The Complete Guide to Washing Your Dog's Bed (Without Ruining It)

How often should you wash your dog's bed?

Keeping your dog's bed clean is one of the simplest things you can do for their health and comfort. But wash it the wrong way and you risk shrinking the cover, flattening the filling, or damaging the fabric beyond repair.

Here is everything you need to know to wash your dog's bed properly — and keep it looking and feeling great for longer.

How often should you wash your dog's bed?

As a general rule, aim to wash your dog's bed cover every one to two weeks. If your dog is muddy, moulting heavily, or has a skin condition, once a week is better.

The inner cushion needs less frequent washing — every four to six weeks is usually sufficient, depending on how much your dog uses it.

Step 1: Check the care label first

Before anything else, check the care label on both the cover and the inner cushion. This will tell you the maximum wash temperature, whether tumble drying is safe, and any specific instructions for that fabric.

At Snug and Cosy Pets, all of our beds come with removable, washable covers designed to make this process as easy as possible.

Step 2: Remove loose hair and debris

Before putting anything in the machine, shake out the cover and use a lint roller or rubber glove to remove as much loose hair as possible. Dog hair in large quantities can clog your washing machine filter over time.

Step 3: Washing the cover

Most of our covers can be washed at 30°C or 40°C on a gentle or delicate cycle. Here are a few tips:

- Use a mild, pet-safe detergent with no strong fragrances
- Avoid fabric softener — it can reduce the water resistance of waterproof covers and leave residue that irritates sensitive skin
- Wash the cover inside out to protect the outer fabric
- Use a low spin speed (800–1000rpm) to reduce stress on seams and zips

Step 4: Washing the inner cushion

Hollowfibre inner cushions can usually be machine washed on a gentle cycle at 30°C. Use a large-capacity machine if possible to allow the filling to move freely.

Memory foam inner cushions are different — do not machine wash memory foam. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then allow to air dry fully before replacing the cover.

If your inner cushion has flattened or worn out, it may be time for a replacement rather than a wash. We offer a range of replacement inner cushions so you can refresh your dog's bed without replacing the whole thing.

Browse replacement covers and inner cushions

Step 5: Drying properly

This is where most people go wrong. Drying too quickly at high heat is the most common cause of shrinkage and fabric damage.

- Covers: Tumble dry on a low heat setting, or air dry flat. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods as it can fade fabric.
- Hollowfibre cushions: Tumble dry on low with a couple of clean tennis balls to help redistribute the filling evenly. Make sure the cushion is completely dry before use — damp filling can develop mould.
- Faux fur covers: Air dry where possible. If tumble drying, use the lowest heat setting to preserve the texture of the fur.

Tips for specific bed types

Waterproof beds (e.g. Pescara range): The waterproof lining can be wiped clean with a damp cloth between washes. Machine wash the outer cover as normal.

Faux fur beds (e.g. Alaska range): Wash on a cool, gentle cycle. Air dry to maintain the softness and texture of the faux fur.

Tweed and fabric beds (e.g. Heritage range): Check the care label carefully. Most can be washed at 30°C on a delicate cycle.

Cord and chunky weave beds (e.g. San Remo range): Wash inside out on a gentle cycle to protect the texture. Air dry or tumble dry on low.

When to replace rather than wash

If the inner cushion has lost its shape and no longer springs back, or if the cover has developed tears or the zip has broken, it is usually more cost-effective to replace the affected part rather than the whole bed.

Our cover-only range means you can give your dog's bed a completely fresh look without buying a new inner cushion — and vice versa.

Shop replacement covers: Dog Bed Covers
Browse all dog beds: All Dog Beds | All Dog Loungers

Final tip

Get into a regular washing routine and your dog's bed will stay fresher, last longer, and be a much more comfortable place for them to rest. A clean bed is a happy bed — and a happy dog.