Wash a Dog’s Bed
If you have a dog i.e. if you own a dog; So you probably know how much of a chore it is to keep your dog’s bed clean. How to wash a dog bed in an easy way? It has many rules. Keeping the dog’s bed clean is an essential task to create a pleasant home environment for them. If you don’t have proper knowledge about this, no problem. We will discuss in this article how to wash a dog’s bed. I will show you 7 easy steps for that.
Step 1: Check the care label | Wash a Dog’s Bed
When it comes to washing your dog’s bedding, the first step is to check the care label. This level plays an important role in how to care for or clean a dog’s bed. It also provides important information on how to clear the levels.
You can find several common care symbols on dog bedding care labels. It includes:
Washing machine symbol:
This symbol looks like a small washing machine. This symbol indicates whether the bedding is machine washable or not. If the care label or machine sticker has a symbol of hand, it means you can wash your pet’s bed in the washing machine on a delicate or gentle cycle.
Temperature symbol:
This symbol looks like a thermometer. If the symbol indicates that the bed can be washed at the highest temperature without causing damage, then you can wash the bedding at that temperature. If there is a line under the symbol, it means you can wash the bedding at a low temperature.
Bleach symbol:
This symbol looks like a triangle. The symbol indicates whether bleach can be used on the bedding or not. If the symbol is blank, it means you should not use bleach. If there is a line inside the triangle, it means you can use non-chlorine bleach.
Tumble Dry Symbol:
This symbol looks like a circle inside a square. This symbol indicates whether the bed can be dried. If there is a dot in the circle, it means drying the bed on a low heat setting.
Iron Symbol:
This symbol looks like iron. Use this symbol to indicate whether you can iron the bed. If there is a dot inside the iron, iron the bed in a low-heat setting. Using higher temperatures may damage the bed.
However, you should use your best judgment to wash a dog’s bed which does not have a care label. How you clean your dog’s bed is entirely up to you.
Step 2: Remove excess hair and debris | Cleaning a dog bed
Before washing your dog’s bed, removing excess hair and debris is a very important task. This is because washing a bed covered in hair and debris can cause the hair powder to accumulate in the bed. Which, makes it much harder to remove them in the future. Hair and other dirt, if not cleaned properly, can clog your washing machine and cause serious damage.
To effectively remove hair and debris, you can use a lint roller or a vacuum cleaner. A lint roller can be used to remove hair and small debris from the surface of the bed. Simply roll the sticky surface of the lint roller over the bed surface when using it. Apply a little more pressure to clean thoroughly. If you don’t have a lint roller you can use packing tape or duct tape as an alternative. In the case of washing a dog bed, it has many functions.
For larger fur, you can use a vacuum cleaner. Start by using a vacuum to remove hair from the surface of the bed. Then, flip the bed over and vacuum the other side. If your dog’s bed has a removable cover, remove it. And vacuum both sides. If your dog’s bed is very dirty, be sure to vacuum it thoroughly before using a lint roller or vacuum. It will remove large excess dirt. In this case, you can use a large brush to facilitate your work.
Step 3: Pre-treat stains | Dog Bed | Pet Care
Pre-treatment goes a long way in cleaning your dog’s bed. It works to thoroughly clean a variety of stains from your dog’s bed. If the bed is not treated before washing, bed stains can become permanent. Which later becomes very difficult to remove. The type of pre-treatment varies based on different scars. For example:
Common types of dog bed stains include:
Urine Stains:
Urine stains are very common in dog bedding. To pre-treat such stains, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar and use on the stain. Apply the mixture of vinegar and water on the stain for 10-15 minutes. Then slowly remove it. Be sure to use a clean and soft cloth to clean the stain.
Blood Stains:
When cleaning your dog’s bed, you can often find blood stains. Blood stains can be effectively eliminated with hydrogen peroxide. Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stain and leave it on for a few minutes. Then gently try to wipe the stain with a soft cloth.
