How to clean a dog bed properly depends more on what’s inside it than what the label says — foam, polyfill, and orthopedic inserts all react differently to water, heat, and detergent, and getting it wrong is how a bed goes from smelly to genuinely ruined. Here’s a full 2026 breakdown by material, plus the odor and stain fixes that actually work.
Check the care label and construction first
Before doing anything else, identify two things: whether the cover is removable, and what’s inside the bed. A removable, zippered cover can usually go straight into a washing machine. A one-piece bed with no removable cover needs a different approach entirely, since submerging solid foam in a washing machine can break down its structure and leave it waterlogged for days. Check the manufacturer’s tag — many orthopedic memory-foam inserts explicitly say “spot clean only” for the foam itself, even when the outer cover is machine-washable.
Washing a removable cover
Shake off loose fur and debris outside first, then pretreat any visible stains with a stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water, letting it sit 15-20 minutes. Wash in cold or warm water (check the tag — hot water can shrink some fabrics) using a mild, unscented detergent; strongly scented detergents can actually bother dogs’ sensitive noses and make them avoid the bed afterward. Skip fabric softener, which leaves a residue that reduces the fabric’s ability to wick away moisture and can irritate skin. Air-dry when possible, since high heat in a dryer can warp zippers, melt certain synthetic fills, or shrink the cover so it no longer fits the insert.
Cleaning foam or one-piece beds without a removable cover
For solid foam or one-piece beds, spot cleaning is the safer route. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, work it into stained or soiled areas with a soft brush or cloth, then blot (don’t soak) with clean water to rinse out the soap. Press out excess moisture with a towel and let the bed air-dry completely — ideally outdoors in sunlight, which also helps neutralize odor — before your dog uses it again. Never fully submerge a solid foam insert or run it through a washing machine; foam absorbs water into its cell structure and can take days to dry fully, during which mold and mildew can develop inside where you can’t see it.
Getting rid of dog bed odor
Regular washing handles most odor, but for lingering smell between washes, sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire bed, let it sit for at least an hour (overnight is better), then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs odor rather than masking it, which matters since dogs have a far more sensitive sense of smell than humans and can be put off by heavily perfumed odor sprays. For beds that retain smell even after washing, the odor is often trapped in foam that’s absorbed moisture over time — at that point, replacement is usually more effective than continued cleaning.
Handling specific stains
For urine accidents, blot up as much liquid as possible immediately, then use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to break down the proteins in pet urine — regular detergent can leave enough residual odor that a dog is drawn back to the same spot. For mud and dirt, let it dry completely first, then brush off as much as possible before washing; wet mud smears into fabric fibers, while dry mud brushes away more cleanly. For vomit or diarrhea, scrape off solid matter, blot, then treat as you would a urine stain with an enzymatic cleaner.
How often should you wash a dog bed?
Wash removable covers every 1-2 weeks under normal conditions, more often for puppies, senior dogs with incontinence issues, or dogs that spend significant time outdoors. Vacuum the bed weekly between washes to control fur, dander, and dust mites, which build up faster in pet bedding than in most household textiles. A bed that’s never been fully cleaned — only vacuumed — is one of the more common reasons pet owners report unexplained skin or allergy flare-ups in both dogs and household members.
Signs it’s time to replace instead of clean
If a bed has flattened significantly, developed a persistent odor that survives multiple washes, or if the foam has visibly yellowed or crumbles when pressed, cleaning won’t restore it — the internal structure has broken down. Chewed or torn beds with exposed filling are also a safety issue, since dogs can ingest loose stuffing, and at that point replacement is the only real fix.
Mistakes to avoid
- Fully submerging or machine-washing a solid foam insert without a removable cover
- Using scented detergents or fabric softener that can irritate skin or make a dog avoid the bed
- Drying on high heat, which can warp zippers or shrink covers out of fit
- Treating urine stains with regular detergent instead of an enzymatic cleaner, leaving residual odor that draws repeat accidents
- Continuing to “clean” a bed that’s actually reached end-of-life due to flattened foam or persistent embedded odor
| Bed Type | Cleaning Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Removable washable cover | Machine wash, cold/warm, air-dry | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Solid foam / one-piece bed | Spot clean, blot, air-dry fully | As needed, spot-treat weekly |
| Orthopedic memory-foam insert | Spot clean only, never submerge | As needed |
| Outdoor/all-weather bed | Hose down, mild soap, air-dry | Every 1-2 weeks or after heavy use |
Quick reference: what to use on each stain
| Stain/Issue | Best Treatment |
|---|---|
| Urine | Enzymatic cleaner, blot don’t rub |
| Mud/dirt | Let dry, brush off, then wash |
| General odor | Baking soda, sit 1+ hour, vacuum |
| Vomit/diarrhea | Scrape, blot, enzymatic cleaner |
If your current bed is past saving, our dog beds hub covers the current top picks by durability and washability, including our Kong dog bed comparison for chew-conscious households. And if the smell has spread beyond the dog bed itself, it’s worth checking whether it’s time to refresh other bedding too — see our cooling mattress and bed sizing guides, or learn more about our review process on how we test.
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
Wash removable covers every 1-2 weeks under normal conditions, and more frequently for puppies, senior dogs with incontinence, or dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Can I put a dog bed in the washing machine?
Only if it has a removable cover or is specifically labeled machine-washable. Solid foam inserts without a removable cover should be spot cleaned instead, since submerging foam can trap water inside for days.
How do I get the smell out of a dog bed?
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the bed, let it sit for at least an hour (overnight is better), then vacuum thoroughly. For odor trapped deep in foam, replacement is often more effective than repeated cleaning.
What’s the best way to remove urine stains from a dog bed?
Blot up as much liquid as possible immediately, then treat with an enzymatic cleaner designed to break down the proteins in pet urine — regular detergent can leave residue that draws repeat accidents to the same spot.
Can I use regular laundry detergent on a dog bed?
Yes, but use a mild, unscented detergent and skip fabric softener, since strongly scented products can bother a dog’s sensitive nose and fabric softener leaves a residue that reduces moisture-wicking.
Is it safe to dry a dog bed in the dryer?
Air-drying is safer for most dog beds, since high heat can warp zippers, shrink covers, or damage certain synthetic fills. Check the care label for dryer-safe confirmation first.
How do I clean a dog bed with no removable cover?
Spot clean with a mild detergent and water using a soft brush or cloth, blot with clean water to rinse, then air-dry completely before your dog uses it again.
When should I replace a dog bed instead of cleaning it?
Replace it if the foam has flattened significantly, developed a persistent odor that survives washing, shows visible yellowing or crumbling, or if the bed is torn with exposed filling.