How Often Do I Need to Wash My Dog's Bed?

It's really important that you keep your dog's bed clean. After all, we wouldn't want to sleep in a dirty bed, so why should your dog? But exactly how often do you need to wash your dog beds?

A dirty bed can lead to a build-up of bacteria, dirt, mites, and other germs that can make your pup sick. This is especially important for dogs that suffer from allergies or skin sensitivities.

How Often Do I Need to Wash My Dog's Bed?

It might surprise you when we say that our Bronte Glen dog beds don't need to be washed on a regular basis – at least not fully washed, that is.

Our beds are made using materials designed to resist dirt and bacteria build-up, so unless your pup has an accident or makes a mess on the bed, a full wash usually isn't necessary.

A simple shake, vacuum or spot-clean every week – to get rid of dirt, hair, and other debris – is usually enough to keep your pup's bed clean.

Why Don't I Need to Fully Wash My Dog's Bed Regularly?

We only use premium, high-grade materials to manufacture our dog beds, so they're designed to resist bacteria build-up and the accumulation of dirt.

Take our Merino or Tweed Wool Dog Beds, for example. Wool is naturally resistant to most bacteria, so you don't need to worry about washing it as often as other fabrics. It's a very breathable material that doesn't trap moisture, so it also doesn't get as smelly as other fabrics.

This dog bed is impregnated with antibacterial fibres that support the breakdown of bacteria, so it's easy to keep clean and doesn't need to be fully washed often.

Shop our wool dog beds range

If you wash your pet's bed too often, it could actually become less resistant to bacteria and dirt due to the wear and tear of the washing process.

To prevent this from happening, we recommend using our Nikwax wash-in products to keep your pet's bed in top condition.

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How to Spot-Clean Your Pet's Bedding

Spot-cleaning your pet’s bedding is the best way to keep it clean for longer and avoid having to wash it more frequently.

Start by using a vacuum cleaner to remove any hair, dirt, or other debris. If you have any stubborn spots that need to be dealt with, you can use a pet-safe stain remover.

We also recommend using a dog hair brush to run through the bed to help loosen and remove any fur that might be embedded in the fabric. This works especially well for our vet bedding range and helps to bring the fluff back to life.

For our washable waterproof Trojan dog bed, a damp cloth or sponge can be used to wipe down the bedding's outer cover. If your dog has been especially mucky, you can even hose it down outside and let it air dry.

It's a good idea to hang your dog's bed outside every now and then to give it some fresh air and help prevent that typical doggy smell.

How to Wash a Dog Bed in the Washing Machine

Of course, there will certainly be times when a spot-clean won't do, and the pet bed needs a full wash. In this case, you'll need to know how to wash the dog bed properly to avoid ruining the materials.

We have a full blog post on the correct way to wash Bronte Glen dog beds, including cycle temperature and drying instructions, so head on over there if you're unsure.

However, the most important thing to remember is to only wash the beds on a cool cycle – no higher than 30°C – and to use the correct Nikwax pet-safe laundry detergent for your bedding material.

Never use a regular detergent, as this won't just spoil the dog bed, but can cause skin irritation for your pup.

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The Verdict: How Often Should I Wash My Dog's Bed?

Spot-cleaning your pet’s bed on a weekly basis should be enough to keep it clean and healthy. 

It's not necessary to fully wash your dog's bed every week, unless it has gotten really mucky or you're dealing with an accident.

Follow our advice on how to properly wash your dog bed, and you should find that they last twice as long. And if you have any questions or need help with maintaining your Bronte Glen dog bed, please don't hesitate to get in touch! We are always here to help.