Intro

If your dog has a bed, crate blanket, couch blanket, or favorite throw, you probably already know how quickly pet bedding can go from clean to covered in hair, dirt, and that unmistakable “dog smell.”

The problem isn’t necessarily that you’re not cleaning enough. The bigger problem is that most dog owners don’t have a simple laundry routine for keeping all of that bedding under control.

A good routine doesn’t require washing every piece of dog bedding every day. For most homes, washing frequently used dog blankets and bedding about once a week is a practical starting point, with more frequent washing when your dog sheds heavily, spends a lot of time outdoors, gets wet or muddy, or has an accident.

The key is separating regular laundry from deep cleaning and knowing what actually needs to go into the washing machine.

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Table of Contents

• How often should you wash dog bedding?
• The simple weekly dog-bedding laundry routine
• What should be washed weekly?
• What needs to be washed less often?
• How to remove dog hair before washing
• The best way to wash dog blankets
• How to clean a dog bed
• Choosing the right detergent
• How to dry dog bedding properly
• What people are struggling with
• Common laundry mistakes to avoid
• Real-life dog bedding scenarios
• Tips for making dog laundry easier
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final recommendation

How Often Should You Wash Dog Bedding?

For most dogs, once a week is a good starting point for blankets and frequently used bedding.

That doesn’t mean every dog and every bed needs exactly the same schedule.

A clean indoor dog who barely sheds may be perfectly manageable with a slightly longer interval for some bedding. A Labrador that spends half the day outside and sheds constantly is a completely different situation.

The American Kennel Club notes that washing dog bedding weekly can help reduce the buildup of hair, oils, dirt, and other contaminants, while the appropriate frequency depends on factors such as the dog’s coat, outdoor activity, and how frequently the bedding is used.

A simple starting schedule

Wash weekly:

• Favorite dog blankets
• Crate blankets
• Couch throws your dog sleeps on
• Removable bed covers
• Bedding used every day

Wash every 1–2 weeks:

• Lightly used blankets
• Spare bedding
• Bedding belonging to a clean, mostly indoor dog

Wash sooner when necessary:

• Your dog has an accident
• The bedding gets wet
• It becomes muddy
• It develops a noticeable odor
• Your dog has been sick
• You notice significant dirt or contamination

The important thing is not to become obsessed with the calendar.

The condition of the bedding matters more than the exact day of the week.

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The Simple Weekly Dog-Bedding Laundry Routine

The easiest system I’ve found is to make dog bedding its own small laundry category rather than treating it like random household laundry.

Pick one day each week.

For example:

Saturday = Dog Laundry Day

On that day, gather:

1. Dog bed covers
2. Favorite blankets
3. Crate bedding
4. Couch throws
5. Any washable towels used for the dog

Before throwing everything into the washer, separate anything that requires special care.

Then follow the same basic process every time:

Step 1: Remove the hair first

Don’t throw a blanket covered in loose dog hair directly into the washing machine.

Remove as much loose hair as possible first.

You can:

• Shake blankets outside
• Vacuum the bedding
• Use a pet-hair remover
• Brush the surface
• Use a lint roller for smaller areas

This matters because wet dog hair can clump together and contribute to clogged filters and drains. The American Kennel Club specifically recommends removing excess hair before washing dog bedding.

Step 2: Check for stains

Look for:

• Mud
• Drool
• Food
• Urine
• Vomit
• Dirt
• Greasy spots

Pretreat obvious stains rather than assuming the washing machine will magically remove them.

Step 3: Check the care label

This is one of the easiest steps to skip.

Don’t assume every dog bed can be washed the same way.

Some covers are machine washable while foam inserts or structured beds may require different cleaning methods. Maytag also recommends checking the care instructions before putting a bed or cover into the washing machine.

Step 4: Don’t overload the washer

Dog blankets become surprisingly heavy when wet.

If you cram a giant dog bed and several blankets into a washer that’s already full, water and detergent may not move through the fabric properly.

Give bulky bedding room to move.

Step 5: Wash using the warmest temperature allowed

Follow the care label and use the warmest appropriate setting the material permits.

For bedding that can tolerate it, warmer water can provide a more thorough cleaning.

