How to Wash Your Pet’s Bedding Safely and Keep It Fresh

If your doggy doona or kitty cushion is looking (and smelling) a little worse for wear, it’s probably time for a good clean. Keeping your pet’s bedding fresh is about more than just appearances — it helps manage pet odours, reduce allergens, and keeps fleas and bacteria at bay. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to safely wash your pet’s bedding, giving you peace of mind and your pet a fresh, comfy place to curl up. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet, and that means making healthcare and hygiene feel easy, everyday and stress-free.

Why Clean Bedding Matters

Whether it’s your dog’s favourite squishy bed or your cat’s cosy fleece blanket, bedding gets a heavy daily workout. Pet fur, dander, body oils, drool, and even the odd accident can all build up fast, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or pests like fleas. Regular washing helps to:

• Remove dirt, debris, and pet odours
• Control allergens for sensitive pets (and sensitive humans!)
• Reduce the risk of flea and mite infestations
• Keep your home smelling fresh and feeling clean

Cleaning your pet’s bedding regularly is an important part of a holistic hygiene routine — just like brushing their coat or trimming nails. If your pet is prone to skin issues or allergies, clean bedding combined with skin and coat support supplements may help them feel better in their own skin.

How Often Should You Wash Pet Bedding?

How often you need to wash your pet’s bedding depends on their habits. A general rule of paw is once a week for dogs and every 1-2 weeks for cats, but you may need to wash more often if:

• Your pet sheds a lot or has a strong smell
• They’ve had an accident or tracked in mud
• They have allergies, infections, or skin conditions
• It’s flea season or there are signs of pests

For extra freshness, use pet-safe stain and odour removers between washes to spot clean stains or everyday smells.

Steps To Safely Wash Your Pet's Bedding

To get your pet’s sleeping spot squeaky clean while keeping them safe and comfy, follow these simple steps:

1. Shake it out: Start by taking the bedding outdoors and giving it a good shake to remove loose hair and debris. A vacuum with a pet hair attachment can help too.
2. Read the label: Check the care label for washing instructions. Removable covers can usually go in the machine, but some foam beds might need spot-cleaning instead.
3. Use pet-safe detergent: Always use a mild, fragrance-free detergent made for sensitive skin (yours and your pet’s!). Avoid fabric softeners, which can irritate your pet's skin.
4. Hot water wash: Use warm to hot water to help kill bacteria and pests like fleas, but follow the manufacturer’s directions to avoid shrinkage or damage.
5. Rinse well: Do an extra rinse cycle to make sure no detergent is left behind — this helps prevent allergic reactions or skin irritation.
6. Dry thoroughly: Dry the bedding fully, preferably in the sun or in a hot dryer (if safe), to kill any lingering pests or moisture-loving mildew.

For tougher jobs or a deep clean, products like cat-friendly odour removers or smart laundry additives can help lift stubborn smells and stains.

Best Products For Bedding Clean-Up

Need help tackling pet mess? At Petdirect, we’ve got everything you need to keep your pet’s bedding looking and smelling brilliant. Try:

• Machine-washable dog bedding with removable covers
• Cosy cat bedding made from easy-clean materials
• Budget-friendly clean-up tools that don’t compromise on quality
• Powerful odour-removing sprays and enzymatic cleaners
• Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver, designed to break down and remove stubborn pet hair in the washing machine — perfect for bedding, blankets, and towels

You can also keep clean-up on autopilot with our Autodeliver service — perfect for topping up cleaning products without running out.

Extra Tips For Long-Lasting Bedding

Want to keep your pet's favourite bed feeling fresher for longer? Here are a few bonus tips:

• Use machine-washable covers that can be swapped between washes
• Place a soft towel or blanket on top that’s easy to clean more often
• Vacuum the bed between washes to reduce hair and dander build-up
• Wash your pet regularly using gentle pet-friendly shampoo
• Rotate or replace old beds regularly — especially if padding becomes worn or smells linger

Keep It Clean, Keep It Comfy

Keeping your pet's bedding fresh isn't just about cleanliness — it's about their comfort, health, and happiness. With regular washing, the right cleaning products, and a bit of know-how, you’ll make sleepy time safer and snugglier for your furry friend. And at Petdirect, we’re here to help with everything you need to care confidently — from stain sprays to snuggly beds.

Explore our full range of bedding and clean-up essentials today and give your pet the clean, comfy sleep they deserve!