How to Get Pet Odors Out of Bedding?

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Pet odors can build up in bedding from fur, body oils, damp paws, drool, urine accidents, and repeated use. The best way to remove them is to treat the odor source first, wash with the right amount of detergent, rinse well, and dry the bedding completely.

Do not try to cover strong smells with extra fragrance. That can leave you with scented bedding that still smells underneath. A better approach is to clean in stages and check the care label before using heat, bleach, stain removers, or other laundry products.

Start by finding the source of the odor

Before washing everything, take a minute to figure out where the smell is strongest.

Check:

• Sheets and pillowcases
• Duvet covers
• Comforters and quilts
• Blankets and throws
• Mattress protectors
• Pet blankets
• Removable pet bed covers
• Pillow shams
• Mattress toppers
• The mattress surface under the bedding

This matters because washing clean sheets will not solve an odor trapped in a mattress protector or comforter.

For example, a dog may sleep on top of the duvet every night. The duvet cover might smell strong, while the insert underneath is still fine. In another home, an accident may soak through the fitted sheet into the protector below.

Wash only what needs washing, but check every layer that may have been affected.

Remove loose fur before washing

Pet hair can stick to wet fabric and collect inside the washer. Remove as much as you reasonably can before the bedding goes into the machine.

Try these simple steps:

1. Take the bedding outside and shake it well.
2. Use a lint roller, pet hair tool, or slightly damp rubber glove on stubborn areas.
3. Vacuum large items when practical.
4. Check seams and corners where fur collects.

For heavily fur-covered blankets, some people use a dryer cycle before washing to loosen hair. Only do this when the care label allows tumble drying, and clean the lint filter as directed by the dryer manufacturer.

This step is especially useful in homes with long-haired dogs, shedding cats, or pets that sleep directly on top of the bed.

Treat fresh accidents before a full wash

A fresh accident should be handled before the whole item goes into the washer.

First, blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean, absorbent towel. Press rather than scrub. Scrubbing can spread the mess over a larger area.

Then use a laundry treatment that is suitable for:

• The type of stain
• The fabric
• The color of the bedding
• The washing method allowed on the care label

For pet urine or other biological messes, some laundry products are sold specifically for organic stains and odors. Follow the current product directions carefully. Do not assume every treatment is safe for every comforter, waterproof protector, wool blanket, or dyed fabric.

Avoid putting a badly soiled item straight into high heat. Heat can make some odors harder to remove. Check the item after washing and before machine drying.

Wash pet-smelling bedding in a sensible size load

Overloading the washer is one of the most common reasons odors remain.

Bedding needs room to:

• Move through the wash water
• Release dirt and oils
• Rinse out detergent
• Rinse out loosened odor-causing residue

A washer packed tightly with a comforter, two blankets, sheets, and pet covers may not clean any of them well.

Wash bulky items separately when needed. A large comforter may require a larger-capacity machine than the one at home. Check both the bedding care label and the washer guidance.

This is particularly important for:

• Thick comforters
• Heavy quilts
• Large waterproof protectors
• Oversized pet blankets
• Foam-filled pet beds

Do not put foam or a whole pet bed into a washer unless its current care instructions clearly allow it.

Use the right amount of detergent

More detergent does not always mean less odor.

Too much detergent can be difficult to rinse from thick bedding. Residue may remain in the fabric and hold onto body oils, pet oils, and other smells.

Use a detergent that is appropriate for:

• Your washer type
• The fabric
• The water conditions in your home
• The amount of soil in the load

Follow the detergent directions rather than pouring in an extra amount because the bedding smells strong.

A small apartment washer may need a much smaller load than a large home machine. In a shared laundry room or laundromat, choose a machine large enough for the bedding to move freely.

Choose the wash temperature carefully

Hotter water is not automatically better.

Some bedding can shrink, fade, lose shape, or damage special coatings when washed too hot. Waterproof protectors and synthetic fills can be especially sensitive to care mistakes.

Check the care label before selecting the water temperature.

