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Compare pet-hair removers for bedding by surface and tool. Use bedding pet-hair removal for the full sequence. Review pet hair in laundry before loading the washer. Follow removing hair from sheets for sheet-specific steps.
A smelly dog bed usually needs more than a quick spray. Hair, body oils, dirt, drool, and small accidents can soak into the cover and filling. The best fix is to remove loose debris, wash every washable part, clean the inner cushion safely, and dry the bed all the way through.
Always check the care label before using water, detergent, stain remover, bleach, or heat.
Start by Finding the Source of the Smell
Before washing the bed, check where the odor is strongest.
Look for:
- Damp spots
- Urine or vomit stains
- Mud and dirt
- Drool marks
- Oily areas where your dog rests its head
- Smell trapped in the foam or stuffing
- A wet floor under the bed
A removable cover may smell clean after washing while the inner cushion still smells bad. Check both parts.
Move the bed to a dry, well-aired area while you prepare to clean it. Do not place a damp dog bed back against a wall or on carpet.
How to Remove Smell From a Washable Dog Bed
1. Remove as Much Hair as Possible
Dog hair can collect inside the washer and block water from reaching the fabric.
Take the bed outside and shake it well. Then use one of these tools:
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Rubber cleaning glove
- Slightly damp microfiber cloth
- Pet hair brush
- Lint roller
Pay extra attention to seams, piping, corners, and zipper areas.
2. Remove the Cover
Unzip the cover if it is removable. Check inside for hidden stains or damp areas.
Close the zipper before washing unless the care label says otherwise. This can help protect the zipper and keep it from catching on other fabric.
Wash the cover separately from sheets, towels, and clothing when possible.
3. Pretreat Smelly or Stained Areas
Apply a small amount of pet-safe laundry stain remover or enzyme cleaner to the affected area. Enzyme cleaners are made to break down some of the material left by urine, drool, and other pet messes.
Check that the cleaner is suitable for the bed’s fabric. Test it on a hidden spot first. Follow the product directions for how much to use and how long to leave it on.
Do not mix cleaning products. In particular, never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaners.
4. Wash According to the Care Label
Use the warmest water allowed by the care label. Warm water may help remove body oils, but hot water can shrink some covers or damage waterproof layers.
Use a normal amount of mild laundry detergent. Adding too much detergent can leave residue in thick fabric and stuffing. That residue may trap odor and make the bed harder to rinse.
Choose an extra-rinse cycle when available, especially for thick covers.
Make sure the bed fits loosely enough in the washer to move. A large bed packed tightly into a small machine may not wash or rinse well. A large-capacity machine at a laundromat may be a better fit, but check the laundromat’s pet-item rules first.
5. Dry It Completely
Follow the care label for drying.
A removable cover may be able to go in the dryer on low heat. Some covers must air-dry. High heat can shrink fabric, damage backing, or weaken waterproof coatings.
Keep drying until the cover is fully dry, including seams and zipper areas. A slightly damp bed can develop a musty smell soon after cleaning.
How to Clean the Inner Cushion or Stuffing
The inner part of the bed often holds the strongest odor. How you clean it depends on what is inside.
Washable Fiber-Filled Beds
Some beds filled with polyester fiber can be washed as a whole unit. Check the label first.
Wash the bed only if it can move freely inside the machine. Use mild detergent and an extra rinse. After washing, press out water gently. Do not twist the bed, since twisting can cause the filling to bunch up.
Dry it according to the label. Turn and fluff the bed several times while it dries. Thick filling may feel dry on the outside while remaining damp in the middle.
Solid Foam Beds
Solid foam, including memory foam, should not usually be placed in a washing machine unless the manufacturer says it is safe.
To freshen foam:
- Vacuum both sides.
- Blot stains with a cloth dampened with mild soapy water.
- Avoid soaking the foam.
- Blot again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap.
- Press with dry towels to absorb moisture.
- Let the foam dry flat in a well-aired place.
Turn the foam several times so both sides can dry. Do not put the cover back on until the foam is dry all the way through.
Check the manufacturer’s guidance before placing foam in direct sun or near a heater. Strong heat may damage some types of foam.
Loose or Shredded Filling
A bed with loose stuffing may be difficult to clean evenly. Check whether the inner liner is washable.
If the stuffing smells even after the liner has been washed and fully dried, the odor may be trapped deep inside. Replacing the inner insert may be more practical than adding strong fragrances or repeatedly soaking it.
How to Remove Urine Smell From a Dog Bed
Act quickly when possible.
First, blot fresh urine with paper towels or an old washable towel. Press firmly instead of rubbing. Rubbing can spread the liquid across a larger area.
Remove the cover and check whether urine reached the filling or foam. Pretreat washable fabric with a cleaner labeled for pet urine and suitable for that material.
Compare pet-hair removers for bedding by surface and tool; learn whether washing sheets removes pet hair and how pre-removal, load size, agitation, rinse, static, dryer airflow, filters, and fabric type affect results.
For foam, apply only enough cleaner to treat the affected area. Avoid flooding the cushion. Follow the cleaner’s directions, then blot and dry the foam fully.
Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner on urine spots. Its odor may be similar to part of the smell already present, and it may not solve the problem.
A strong urine odor may remain when liquid has soaked through thick foam, seams, or an inner liner. More than one careful treatment may be needed. If the cushion cannot be cleaned or dried fully, replacing the insert may be the simplest choice.
