Loosen stubborn pieces of dirt by gently beating them with a broom or stick.
You may want to use a dusting attachment to sweep over the larger, flat parts of the dog bed, then switch to the crevice tool to clean out the stitching.
A toothbrush may also be helpful in flaking away stubborn patches of dirt, especially if they do not wipe off after soaking.
For cosmetic stains, simply rinse out the stain as best as possible using soap and water. Use a non-bleach spot treatment product as much as possible. These can easily be found at local markets and pet shops. Follow the directions for pre-treatment according to the product bottle. If you must use bleach, look for a chlorine-free bleaching agent, and remember to rinse thoroughly and completely before washing. Such bleaches can often be found at health food and natural food stores. [3] X Research source
Watch your bed carefully as you boil it. Make sure it does not start breaking apart or disintegrating due to high temperatures. Do not leave your bed in a boiling bath for extended periods of time, as this could cause the filling to melt. Treat your dog for any infestation it might have before you allow it to use the bed again.
These products are readily available from your local pet store as well as your vet’s office. Talk to your vet if your dog has any allergies or has sensitive skin.
If your dog bed does not have a removable cover, clean the entire bed the same way you would clean the inside cushion.
Look for any restrictions regarding water temperature or drying the cover before you wash it.
If your pet has sensitive skin or is prone to allergies, ask your vet for recommendations for proper products. [7] X Research source If the tag on the cover states that it should be washed in warm or cool water, soak the liner in boiling hot water for 2 minutes before washing to disinfect it. Disinfecting for short periods is necessary to kill the microbes on the bed before washing the bed for an extended period at a cooler temperature. Watch carefully to avoid damage to the cover.
Try not to fold an air-drying cover over onto itself, as this will increase drying time.
Look for a detergent that is formulated for hand-washing. These are often available at local grocery and home goods stores, and will have indicators on the box.
There is no set time for how long you should agitate the cushion, but you should not stop until you see the dirt moving from the surface of bed. Treat all parts of the bed before rinsing.
You will likely not be able to remove all water from the bed manually. However, the cushion should be damp, rather than wet, and no longer dripping before you stop wringing it and allow it to dry.
Check to see if the bed is dry by pressing down firmly in an area where the filling is thickest. If it spills out water or still feels damp, allow the cushion to continue to dry. If certain spots are drying slowly, use a hair dryer on a low setting to help dry them faster.
Ensure that you fully close any zippers on your liner to prevent the excess accumulation of dust and keep out insects and pests that could bother your pet.
