Many dog owners would like their dogs to have a comfortable and comfortable bed in which they can relax and catch some Z’s. However, maintaining a dog’s bed tidy and clean can be a challenge. Certain beds come with machine-washable covers, while others require to be scrubbed manually. Follow this step-by-step guide to find out how you can wash your dog’s bed regardless of the type and other items to be aware of to ensure your pet’s bed smells and looks fresh.
How often should you clean Your Bed for Your Dog?
Contrary to popular opinion Dog beds need frequent cleaning. “We suggest washing bedding twice a week at the very least,” says Tina Wismer, DVM, Senior Director, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
However, the frequency may differ based on a variety of variables like how long your dog is outside and sheds, as well as if anyone living in your home is suffering from an allergy to pets.
How to Wash a Dog Bed in the Machine Dog Bed
The best way to clean the dog’s bed is dependent on the fabric. If it’s equipped with an open cover, it is likely to be cleaned and dried in a machine in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, if you don’t have the instructions available you should be safe.
Begin by taking out all extra hair and other debris from your bed, according to Eleni Shipp, vice president of marketing for Lemi Shine, an assortment of cleaning products that are made from plants that are pet-safe and safe. This can be done by shaking the mattress or by thoroughly vacuuming the bed to eliminate any remaining debris.
It is then Shipp suggests putting the bed cover in the washer and then running it through the normal cold cycle. “I typically add a few doggie towels to make sure the load is full,” she says.
If you’re looking for detergent, choose one that is fragrance-free or without scent Wismer suggests. Like humans with sensitive skin, the scents and scents that are present in laundry detergent could trigger your animal to suffer some kind of allergy and result in itchy and inflamed skin.
There are more than just the detergents you should be looking out for, but fabric softeners could cause more harm. “Fabric softeners have cationic detergents, with the possibility of causing problems for your pet such as crying, vomiting, ulcers of the esophagus and oral cavity, as well as febrile illness,” Wismer explains. “These symptoms are clinical and require the intervention of a vet.” To be sure to err on the safe side consider putting your dog’s bedding cover through an additional rinse cycle to ensure that all detergent is taken off the cover.
It’s also recommended to let your dog’s bed cover air dry, Shipp says. If you do decide to place them in the dryer make sure to dry them at a low temperature so that it doesn’t shrink. Also, do not use dryer sheets. ” Oral ulcers may develop when a pet chews on an old dry-cleaning sheet” Wismer warns. “If animals ingest enough sheets, either new or used or used, an intestinal obstruction can be the result.”
5 steps to hand wash a Dog Bed
Beds for dogs without removable inserts are difficult to clean as they nearly all the time aren’t safe for washing machines. If this is the case, follow these five steps to clean your dog’s bed manually:
1. Vacuum the bed of the dog
Make use of the head attachment on your vacuum to wash all the areas of your dog’s bed which include the interior, exterior, and between the seams. The objective is to eliminate all hair dirt and other debris, some of which might not be apparent to the naked eye.
2. Spot Clean Stains
If your dog’s bedding is stained or stained, clean up any liquid using a towel. In some instances, it may be necessary to apply the use of a chemical spray, or stain removal product. Make sure that your pet is secure. It’s the Lemi Shine Multi-surface Disinfecting Spray For instance is a reliable choice. In addition, it is free of harsh chemicals, Shipp claims that it is suitable for dogs and people suffering from asthma, allergies, and other sensitivities which can be worsened through the use of harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach.
3. Soak in warm, soapy Water
Based on what size you want your dog’s bed, fill a bathtub or sink using warm water, and add some laundry detergent. Immerse the bed in the water until completely damp and then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. If the bed appears to be extremely dirty and the water is turning brown, you need to remove the water and refill it, and then allow the bedding to soak another 5-10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle onto Baking Soda
After wringing out the bed, pull it out from the sink or tub and sprinkle baking soda over the bed. Take the scrub brush and scrub every corner of the bed. In addition to being an effective cleansing agent baking soda can an excellent way to absorb any unpleasant odors, Shipp says. This is particularly beneficial because the detergent you’ll be using is not scented.
5. Rinse thoroughly
While you scrub the dog’s bed with baking soda, empty all the water out of the tub or sink that you used. Then, refill it and submerge the dog’s bed in fresh water. Begin kneading the bed in order to eliminate any remaining baking soda and detergent residue. It may be necessary to drain and replenish the water several times to ensure that all soapiness has gone.
6. Dry and Wring
After the bed is cleaned Start wringing it out to rid of any water that is left. Remember that the greater amount of water that you eliminate and the more quickly the bed will dry. Once you’ve eliminated all water you can put the bed outdoors on a mat and on drying racks, in indirect sunlight. Depending on the bed you’ve chosen it could take several hours to fully dry.
What to Consider When Choosing the right dog bed that’s easy to clean
Apart from hand washing and machine washing a dog’s bed, you may also dry it clean, however, the majority of people don’t think it’s worth the price. “Is dry cleaning really worth it for a bed costing $50-$90? Most likely it isn’t,” says Caitlin Sole who is the senior associate editor for home at Better Homes and Gardens.com. “You are also not certain of the safety of solvents if they come into contact with dogs.”
So when you’re looking for pet beds, it’s recommended to choose a bed that is easy to wash. Here are some points to think about:
- Be sure to check the label before buying the dog bed. Check to see if the bed can be washed in the washing machine or has a cover that is easily put in the washing machine.
- Experts recommend that you wash your dog’s bed as frequently as every two weeks It’s crucial to ensure that your dog’s bed is constructed of a sturdy fabric that will last several washes.
- If your dog is susceptible to accidents, invest in a waterproof dog bed. Sole is a pet owner who has a Great Pyrenees and recommends perfusion’s Ultimate Dog Bed which has an odor-proof liner as well as a three-year guarantee.