Wash, Rinse, Repeat: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Dog’s Bed Clean and Comfy

Your dog's bed is not just a spot for snoozing; it's a haven, their safe space. However, with all that love and use comes inevitable dirt, odours, and bacteria build-up.

Just like humans, dogs can be sensitive to allergens, dirt, and bacteria. A dirty bed not only harbours unpleasant odours but can also trigger allergies and skin irritations in your pet. Moreover, forgetting to clean your dog's bed can lead to pests like fleas and ticks, and pose health risks for both your pet and your household.

We want you to get the best out of our products for as long as possible. So we have compiled the following guide to ensure your items remain in tip top condition. 

The first step in cleaning your dog's bed is identifying the appropriate method based on its material and construction. 

Nest Beds

How you choose to wash a nest bed depends on the size of the bed, and the size of the drum in your washing machine. 

For XS, Small & medium nest beds, the full nest bed and inner cushion can be placed inside a washing machine on a 30°C wash.

For Large & XL nest beds, either use a large drum or commercial washing machine to wash the whole bed as per above instructions or separately pop the removable inner cushion into the washing machine on a 30°C wash and hand wash/wipe down the main bed frame and cushions.

Use a mild detergent, preferably one that is fragrance-free and pet-safe, to avoid triggering any sensitivities.

After washing, reshape and fluff up the bed and dry thoroughly in an airing cupboard or against a radiator. Do not tumble dry. This will allow your bed to stay in top condition for many years.

To wash a nest bed from our new Contemporary collection, simply unzip the removable covers of the outer bed and inner cushion, before popping in the washing machine on a 30°C wash. Allow the cover to dry on a radiator or the airing cupboard before reconstructing your dog’s bed. As always, please do not tumble dry our products to avoid damaging the fabric.

Waterproof Beds

Most mud and dirt can be wiped off, as the fabric is designed for easy cleaning. However for heavy soiling, all you need to do is unzip the removable covers of the inner cushion and outer bed and pop in the washing machine on a hand wash/low temp wash setting, without detergent. Please then allow it to dry naturally. 

Remember: using any detergent or fabric cleaner will affect the waterproof fabrics effectiveness. 

Pillow Beds

Unzip and place the removable cover into your machine washing at 30° on a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking or damaging the fabric. Once washed, air-dry the cover thoroughly in an airing cupboard or against a radiator before reassembling the bed. Do not tumble dry.

Collars & Leads

When it comes to choosing what to clean dog collars with, we usually advise that you hand wash our collars and leads or give them a wipe down with a wet cloth and let them dry naturally.

Blankets

Pop your blanket in your washing machine at 30° and allow it to dry naturally. 

Maintaining Cleanliness Between Washes:

While regular washing is crucial, there are also steps you can take to keep your dog's bed fresh between deep cleanings:

• Vacuuming: Use a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from the bed's surface.
• Spot Cleaning: Immediately tackle any spills or accidents to prevent stains and odours from setting in. Blot the area with a clean cloth and a pet-safe cleaner.
• Rotation: Consider having multiple bed covers or beds on rotation. This allows you to wash one while your pup still has a clean bed to use.

A clean dog bed is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for your pet's health and well-being. By following the proper cleaning techniques outlined in this guide and incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, you can ensure that your dog has a comfortable and hygienic space to call their own for years to come.