Don’t automatically use the hottest setting on every item, though. Fabric, filling, waterproof coatings, and other materials can have different requirements.

Step 6: Use an appropriate detergent

For dogs with sensitive skin, a fragrance-free or dye-free detergent can be a reasonable choice.

Maytag recommends gentle, pet-safe detergent and notes that an extra rinse can be useful for pets with sensitive skin.

The goal isn’t to make the blanket smell like perfume.

The goal is to make it actually clean.

Step 7: Dry everything completely

This step is extremely important.

Don’t put a damp dog bed back in the crate or on the couch.

Thick bedding can retain moisture deep inside, creating a musty smell and potentially encouraging mold or mildew growth. The American Kennel Club recommends making sure thick bedding is fully dry before your dog uses it again.

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What Should Be Washed Weekly?

Your dog’s most frequently used soft items should be the priority.

Think about where your dog actually spends time.

If your dog sleeps on the same blanket every night, that blanket should be part of your regular laundry rotation.

The same applies to a crate pad or removable bed cover.

One simple trick is to keep two washable blankets for your dog’s favorite sleeping area.

That way:

Blanket #1 → laundry

Blanket #2 → goes on the bed

This eliminates the “I can’t wash the blanket because my dog needs it” problem.

It also makes the routine much easier to maintain.

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What Doesn’t Need to Be Washed Every Week?

Not everything your dog touches needs to go into the washer constantly.

A large, thick dog bed with a removable cover is a good example.

The cover may need frequent washing while the interior cushion requires less frequent deep cleaning, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions and how dirty it becomes.

This is one reason removable covers are so useful.

Instead of trying to wrestle an enormous dog bed into your washing machine, you can remove the cover and wash the part that actually collects most of the hair and dirt.

If you’re shopping for a new dog bed, washability should be one of the features you consider before buying it.

A bed that looks fantastic but is nearly impossible to clean can become a headache very quickly.

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How to Remove Dog Hair Before Washing

Dog hair is one of the biggest reasons pet laundry becomes frustrating.

The washing machine isn’t a hair-removal machine.

It is much easier to remove loose hair before washing.

For blankets

Take the blanket outside and shake it thoroughly.

Then use a vacuum or pet-hair remover on stubborn areas.

For dog beds

Vacuum the surface, seams, corners, and underneath the removable cover.

For smaller areas

A lint roller can work well.

For heavy shedders

You may need to do a quick hair-removal pass every few days instead of waiting until laundry day.

This is one of those small maintenance habits that can make the actual weekly wash dramatically easier.

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The Best Way to Wash Dog Blankets

Dog blankets are usually much easier to clean than full dog beds.

Start by removing loose hair and checking the blanket for stains.

Then:

1. Check the care label.
2. Pretreat stains.
3. Place the blanket into the washer.
4. Use an appropriate detergent.
5. Select the appropriate temperature and cycle.
6. Consider an extra rinse if needed.
7. Dry according to the care instructions.
8. Make sure it is completely dry before returning it to your dog.

If the blanket is waterproof or has a special coating, pay particular attention to the manufacturer’s instructions.

You don’t want to destroy the coating while trying to make the blanket cleaner.

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How to Clean a Dog Bed

Dog beds are more complicated because they can have multiple layers.

Removable cover

This is the easiest situation.

Remove the cover and wash it according to the care label.

Foam insert

Foam requires more caution.

Some foam inserts aren’t designed for complete machine washing or prolonged soaking. Maytag notes that excess water can damage certain foam materials.

Non-removable bed

If the entire bed can’t go into the washer, you may need to clean it by hand.

Vacuum first.

Then use an appropriate cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Rinse thoroughly and allow the entire bed to dry completely.

The biggest mistake here is rushing the drying process.

A bed that feels dry on the outside may still be damp inside.

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Choosing the Right Detergent

You don’t necessarily need an expensive specialty detergent just because you’re washing dog bedding.

What matters is choosing something appropriate for the material and your dog’s needs.

For dogs with sensitive skin, fragrance-free and dye-free options can be worth considering.

You should also avoid using excessive detergent.

More detergent doesn’t automatically mean cleaner bedding.

In fact, leftover detergent can remain trapped in thick fabrics if the load isn’t rinsed properly.

