DIY Methods

DIY Cleaning Methods for Pet beds

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for pet beds. Keep your pet’s bed fresh, odor-free, and hygienic with simple, effective home cleaning tips.

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Enzyme Cleaner Spray and Sun Dry

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

President at E-Cloth

Updated July, 20

Vacuum and Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda generously over the pet bed and let it sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb odors. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with dirt, hair, and debris, leaving the bed fresh and clean.

How to Clean Pet Beds with Vacuum and Baking Soda

Start by removing loose debris: Take the pet bed outside and give it a good shake to dislodge fur, crumbs, and dirt. This step helps your vacuum work more efficiently.

Vacuum thoroughly: Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment if you have one. Go over the entire surface, paying extra attention to seams and crevices where fur and dirt like to hide. If your vacuum has a HEPA filter, that’s a bonus for trapping fine particles, but any vacuum will help reduce buildup.

Sprinkle baking soda generously: Lightly dust the entire bed with baking soda. This common pantry staple is known for its ability to help with odors and can also help loosen some dirt from fabric fibers. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes—longer if you have the time and the bed is especially musty.

Vacuum again: Go over the bed once more with your vacuum to pick up the baking soda along with any remaining fur and debris. Move slowly to give the vacuum time to lift the powder from the fabric.

Spot clean if needed: If you notice any stubborn spots or stains, use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to gently blot the area. Avoid soaking the bed, as too much moisture can be tough to dry out and may lead to lingering dampness.

Let the bed air out: If possible, place the bed in a well-ventilated area or outside in the shade for a few hours. This helps any remaining odors dissipate and ensures the bed is fully dry before your pet uses it again.

Deep Odor Penetration

Vacuuming and baking soda may not remove deeply embedded pet odors, as these methods only address surface smells and cannot reach odors trapped deep within the bed’s fabric or filling.

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White Vinegar and Hot Water Soak

Fill a basin with equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Submerge the pet bed and let it soak for 15–30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. This method helps eliminate odors and break down dirt naturally.

White Vinegar and Hot Water Soak for Pet Beds

Start by shaking out the pet bed outdoors to remove as much loose fur, dirt, and debris as possible. This step makes the soak more effective and keeps your sink or tub from turning into a fur swamp.

Vacuum the bed thoroughly using a handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment. Pay extra attention to seams and crevices where fur and crumbs like to hide.

Fill a bathtub or large basin with hot water—not boiling, but hot enough that you can comfortably put your hands in it. The heat helps loosen grime and odors clinging to the fabric.

Add white vinegar to the water at a ratio of about one cup of vinegar per gallon of water. White vinegar is a common household cleaning agent that helps with odors and general grime. It’s not a disinfectant, but it can help with everyday messes.

Submerge the pet bed fully, pressing it down so the water and vinegar solution soaks through all layers. If the bed floats, weigh it down with a clean plate or heavy bowl.

Let the bed soak for 30–60 minutes. This gives the solution time to work on odors and loosen dirt. For beds with removable covers, you can soak just the cover if you prefer.

After soaking, drain the water and rinse the bed thoroughly with clean, warm water. Squeeze out as much water as possible—don’t twist or wring, as this can damage the filling or shape.

Dry the bed completely. If the care label allows, tumble dry on low heat. Otherwise, air dry in a well-ventilated area, flipping and fluffing occasionally to help it dry evenly and prevent musty smells.

Check the care label before starting. Some pet beds have special instructions or materials that don’t play well with hot water or vinegar. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance when in doubt.

Allergen Residue Persistence

White vinegar and hot water may not fully remove allergen residues from pet beds, allowing allergens like dander or dust mites to persist and trigger allergic reactions even after cleaning.

Streak-Free Wherever You Need It

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Enzyme Cleaner Spray and Sun Dry

Spray pet beds thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner, focusing on soiled areas. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to break down stains and odors. Place the beds outside in direct sunlight to air dry completely, allowing the sun’s UV rays to help disinfect and freshen.

How to Clean Pet Beds with Enzyme Cleaner Spray and Sun Drying

Shake out the pet bed outdoors to remove loose fur, crumbs, and dirt. This step helps prevent debris from turning into stubborn grime during the cleaning process.

Check the care label on your pet bed. Some beds have removable covers, while others are all-in-one. If the cover comes off, take it off and treat it separately for a more thorough clean.

Spray the surface with an enzyme cleaner. Enzyme cleaners are designed to break down organic messes like pet stains and odors. Make sure to follow the instructions on your specific product—some need to sit for a few minutes to work their magic.

Pay extra attention to stained or smelly spots. Give those areas a little more spray and let the cleaner sit a bit longer. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn spot, gently blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth to help lift the mess.

Wipe away any excess moisture with a clean, dry towel. This helps speed up the drying process and prevents the bed from staying damp for too long.

Take the bed outside and place it in direct sunlight. Sunlight can help freshen up fabrics and speed up drying. Make sure the bed is spread out so air can circulate around it. If possible, flip it over halfway through to ensure both sides dry thoroughly.

Let the bed dry completely before bringing it back inside. A fully dry bed helps keep musty smells at bay and makes it more comfortable for your pet.

Give the bed a quick once-over before returning it to your pet. If you notice any lingering spots or odors, repeat the process as needed.

Bacterial Growth Risk

If enzyme cleaner isn’t fully rinsed or the bed isn’t dried thoroughly in the sun, moisture and residue can promote bacterial growth, leading to odors and potential health risks for pets and humans.

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Mild Laundry Detergent and Machine Wash

Place the pet bed in the washing machine and add a mild laundry detergent. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. After washing, air dry or tumble dry on low heat. This method removes dirt and odors while being gentle on fabrics.

How to Clean Pet Beds with Mild Laundry Detergent and a Machine Wash

Check the care label first. Not all pet beds are created equal. Some have removable covers, others are one-piece wonders. The care label will tell you if machine washing is recommended and if there are any special instructions (like water temperature or drying method).

Shake it out. Before you even think about the washing machine, take the bed outside and give it a good shake. This helps remove loose fur, dirt, and the mysterious crumbs that always seem to appear.

Vacuum thoroughly. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to get into seams and corners. This step helps keep your washer from getting clogged with pet hair.

Spot clean stains. If you see any obvious spots (think: mud, drool, or the occasional “oops”), use a small amount of mild laundry detergent mixed with water. Dab the area with a clean cloth—don’t rub, or you’ll just spread the mess around.

Remove covers if possible. If the bed has a removable cover, unzip it and take it off. Wash the cover and the inner cushion separately for a more thorough clean.

Use a mild laundry detergent. Choose a detergent that’s free of strong fragrances and additives. This helps avoid leaving behind any residue that could irritate your pet’s skin.

Wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Hot water can sometimes shrink fabrics or damage the filling. Stick to cold or warm, and use the gentle cycle to help the bed keep its shape.

Rinse thoroughly. If your machine has an extra rinse option, use it. This helps make sure all detergent is washed out, which is especially important for pets with sensitive skin.

Dry completely. Air drying is usually the safest bet, especially for beds with foam inserts. If the care label says it’s okay, you can tumble dry on low heat. Make sure the bed is completely dry before letting your pet use it again—dampness can lead to musty smells or mildew.

Fluff and reshape. Once dry, give the bed a good shake and fluff to help it regain its shape. If the filling is lumpy, massage it back into place with your hands.

Stain Re-soiling Cycle

Stains may reappear after washing because mild detergent and machine washing can leave behind residue or not fully remove deep-set dirt, causing the pet bed to attract new soil and stains more quickly.

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