Cleaning Pet Beds: Why and How

I treat my fur babies like they are exactly that: my babies. So when I was cuddling Joey the other day, I meant to sink my nose into his fur and accidentally got a noseful of his bed — and woof, it smelled nasty! Which got me thinking, I’m so particular about what he eats — it has to be Get Joy Dog Food — but what about where he sleeps (when he isn’t in my bed, if we’re honest)? I don’t like to remember all the things his paws touch on his walks, and I don’t want his bed full of dirt, old fur, or, worst case, fleas!

So I made my weekend project figuring out the best (and easiest) way to deep clean his bed. Here’s how:

What You’ll Need

• A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
• A HeySunday laundry detergent sheet dissolved in warm water 
• White vinegar (for extra odor removal and disinfection)
• Baking soda (for absorbing odors)
• A washing machine and dryer (or a sunny spot for air drying)
• A lint roller (optional, but helpful)

How To Do It

Prep Work

1. Vacuum Time: Before anything else, vacuum the entire bed, including all crevices and seams. This will remove loose hair and dirt. The hose attachment is your best friend here!
2. Check the Label: Look for care instructions on the bed’s label. This will tell you if it’s machine washable, hand wash only, or requires special care.

Washing

1. Remove Covers (If Applicable): If the bed has a removable cover, take it off and turn it inside out. This will help protect the outer fabric during washing.
2. Pre-Treat Stains: For any visible stains (mud, drool, accidents…we’ve all been there), pre-treat them with a stain remover or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before washing.
3. Load the Washing Machine: Place the cover (or the entire bed if it’s machine washable) in the washing machine. Throw in a HeySunday laundry detergent sheet. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can irritate your pet’s skin.
4. Add Vinegar (Optional): Add about a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle for extra odor removal and disinfection.
5. Wash Cycle: Wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, depending on the care instructions.

Drying

1. Check the Label Again: Refer to the care instructions for drying recommendations.
2. Machine Drying (If Allowed): If the label allows, tumble dry on low heat. Avoid high heat, as it can shrink or damage the bed. You can add a few clean tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the bed and prevent clumping.
3. Air Drying (Recommended): For best results, air dry the bed completely. This can take several hours, especially for larger beds. You can lay it flat in a well-ventilated area or hang it outside on a sunny day. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in use to prevent mold and mildew.

Extra Steps for Extra Freshness

1. Baking Soda Power: Before putting the clean cover back on (or before putting the bed back in its spot), sprinkle the bed with baking soda. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to absorb any remaining odors, then vacuum it up thoroughly.
2. Lint Rolling: Use a lint roller to remove any lingering pet hair from the bed.

Tips and Tricks

• Frequency: Try to wash your pet’s bed at least once a month, or more often if it’s heavily used or if your pet has allergies or skin issues.
• Between Washes: Vacuum the bed regularly (at least once a week) to get rid of loose hair and dirt.
• Bed Placement: Consider placing the bed in a low-traffic area to minimize dirt and dust adding up.

Joey’s bed looks good enough for me to sleep in now! Keeping it clean is good for all of us — and our future guests. 

‍