Can Baking Soda Help With Dog Bed Odor?
Baking soda may help with light surface odor on a dry bed.
Sprinkle a thin layer over the dry cover or foam. Leave it in place for a short time, then vacuum it up carefully. Keep your dog away from the bed until all loose powder has been removed.
Baking soda will not remove body oils, urine, dampness, or deep stains. It works best after the main cleaning, not as a replacement for washing.
Check the bed manufacturer’s guidance before using powders on foam or specialty fabrics.
Why the Dog Bed Still Smells After Washing
A dog bed may still smell because:
- The inner cushion was not cleaned
- Too much detergent was used
- The washer was too full
- The bed did not rinse well
- The filling is still damp
- Urine reached deep into the foam
- Odor remains around the zipper or seams
- The floor under the bed also needs cleaning
- The bed was placed back in a damp room
Smell the bed again only after it is fully dry. Wet fabric can smell different, and trapped moisture may create a new musty odor.
When rewashing, use the correct amount of detergent and add an extra rinse. Do not keep adding more fragranced products. Strong scent can cover the odor for a short time without removing its source.
What to Avoid When Cleaning a Dog Bed
Avoid using a cleaning method just because it smells strong.
Do not:
- Mix bleach with other cleaners
- Soak foam unless the label allows it
- Use high heat without checking the care tag
- Put a large bed into an overloaded washer
- Return a damp cushion to its cover
- Spray the bed heavily with perfume or air freshener
- Let your dog use the bed while cleaning products are still wet
- Assume the cover is the only part that needs cleaning
If the care label allows bleach, follow the label and product directions exactly. Many colored fabrics, foam inserts, and waterproof layers should not be bleached.
How to Keep a Dog Bed Smelling Fresher
A simple cleaning routine keeps odor from building up.
Vacuum It Often
Vacuum the bed between washes to remove hair, crumbs, dried mud, and skin flakes. Lift the bed and clean underneath it too.
Use a Washable Cover
A removable cover is easier to wash than a full padded bed. A spare cover can be useful when the main one is still drying.
Check the mattress depth and cushion shape before buying a replacement cover. A loose cover can bunch, while a cover that is too tight may strain the zipper.
Add a Washable Top Layer
Place a small washable blanket or flat pad over the dog bed. This catches much of the hair and dirt and can be washed more often than the full bed.
Choose a layer that lies flat and does not create loose folds that your dog may chew or trip over.
Dry Wet Paws
Keep an old towel near the door. Drying paws and damp fur before your dog lies down can reduce mud and musty smells.
This is especially helpful during rainy weather or after outdoor play.
Clean Small Messes Quickly
Blot drool, urine, and wet dirt as soon as you notice them. Small spots are usually easier to handle before they soak into the filling.
Wash on a Regular Schedule
How often a bed needs washing depends on the dog, the fabric, and where the bed is used.
Beds may need more frequent cleaning when:
- The dog sheds heavily
- The bed is used outdoors
- The dog often comes in wet
- The bed is shared by more than one pet
- The dog sleeps in the bed every day
- The cover traps body oils or drool
Follow the care label rather than using the same wash routine for every dog bed.
When It May Be Time to Replace the Bed
Cleaning cannot fix every bed.
Consider replacing the bed or inner cushion when:
- Foam stays smelly after careful cleaning
- The filling cannot dry completely
- The cover is cracked, torn, or peeling
- The waterproof layer is damaged
- The foam is crumbling
- The stuffing is badly clumped
- Repeated accidents have soaked through the full cushion
- The zipper no longer closes securely
A new bed with a removable, machine-washable cover may be easier to care for. Check the current product listing for washing instructions, replacement covers, insert materials, and washer requirements before choosing one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to remove smell from a dog bed?
Remove hair, take off the cover, pretreat any stains, and wash all washable parts according to the care label. Clean the cushion or foam separately, then dry every part completely before putting the bed back together.
Can I put a dog bed in the washing machine?
Some full dog beds can be machine-washed, while others have foam or materials that should not go in a washer. Check the care label. The bed must also fit loosely enough to move during the wash and rinse cycles.
How do I clean a dog bed that cannot be washed?
Vacuum it well, spot-clean smelly areas with a suitable cleaner, and blot away moisture. Allow the bed to dry fully in a well-aired place. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying water, powder, or cleaning products.
Why does my dog’s bed smell worse after washing?
The filling may still be damp, detergent may be trapped in the fabric, or odor may remain inside the cushion. Let the bed dry completely. If the smell remains, clean the inner insert and use an extra rinse when rewashing washable parts.
Can I use vinegar on a dog bed?
Some people use diluted vinegar during laundry, but it is not suitable for every fabric, foam, coating, or washing machine. Check the care label and appliance guidance first. Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning products.
Can I use baking soda on a dog bed?
Baking soda may reduce light odor on a dry surface. Sprinkle a small amount, keep your dog away, and vacuum it up fully. It will not replace washing or remove deep urine, oil, or moisture.
How do I get urine smell out of dog bed foam?
Blot the area, apply a pet urine cleaner that is suitable for foam, and avoid soaking the cushion. Blot away extra moisture and let the foam dry completely. Deeply soaked foam may need repeated treatment or replacement.
How can I stop a dog bed from smelling so quickly?
Vacuum it often, wash the cover regularly, clean accidents promptly, dry wet paws, and use a washable blanket on top. Keep the bed and the floor underneath it dry.
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