In practical terms:

• Use the warmest temperature the item safely allows when a deeper wash is needed.
• Use cooler settings when the fabric or construction requires them.
• Do not guess with wool, down-filled items, delicate quilts, or waterproof layers.

A child’s washable pet blanket may tolerate a different wash routine than a large down comforter or an RV mattress protector.

Consider an extra rinse for stubborn smells

Sometimes the bedding is clean but still holds detergent, loosened oils, or treatment residue.

An extra rinse can help when:

• The item is thick
• The load was heavily soiled
• You used a stain treatment
• The bedding still feels slick or soapy
• The washer tends to rinse poorly

This can be useful for comforters, fleece blankets, and thick pet bedding.

Do not keep adding more detergent to a load that already feels coated. Better rinsing may be the missing step.

Be careful when using vinegar, baking soda, or other home remedies

Common household ingredients are often suggested for laundry odors, but they are not suitable for every fabric, washer, or cleaning product combination.

Before using them:

• Check the bedding care instructions.
• Check the washer manufacturer’s guidance.
• Check the directions for any detergent or stain treatment already in use.
• Never mix cleaning products unless the product labels clearly say the combination is safe.

Do not mix chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners. Dangerous fumes can result.

Also remember that a home remedy cannot fix every odor problem. If the smell comes from damp filling, trapped residue, or an unwashed mattress layer, the source still needs attention.

Dry the bedding completely

Damp bedding can quickly develop a stale or musty smell.

After washing:

1. Check whether the item is allowed in a dryer.
2. Use only the heat level permitted by the care label.
3. Make sure thick areas are dry all the way through.
4. Air-dry further when needed and when the care instructions allow it.

Pay close attention to:

• Comforter corners
• Quilted sections
• Thick seams
• Duvet inserts
• Waterproof protectors
• Dense fleece
• Filled pet bedding

A comforter may feel dry on the surface while the filling is still damp inside.

For line drying or rack drying, give the item plenty of airflow. Do not fold and store it while any part is still damp.

What to do when bedding still smells after washing

Do not immediately spray fragrance over it.

Instead, check the likely cause.

The washer was overloaded

Rewash the item in a smaller load with enough room for movement.

Too much detergent was used

Run another rinse or rewash according to the care label, using an appropriate detergent amount.

The odor source was not pretreated

A strong accident spot may need proper stain and odor treatment before another full wash.

The filling stayed damp

Dry the item fully using an approved method.

Another bedding layer is still dirty

Check the mattress protector, topper, duvet insert, mattress surface, pillows, and pet blankets.

The washer itself smells

A washer with residue or a stale odor can transfer smells to laundry. Follow the washer manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

How to clean different types of pet-exposed bedding

Different bedding needs different care. Do not use one cleaning routine for everything in the bedroom.

Sheets and pillowcases

Sheets are usually the easiest place to start.

Remove fur, pretreat visible messes, and wash according to the care label. Do not overload the machine.

In homes where pets sleep under the covers, sheets may need more frequent washing because they collect oils, fur, dirt, and moisture directly.

Duvet covers

A removable duvet cover can make pet-related laundry much easier.

Wash the cover separately from the insert when practical. Before washing, check:

Pet odors can build up in bedding from fur, body oils, damp paws, drool, urine accidents, and repeated use; learn how Febreze addresses odors, what it may mask or neutralize, and why source removal, cleaning, ventilation, moisture control, labels, and drying matter.

• Buttons
• Zippers
• Corner ties
• Any visible stains

Turn the cover inside out if its care instructions allow and if that helps with your normal laundry routine.

A washable duvet cover is often a practical choice for a bed shared with a pet because the outer layer can be cleaned without washing the bulky insert every time.

Comforters

Comforters can be difficult because their filling adds bulk.

Check:

• Whether machine washing is allowed
• The recommended water temperature
• Whether tumble drying is allowed
• Whether the home washer is large enough

Do not force a large comforter into a small washer. Poor movement and poor rinsing can leave odors behind.

