats & Dogs Elevated Pet Bed with Removable Washable Cover Washable Pet Bed for Cats and Small to Medium Dogs Pet Tent Bed for Cats and Small Dogs, Removable and Washable

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Check the selected size and its care label before washing; cover construction can vary by variant.

Quick checklist before your pet settles back in

• I checked the care label for each layer.
• Loose hair and visible dirt are gone.
• I used only the cleaning method allowed for this bed.
• The cover, filling, and base are completely dry.
• The bed is back in a clean, easy-to-reach spot.

A clean bed is easier to maintain when its shape and care needs fit your household. If you are still deciding which style suits your pet, start with our simple pet bed buying guide, then explore PawlyEden Pet Beds with the care instructions in mind.