How often should I wash my dog's bed, and what's the best way?

A general washing schedule

As a general guideline, plan to wash a dog bed cover every one to two weeks under normal conditions, with a full deep clean of any washable insert roughly once a month. Dogs shed skin cells, fur, and oils onto bedding constantly, and this builds up bacteria and odour faster than most owners expect, a bed that looks visually clean can still be due for a wash. Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors, have skin conditions, are incontinent, or are prone to allergies generally need more frequent washing than this baseline.

Check the care label before you start

Dog beds vary a lot in construction, so the manufacturer's care instructions should always take priority over general advice. Some beds have a fully removable, machine-washable cover with a separate foam insert that should only be spot-cleaned or hand-washed, since submerging foam in a machine can waterlog it and damage its structure. Washing a foam insert that isn't designed for it can also void a warranty and shorten the bed's usable life significantly, so check before you assume the whole bed is machine-safe.

Machine washing covers safely

For machine-washable covers, use a gentle or delicate cycle with cool or warm (not hot) water, since heat can degrade elastic, zippers, and waterproof coatings over repeated washes. A pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent is generally a safer choice than heavily scented detergents, which can irritate some dogs' skin or noses. Avoid fabric softener, as it can reduce the effectiveness of any waterproof or stain-resistant coating on the fabric.

Cleaning the foam insert or non-washable parts

For foam that can't be machine washed, spot-clean stains with a mild pet-safe cleaner and a damp cloth, then air-dry thoroughly before putting the cover back on, foam that's dried incompletely traps moisture and can develop mould or odour inside. Vacuuming the foam insert regularly to remove loose fur and dust between full cleans also helps keep the bed fresher for longer. Sunlight and fresh air are effective, low-cost tools for airing out a bed between washes, particularly for beds that see daily heavy use.

Signs it's time to replace, not just wash

Persistent odour that survives a proper wash, visibly flattened or lumpy foam that no longer springs back, and torn seams or exposed foam are all signs the bed has reached the end of its useful life rather than needing another clean. Regular washing extends a bed's lifespan, but foam does compress and degrade over time regardless of how well it's maintained, and a bed that's stopped providing real support is worth replacing for the dog's comfort. Keeping a simple washing routine written down somewhere, cover weekly, insert monthly, makes it much easier to stay consistent than trying to remember on an ad-hoc basis.