Quilts

Some quilts are easy to wash, while others need gentle care because of their fabric, stitching, age, or decorative details.

Check the label before using:

• Strong stain treatments
• Bleach
• Hot water
• High dryer heat

Pet owners using delicate quilts may find it easier to place a washable throw over the pet’s favorite sleeping area.

Mattress protectors

A mattress protector can catch sweat, pet messes, and other spills before they reach the mattress.

However, some protectors have waterproof layers that can be damaged by high heat or certain laundry products. Follow the current care label closely.

Make sure the protector is fully dry before putting it back on the bed.

Mattress toppers

Do not assume a mattress topper can go into a washing machine.

Foam toppers, filled toppers, and other designs can have very different care requirements. Check the manufacturer guidance.

For an odor in a topper:

• Remove washable covers when present.
• Treat only as directed.
• Avoid soaking foam unless the instructions permit it.
• Allow complete drying before remaking the bed.

A damp topper can create a new odor problem.

Pet blankets

Pet blankets are easier to manage when they are truly machine washable and small enough for the washer.

Shake off fur first. Wash heavily soiled pet blankets separately from lightly used human bedding when that makes sense for your household.

Check the label before using heat.

How to get dog smell out of bedding

Dog odor often comes from a mix of:

• Skin oils
• Damp fur
• Outdoor dirt
• Drool
• Repeated sleeping in the same spot

Start by removing hair and washing the layer the dog touches most.

For a dog that sleeps on top of the comforter, that may mean washing the duvet cover or top blanket first. For a dog that sleeps under the covers, sheets may hold more odor.

A washable top layer can reduce how often you need to clean a bulky comforter.

After washing, dry everything completely. Bedding used by a dog that comes indoors wet can develop odors quickly if the fabric stays damp.

How to get cat smell out of bedding

For general cat odor, remove loose fur and wash the affected item according to its label.

For a urine accident, act promptly:

1. Blot fresh moisture.
2. Use a suitable laundry pretreatment for the fabric and type of mess.
3. Wash according to the care label.
4. Check the smell before applying high heat.
5. Repeat treatment when needed rather than covering the area with perfume.

Also check lower layers. Cat urine can pass through sheets into a duvet, protector, topper, or mattress surface.

If accidents keep happening, cleaning the bedding addresses the laundry problem but not the reason for the repeated behavior. A veterinarian can help with concerns about a pet’s health or sudden changes in habits.

How to handle old pet odors

Older odors can take more than one cleaning cycle.

The goal is to remove residue from the fabric rather than simply make the item smell strongly of detergent.

Try this order:

1. Remove loose hair and dirt.
2. Find the strongest-smelling areas.
3. Pretreat only with products suitable for the fabric.
4. Wash in a correctly sized load.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
6. Smell-check before high heat.
7. Dry completely.

If the item still smells, inspect its filling and construction.

A washable sheet is usually straightforward. A thick comforter with odor deep in the filling is harder. A foam item may not be fully washable at all.

Do not forget the mattress and bed frame area

Sometimes freshly washed bedding starts smelling again because the bed underneath still holds odor.

Check:

• The mattress surface
• Mattress seams
• The protector
• The topper
• The bed frame
• Upholstered headboards
• The floor beside and under the bed
• Pet sleeping spots near the bed

Clean each surface only with methods suitable for that material.

Do not soak a mattress or foam topper without clear manufacturer guidance. Excess moisture can be difficult to remove.

In a small bedroom, dorm-style room, or RV, airflow may also be limited. Give cleaned bedding and nearby surfaces enough time to dry before putting everything back together.

Make future pet odors easier to manage

The easiest odor problem is one that stays in a washable top layer.

Add a washable pet blanket

Place it where your pet normally sleeps.

Choose one that:

• Fits your washer
• Has clear care instructions
• Dries within a practical amount of time
• Does not constantly slide off the bed

A smaller blanket is often easier to wash than a king-size comforter.

Use a removable duvet cover

For pets that sleep on the bed, a duvet cover can protect the insert from everyday fur and oils.