Mud stains:
For mud stains, dry the bed mud thoroughly before pre-treating. After the mud dries, you can use a brush to clean as much of the dried mud as possible. Using a soft brush can easily remove such dirt from the dog bed. Alternatively, it can be removed using a small amount of laundry detergent with water.
Grease Stains:
To pre-treat grease stains, use a small amount of dish soap directly on the stain. After applying dish soap, it should be rubbed gently. After that, after leaving it for a few minutes, you can use a clean cloth to remove the stain.
Food Stains:
Food stains are very common when it comes to cleaning dog beds. To remove food stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water. Blend equivalent measures of baking pop and water to make a glue. Apply the paste you have prepared on the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then use a clean cloth to wipe away the stain.
Step 4: Choose the right detergent and wash cycle | Laundry Tips
Care must be taken when cleaning your dog’s bed during the washing process so as not to damage any of its furs. For that, it is very important to use the right cleaning method and the right detergent. Doing it wrong can burn or ruin your dog’s bedding when you clean it. When choosing a detergent, make sure it is suitable for washing pets. Always avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners. They can be harmful to your pet’s skin.
When it comes to cleaning dog beds, it’s usually best to use cold water on a gentle cycle. It’s always best to avoid using hot water. Because it can shrink the fabric. If the care label indicates that the bedding can be machine dried, use a low heat setting. You can air-dry the bedding to prevent damage to the fabric.
But yes, different types of fabrics may require different washing instructions. For example, if the bed is made of a delicate or high-maintenance fabric such as wool, silk, or suede. However, special measures must be taken in cleaning such dog beds.
Step 5: Dry the Dog Bed | Pet Hygiene
Proper drying of dog bedding is crucial to maintaining its shape, texture, and overall quality.
If the care label indicates that the bedding can be machine dried. Then you can dry it using a low heat setting. But in that case, you must avoid over-drying. Overdrying can cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric. Moreover, if you want, you can air dry the bed outside. It is a convenient method without any danger. Avoid drying in direct sunlight to prevent fading. Direct sunlight can damage the color of your dog’s bedding. If the bed has a removable cover, it is very easy to clean. You remove the cover and wash and dry it. This process is much simpler than cleaning a dog bed.
Step 6: Refresh the Dog Bed Scent | Dog Odor Removal
If your dog’s bed needs to be refreshed, there are a few ways to do so. Dogs can sometimes leave an unpleasant odor in their bed, especially if they spend a lot of time outside or have skin or coat problems. You can use different types of perfumes to remove them.
One way to refresh the scent is to use a fabric refresher spray. You can spray the bed lightly with a refresher spray. This will deodorize your bed. When using the spray, be sure to check whether it is suitable for use on pets. Another option is to add a scented dryer sheet during the drying process. It can give the bed a fresh, clean scent and help reduce static electricity. Be sure to choose a pet-safe dryer sheet that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. But of course, instead of washing dirty bedding, the spray should not be used at all.
Step 7: Reassemble the Dog Bed | House Maintenance
After washing and drying your dog’s bed, it is very important to put it back in its original place. For that, make sure that it maintains the correct shape and quality. You can follow some tips. For example:
Fluff the stuffing: If the bed is filled with stuffing, take the time to fluff it by hand or with a dryer on low heat. This will help redistribute the stuffing and make the bed more comfortable for your dog to use.
Reattach any removable covers: If the dog bed has removable covers, be sure to reattach them after washing. Check to make sure seams and zippers are secure and in good condition.
Check for any loose threads or seams: When reassembling the dog bed, check for any loose threads or seams. Trim any loose threads with scissors and use a needle and thread to repair any seams that have come apart in the wash.
Air out the bed: If there is a strong odor after washing the dog bed. But you can air it for a few hours before using it again. This will help reduce any lingering odors and make the bed more comfortable for your dog.
Conclusion
Washing your dog’s bedding regularly is important to maintaining a healthy and pleasant home environment. It not only helps remove any odors and stains. Rather, it helps prevent allergies and ensures a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment for your dog. These tips will help you to wash a dog’s bed easily.