Buying guides
Best Washable Dog Beds: How to Choose One That Is Easy to Clean
The easiest dog bed to keep clean has a removable cover that fits your washing machine, a waterproof liner protecting the filling, and an inner cushion that dries fully. The AKC suggests a cover you can wash weekly. For puppies, seniors and wet dogs, waterproofing matters as much as washability. For large dogs, check the cover fits your machine before you buy.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20263 min read2 sources
What matters most: what actually goes in the machine
Washable means different things across washable dog beds. Some beds have a removable cover only; others can go in the machine whole. The AKC recommends a removable cover you can easily wash weekly, and notes that a bed which is itself machine washable and dryable helps with incontinence and potty training.
Check the care label before buying: machine-washable cover, whether the cover can go in the dryer, and whether the inner cushion can be washed at all. A large bed may need a commercial machine if the whole bed is washable, so a removable cover is often the practical choice for big dogs.
Waterproof vs water-resistant
A waterproof liner between the cover and the filling (as on waterproof dog beds) is what keeps urine, drool and wet coats out of the foam. Water-resistant fabric only slows liquid. Once a foam core is soaked, it is very hard to dry or deodorize, so a liner protects the most expensive part of the bed.
The AKC notes washable covers, especially waterproof ones, let you wash the main bed less often. For incontinent seniors, puppies in house training and dogs that swim, a waterproof liner plus a spare washable cover is the combination to look for.
Filling and construction
Fiber-filled beds are often fully washable but can clump; the AKC advises air drying in many cases, since some fillings clump in the dryer, and making sure fiber-filled beds are completely dry before use to avoid mold. Foam cores usually cannot be machine-washed and rely on a removable cover and liner.
Beds with zippered covers over separate foam or fiber inserts are easiest to keep clean. Look for strong zips with a covered zip pull so a dog cannot chew it. Elevated cot-style beds wipe or hose clean and dry quickly, which suits outdoor use.
Best washable bed for each dog
For large dogs, a foam mattress with a removable, waterproof-lined cover that fits your machine, plus a spare cover. For puppies, an inexpensive fully washable bed you will not mind replacing if chewed. For seniors with accidents, waterproof liner, washable cover and a low entry.
For dogs that shed heavily, a tightly woven cover releases hair more easily in the wash. For crates, a thin, fully washable pad. For dogs that chew, a cot-style bed or a chew-resistant cover is easier to clean and harder to destroy.
How to wash a dog bed
Remove hair first with a vacuum or lint roller (our guide to how to wash a dog bed has the full routine); the AKC notes hair mixed with water clogs washing machines. Wash weekly for most dogs, more often for heavy shedders, oily coats, dogs that go outdoors a lot or homes with allergies, using a fragrance-free, pet-safe detergent and a hot cycle where the label allows.
For a strong odor, the AKC suggests an extra rinse cycle with white vinegar and baking soda in the empty machine afterward. Dry thoroughly before the bed goes back. You can also browse dog bed covers or more washable dog beds. If your dog starts having frequent accidents in bed, ask your vet, because a urinary or health change may be the cause.
Common questions
What is the best washable dog bed?
One with a removable cover that fits your machine, a waterproof liner over the filling and an insert that dries fully. A spare cover keeps the bed in use on wash day.
How often should I wash my dog's bed?
Weekly for most dogs, according to the AKC, and more often for heavy shedders, outdoor dogs or homes with allergies. Remove hair before each wash, and use a fragrance-free, pet-safe detergent.
What is the best waterproof dog bed?
A bed with a true waterproof liner between cover and filling, not just water-resistant fabric, plus a washable cover. It protects the foam from accidents and wet coats.
Can you put a whole dog bed in the washing machine?
Some beds can; many have washable covers only. Check the label, and air dry fiber-filled beds if the label advises, since fillings can clump in the dryer.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