Check that the cover fits the duvet insert well. Corner ties or other attachment points may help reduce bunching, depending on the design.

Keep a spare bedding set

A backup set is useful after accidents or on busy laundry days.

This can be especially helpful for:

• Kids’ rooms with pets
• Guest beds used by visiting pets
• Small apartments without in-unit laundry
• RV beds
• Shared beds
• Homes with older pets

Wash pet sleep surfaces too

A clean human bed can pick up odor again from a dirty pet bed or blanket.

Clean washable pet bedding according to its current care instructions.

Dry wet pets before bed

A simple towel near the door can help reduce the amount of moisture transferred to bedding after rain, baths, or wet outdoor walks.

What to avoid

A few habits can make pet odors harder to solve.

Avoid:

• Overloading the washer
• Using excessive detergent
• Applying high heat before checking whether an odor remains
• Mixing household cleaners
• Using bleach without checking the care label and product directions
• Spraying heavy fragrance over an untreated odor
• Putting foam in a washer without clear instructions
• Storing bedding while damp
• Assuming the top sheet is the only affected layer

Also avoid washing every bedding item the same way. A cotton sheet, waterproof protector, wool blanket, foam topper, and down-filled comforter may all need different care.

A simple beginner-friendly routine

For most washable bedding with ordinary pet odor, this is a practical starting point:

1. Find the affected layer. Check sheets, covers, protectors, and the mattress area.
2. Remove pet hair. Shake, vacuum, or use a lint tool.
3. Pretreat visible messes. Use a product suitable for the stain and fabric.
4. Read the care label. Check wash temperature, bleach instructions, and drying limits.
5. Do not overload the washer. Give the bedding room to move.
6. Use an appropriate amount of detergent. More is not automatically better.
7. Rinse well. Add an extra rinse when residue is a concern.
8. Check before high heat. Make sure the odor is actually gone.
9. Dry completely. Pay attention to thick filling and seams.
10. Clean the pet’s own bedding. Otherwise odors can return quickly.

This approach works well for everyday pet smells without turning laundry day into a complicated project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash pet odor out of bed sheets?

Yes, many everyday pet odors can be removed from washable sheets. Remove loose fur, pretreat visible messes, wash according to the care label, avoid overloading the washer, rinse well, and dry completely. Strong or old odors may need more than one treatment.

Why does my bedding still smell like dog after washing?

Common reasons include an overloaded washer, too much detergent, poor rinsing, untreated odor spots, damp filling, or another unwashed layer such as a mattress protector. The washer itself may also need cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Should I use hot water for pet odors?

Only when the bedding care label allows it. Hot water can damage, shrink, fade, or affect some materials and coatings. Use a temperature suitable for the specific item rather than assuming hotter is always better.

Can I put vinegar in the washing machine for pet odors?

That depends on the washer, fabric, and other products being used. Check the washer manufacturer’s guidance, the bedding care label, and any laundry product directions. Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach or other incompatible cleaners.

How do I get pet urine smell out of bedding?

Blot fresh moisture, treat the affected area with a laundry product suitable for the fabric and type of mess, wash according to the care label, and check the odor before applying high heat. Also inspect lower bedding layers for seepage.

How often should I wash bedding if my pet sleeps on the bed?

There is no single schedule for every household. Bedding may need washing more often when a pet sheds heavily, sleeps under the covers, comes to bed damp or dirty, drools, or has accidents. Wash based on visible soil, odor, use, and the care limits of each item.

How can I keep my comforter from smelling like my pet?

Use a washable duvet cover or pet blanket over the pet’s usual sleeping spot. Clean that outer layer as needed, dry wet pets before bed, and wash the pet’s own bedding regularly according to its care instructions.

What should I do if pet odor comes back right after washing?

Check for an odor source outside the freshly washed item. Inspect the mattress protector, topper, mattress surface, pet bed, nearby upholstery, and the washer itself. Make sure all washed bedding is fully dry before putting it back on the bed.

what is the hardest smell to get rid of. is there anything better than febreze. how to refresh your bedding.