Domakihub How to Clean a Dog Bed and Keep It Fresh Year-Round
A simple routine that removes odour, hair, and bacteria from any dog bed.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A dog bed collects hair, dander, saliva, and outdoor dirt faster than almost any other item in the home — and in Greece's warm climate, that build-up can turn into persistent odour within days. The video above from Martha Stewart shows the core technique in action; this guide breaks it into five repeatable steps you can follow whether you are caring for a family home, a holiday rental that welcomes pets, or a hotel room with pet-friendly amenities. With the right routine, a dog bed can stay genuinely clean rather than just looking clean on the surface.
Why dog beds need more than a quick shake
Dog beds are one of the most bacteria-dense surfaces in a home. A study by Envirosuite found that pet bedding can harbour more germs per square centimetre than a toilet seat. In Greece, where summer heat accelerates microbial growth and dogs often come in from dusty trails or sandy beaches, the hygiene stakes are especially high for rentals and hotels that must turn over a room within hours.
Beyond bacteria, dog hair embeds itself deep into fabric fibres and is notoriously hard to remove in a standard wash cycle. Pre-treating the bed before it ever enters the machine is the single biggest difference between a truly clean result and one that just smells of detergent.
What you need before you start
You do not need specialist products. A lint roller or rubber glove for hair removal, a stiff brush for loose debris, a pet-safe enzyme-based detergent (widely available in Greek supermarkets and pet shops), white vinegar, and baking soda will handle almost every situation. For beds with removable covers, the job becomes significantly easier — a strong reason to choose that style when buying replacements for rentals or hotels.
How to clean a dog bed: 5 steps
- 1
Remove loose hair and debris first
Take the bed outside and give it a firm shake. Use a stiff brush or a rubber glove dampened with water to work across the surface in short strokes — the friction pulls embedded hair to the surface far more effectively than a dry lint roller. Collect everything and dispose of it before moving on; putting a heavily haired bed straight into a washing machine will clog the filter and leave fibres on other items.
- 2
Pre-treat stains and odour spots
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire surface and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes. For urine or vomit stains, spray an enzyme-based cleaner directly onto the affected area and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping. Enzyme cleaners break down the organic compounds that cause persistent odour rather than simply masking them — this step is non-negotiable for rental properties where the next guest should not be able to tell a dog ever stayed.
- 3
Wash at the correct temperature
Check the care label. Most fabric dog beds are safe at 60°C, which is hot enough to kill dust mites and the majority of bacteria. Use a pet-safe detergent and add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener and deodoriser. If the bed has a removable cover, wash the cover and the inner separately so both get thoroughly cleaned. Avoid fabric softener sheets — the fragrance chemicals can irritate a dog's skin.
- 4
Dry completely before use
This is the step most people rush, and it is the most important. A bed that is even slightly damp when returned to the dog will develop mould and mildew within 24 to 48 hours, particularly in humid coastal areas of Greece. Tumble-dry on a medium heat or lay the bed flat in direct sunlight, which also provides natural UV disinfection. Squeeze the thickest parts of the filling to confirm there is no residual moisture before the dog uses it.
- 5
Set a cleaning schedule and spot-clean in between
For a family home with one dog, a full wash every two to four weeks is the standard recommendation, with a quick vacuum or brush-down once a week. For holiday rentals or hotel rooms, clean the bed between every guest stay without exception. Keep a small spray bottle of diluted white vinegar nearby for spot-cleaning accidents between full washes — spray, blot (never rub), and allow to air-dry completely.
Rather have a pro handle it?
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FAQ
- Can I wash a dog bed in a standard home washing machine?
- Yes, provided the bed fits without cramming it in tightly — an overcrowded drum will not rinse the detergent out properly. Large beds are better handled at a self-service laundromat with a commercial-size machine. Always remove as much loose hair as possible beforehand to protect the machine's pump filter.
- How do I get rid of the dog smell even after washing?
- Persistent odour usually means the source — organic compounds from saliva, urine, or skin oils — has not been fully broken down. An enzyme-based detergent or a pre-soak with a dedicated enzyme spray targets these compounds at a molecular level. Baking soda and white vinegar in the wash cycle also help neutralise alkaline odours. If the smell remains after two washes, the filling may be beyond saving and replacement is the most hygienic option.
- How often should a dog bed be cleaned in a holiday rental?
- Between every guest stay, without exception. Even if the bed looks clean, it will carry the previous dog's dander, hair, and microbes, which can trigger allergies in the next guest's dog or in the guests themselves. A quick-drying waterproof cover over the main bed makes turnover cleans significantly faster and extends the life of the underlying bed.