An extra rinse can help when necessary.

And always follow the detergent’s directions.

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What People Are Actually Struggling With

The biggest problem isn’t usually knowing that dog bedding needs to be cleaned.

It’s keeping up with it.

Dog owners commonly run into the same problems:

“The blanket smells again two days later.”

That usually means you’re dealing with more than surface dirt.

The dog may be getting wet outside, carrying oils into the bedding, or the blanket may not be drying completely.

“My washing machine is covered in dog hair.”

You’re probably skipping the hair-removal step.

Remove as much loose hair as possible before the wash.

“The dog bed takes forever to dry.”

That’s common with thick beds.

The solution may be better ventilation, a removable cover, air drying, or choosing a bed designed to be easier to wash.

“I don’t have time to wash dog bedding every week.”

That’s where having multiple blankets helps.

You don’t need to stop everything to wash the only blanket your dog owns.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Washing bedding without removing hair

This creates unnecessary problems for your washer.

2. Ignoring the care label

Different materials have different cleaning requirements.

3. Overloading the washer

Bulky bedding needs room to move.

4. Using too much detergent

More isn’t always better.

5. Putting damp bedding back into use

This can lead to unpleasant odors and moisture problems.

6. Washing only when the bedding smells

Odor is one sign that bedding needs attention, but visible hair, dirt, moisture, and stains matter too.

7. Having only one blanket

This makes a consistent routine unnecessarily difficult.

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Real-Life Dog Bedding Scenarios

If you have a heavy shedder

Vacuum or remove loose hair several times per week and wash the main bedding weekly.

If your dog spends a lot of time outside

Expect to wash bedding more frequently during muddy or wet seasons.

If your dog sleeps on the couch

Use a washable throw as a protective layer.

It is much easier to throw a blanket into the washer than clean an entire couch.

If you have multiple dogs

Your laundry volume will naturally be higher.

Consider keeping multiple washable blankets in rotation.

If your dog has an accident

Don’t wait for the normal laundry day.

Clean the affected bedding as soon as practical.

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Tips That Make Dog Laundry Much Easier

Keep two sets of bedding.

This is probably the easiest improvement you can make.

Use washable covers.

A removable cover can save you from washing the entire bed.

Keep a dedicated laundry basket for dog bedding.

That prevents blankets from getting mixed into your regular household laundry.

Vacuum bedding between washes.

Weekly washing works much better when you’re removing hair and debris during the week.

Don’t let wet bedding sit in the washer.

Move it to the dryer or drying area promptly.

Keep a spare crate blanket.

Especially useful for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs prone to accidents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you wash dog bedding?

For frequently used bedding, once a week is a good starting point. Dogs that shed heavily, spend significant time outdoors, or soil their bedding may need more frequent washing.

Can you wash dog blankets with regular laundry?

You can, but many owners prefer keeping heavily soiled pet bedding separate. If the bedding is covered in excessive hair, mud, or bodily fluids, washing it separately makes sense.

What detergent should I use for dog bedding?

Use a detergent appropriate for the material. For dogs with sensitive skin, fragrance-free and dye-free options are worth considering.

Can you put a dog bed in the washing machine?

Only if the manufacturer says it is machine washable and it fits comfortably without overloading the washer. Removable covers are generally much easier to clean.

Why does my dog’s bedding still smell after washing?

The bedding may not have been cleaned thoroughly, the washer may have been overloaded, too much detergent may have been used, or the bedding may not have dried completely.

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Final Recommendation

You don’t need an elaborate cleaning system to keep your dog’s bedding under control.

Start with one dedicated dog-laundry day every week.

Remove the hair first, check for stains, follow the care label, don’t overload the washer, use an appropriate detergent, and make sure everything is completely dry before your dog gets it back.

If you’re struggling to keep up, don’t buy more complicated cleaning equipment first.

Buy a second set of washable blankets and covers.

That one change can make the entire routine easier because you always have clean bedding available while the dirty set is being washed.

The goal isn’t to have a spotless dog bed every hour of every day.

The goal is to create a simple system that keeps your dog’s sleeping areas clean, fresh, dry, and easy to maintain without turning laundry day into an all-day project.