Most people rarely clean this thing, but should clean it so often

Changing our own bed linen regularly is an integral part of cleaning - but what about your pet's bed?

As owners, it is important to ensure that our dogs have the right living conditions. Good quality food, adequate exercise, shared toys – and of course a comfortable, fluffy, soft bed to rest on. Replacing a broken dog toy is obvious, but what about a dog bed? Just like other everyday items, a new dog bed should be replaced with a new dog bed the dog’s bed needs to be maintained to keep the animal healthy and comfortable. Here are some basic rules for cleaning your dog’s bed.

How often should your dog’s bed be cleaned?

Many owners think that once they have bought a bed that suits their pet’s size and needs, they can tick the box. But it doesn’t end there, as your dog’s bed also needs to be cleaned regularly. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t just wash the bed when it’s visibly dirty. Invisible pathogens can also be a threat to your dog’s health. Just as a human is reluctant to lie in a bed that hasn’t been changed in months, a dog can be uncomfortable in a bed that hasn’t been cleaned properly.

This may surprise you, but it is recommended to wash your dog’s bed every two weeks (!!!). However, this frequency may vary depending on a number of factors: how much time your dog spends outdoors, how much he sheds, or whether there is anyone in the household with allergies. After walks outside, unless there is washing feet every time – the animal can carry a wide range of bacteria and other pathogens. In addition, if some liquid is accidentally spilled on the bedding, mould fungi can also colonise and cause respiratory illness.

How to clean the bed?

If your dog’s bed is machine washable, you’ll have no problem. First vacuum the cover thoroughly and throw it in for a cold wash. Just make sure you choose a fragrance-free detergent that’s suitable for sensitive skin and avoid rinse aids. Fragrances in detergents can cause allergies in dogs. To make sure there’s nothing left in the product that could harm your pet, it’s a good idea to use the double rinse function or even run a plain water wash. It’s best to leave to air dry, but if you do opt for the tumble dryer – and the product label doesn’t say you can’t – choose a low heat setting to avoid shrinkage. If the bed can’t be machine washed (or wouldn’t fit in the washing machine because of the dog’s size), you can clean it by hand by following the steps below.

Cleaning dog poop step by step

Step 1: thorough vacuuming
Even before hand washing, it is important to remove the larger dirt (small pebbles, sand, etc.) and dog hair first. In fact, if you don’t want any hairs floating on the surface of the water during the wash, you can go over it with a roller used to remove lint from the clothes. You’ll be surprised how much hair and dirt will stick to it, even when the surface appears to be clean.

Step 2: spot cleaning
If there are unidentifiable stains on the covers, use a stain remover. Again, as it’s important not to use a harsh chemical, you might want to try a product such as beef tallow soap. It’s great at getting out dirt and is not harmful to the environment.

Step 3: soak
Run a basin or bath in lukewarm water and pour in a fragrance-free detergent that’s suitable for sensitive skin. Soak the bed and leave it in the water for at least 10-15 minutes. If the water gets too dirty, repeat the process as many times as necessary.

Step 4: get the baking soda ready
While still wet, sprinkle a little baking soda on the bed , grab a scrubbing brush and scrub. Thoroughly scrub the tucked-away little nooks and crannies of the bed (especially at the seams). Baking soda is not only a great cleaner, it’s also unbeatable at getting rid of unpleasant odours.

Step 5: rinse thoroughly
Soak the bed again and squeeze out the detergent and baking soda thoroughly. You’ll probably need to run clean water several times – repeat this step until the water is completely clean.

Step 6: Unwringing and drying
Once the bed is clean, wring the water out of it and put it on a clothes dryer. In sunny weather, it’s a good idea to put it out on the balcony, patio or open window. Depending on how full the bed is, it can take up to a day to dry completely, but that’s all right. At least you will have an alibi for the dog to lie on the sofa for a change. Even with regular cleaning, your pet’s bed will wear out. If you feel it’s time to replace your dog bed, there are many factors to consider. It’s not all about the material, the size or even the shape. It’s worth taking into account your pet’s habits, and whether you’re choosing for a young or older dog is also an important consideration.