Dogs can be messy pets as their favorite hobbies usually involve getting dirty. It is always painful to watch your pup slide onto the adorable dog bed you got him without even dusting off their paws somewhere. It is even more problematic when the bed is the type that cannot be washed easily and has a non-removable cover.
However, you can clean a dog bed that can’t be washed by shaking the bed, vacuuming it, trying a steam cleaner, spot cleaning the bed, and various other methods.
This article shall discuss everything you need to know about how to clean a dog bed that can’t be washed. Read on to find out how through this helpful guide.
How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Bed?
The bed is the haven dogs retire to at the end of their very active and physical day. It is important to maintain its cleanliness as a dirty environment can greatly impact your dog’s health. If their bed is not clean, your pet might not even want to sleep in it and seek comfort on your bed.
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Experts suggest that a dog’s bed should be washed at least twice a week. You might think that is too much for your liking, but veterinary experts have said that domestic animals can carry a lot of bacteria, viruses, fleas, fungi, and other parasites on them that you do not want to keep near your dog.
These organisms can live on dog beds for even up to 12 months. You might not know the potential dangers they can carry since dogs are pets who also spend a lot of time outside. Hence, the number of times you need to wash a dog bed is with good reason.
How To Clean A Dog Bed That Can’t Be Washed?
Apart from comfort, the only other reason we pick a dog bed for a pet is if it goes with the aesthetic of your house. Most good-looking dog beds have non-removable covers and come together as a whole piece. Fear not – there is a way to maintain the cleanliness of such beds.
Following are some ways in which you can keep your pet’s bed clean without needing to do any washing.
1. Shake The Bed
This is an important step to follow no matter how you choose to clean the bed. Even those who wash their dog beds need to give it a good shake to empty out all the mess that our pets gather over time. You can even beat or whack the bed to slap all the dust out of it.
This shall get rid of all loose dust particles, hair, and other items. You can also easily do this every day to maintain cleanliness.
2. Consider Vacuuming It
A great and easy method to clean your dog’s bed when there is only loose and dry dirt on it is to vacuum it. To do so, simply shake the bed outside first to get rid of the bigger particles. Next, run a vacuum over it with the upholstery attachment for the safety of the pillows and sheets.
Make sure to pay attention to nooks and creases. Using this method, you can clean and run the vacuum all around and over the back as well.
3. Use A Steam Cleaner
A steam cleaner can be a blessing to its owners as it is a very effective way to get rid of all the germs. You can steam clean your dog’s bed the way you do your own mattress. Make sure you run the steam cleaner with a hose attachment.
After setting up the cleaner, move it along the bed in long, low strokes. Do not directly touch the surface – just keep it a few inches above the be. Remember to pay attention to how damp the area you are cleaning gets. Slightly moist is okay, but soaking wet is not.
Continue doing so till you do both the sides, and then let the bed out to dry. This method can be done easily and is just as effective.
4. Sprinkle Some Baking Soda
This is a common home remedy to get rid of all the germs and kill microorganisms from any surface. All you will need to do this method is a few items you can easily find. These are baking soda, washing powder, a cup of warm water, and 9% vinegar.
First, mix the baking soda and washing powder in one cup. Next, mix the water and the vinegar into the mixture. Remember that this concoction can foam a lot, so try to prepare it in a large container. After blending well, put the solution into a sprayer.
Spray this mixture for 5-10 seconds on your bed, and then do some spot cleaning. This method is especially effective for harsh stains.
Another method you can try with baking soda is the sprinkling method. Vacuum your dog bed well before sprinkling baking soda all over it using a sifter. Keep it in that state for hours and then vacuum it again. This shall get rid of all germs and harmful bacteria. Baking soda is not only a natural way but also safe for the environment.
5. Spot Clean The Bed
Spot cleaning and then letting the bed out to dry is also an easy and effective method. Your dog bed can be littered with food, mud, or even pee spots from your dog. For this, you need to get normal stain removers or fragrances with bleach or chlorine to remove all the marks.
Make sure to let the stain remover sit for 10 minutes before you rinse or dab it. Never scrub the stain as it might damage the dog bed or cause discoloration and roughness.
6. Go For A UV Vacuum
This is another great method to clean a dog bed that cannot be washed. The ultraviolet rays that UV Vacuums use in their builds can easily get rid of all the germs on the surface of the bed.
You can use this like you would do a normal vacuum, but you would also need to additionally run your normal one over the surface first to get the best results. This method is great for removing minuscule particles from the dog bed.
Additional Tips
Although the recommended number of washing your dog’s bed is twice a week, you can lessen the time period to once a week and follow a few ways to keep the bed clean between washes.
- You can use a lint roller on the bed daily to get rid of hair strands and other dry dirty things.
- Using a steam cleaner, you can steam your pet’s bed to kill harmful bacteria with heat.
- If your bed does not have a cover, you can try looking for a waterproof cover to keep the bed clean.
- You can clean the bed with a concoction of water and vinegar mixed in a bottle and deodorize it.
- Soaking the bed out during the daytime as much as possible can also be a great way to get rid of harmful germs.
Related Questions
- How Often Should You Replace A Dog Bed?
Ideally, you can replace a dog bed about once a year, but it mainly depends on the condition your bed is in, so time could vary. You would know when you would need to change the bed.
- Do Dogs Need A Blanket?
Dogs might need a blanket during winters, but you would notice that in summers, they usually shift their resting spot to the floor.
- What Makes Scented Detergent Bad For Dogs?
Detergents made for human purposes have high ionic and anionic surfactants that can be harmful to your dog.
Final Thoughts
Remember that cleanliness is an important part of dog keeping – no matter how messy your dog likes to be. Make sure that the area your pet retires to is a clean and safe one – free from all infections. I hope this article has helped guide you through this difficult task of cleaning up a dog bed that cannot be washed.