How to Wash a Dog Bed at a Laundromat Without Ruining It
Dog beds can get dirty surprisingly fast.
They collect pet hair, dirt, outdoor debris, body oils, drool and odors. If your dog comes inside with wet paws, sleeps on the bed every night or sheds heavily, the bed can start looking and smelling dirty long before you think about washing it.
The problem is that many dog beds are too bulky for a typical home washing machine.
So, how do you wash a dog bed at a laundromat?
If the care label says the dog bed is machine washable, a laundromat can be one of the most practical places to clean it. Large commercial washers give bulky washable pet beds and removable covers more room to move than many residential machines.
But you shouldn't simply put an entire dog bed into the largest washer you can find.
Some dog beds have removable washable covers. Others can be washed as one piece. Memory foam inserts, orthopedic foam and certain specialty fillings generally require different care.
The first step is always the same:
Check the care label and determine exactly which parts of the dog bed are machine washable.
Here's how to wash a dog bed at a laundromat correctly, including removing pet hair, choosing a washer, dealing with odors and stains, selecting detergent, and making sure the bed gets completely dry.
Quick Answer: How Do You Wash a Dog Bed at a Laundromat?
For a machine-washable dog bed, the basic process is:
- Check the care label.
- Remove the cover if it is removable.
- Remove as much loose pet hair as possible.
- Shake or vacuum away dirt and debris.
- Inspect the bed for tears or damaged seams.
- Pretreat appropriate stains.
- Choose a washer large enough for the bed to move freely.
- Use an appropriate amount of detergent.
- Select the water temperature and cycle specified by the manufacturer.
- Dry the bed according to its care instructions.
- Make sure the inside is completely dry before your dog uses it again.
The most important consideration is not whether you can physically squeeze the bed into a washer.
It's whether the bed has enough room to wash, rinse and spin properly.
Can You Put a Dog Bed in a Washing Machine?
Many dog beds can be machine washed, but not all of them.
There are several common designs.
Dog Beds With Removable Covers
These are often the easiest to clean.
Remove the cover and check its care label.
The cover may be machine washable even when the interior cushion isn't.
Don't assume that the instructions for the cover automatically apply to the filling.
One-Piece Washable Dog Beds
Some beds are specifically designed so the entire bed can go into a washing machine.
If the manufacturer's instructions permit it, these can be good candidates for a large-capacity laundromat washer.
The important issue is capacity.
The bed needs room to move.
Memory Foam Dog Beds
Be much more careful with memory foam.
Solid memory foam generally shouldn't simply be submerged and agitated in a washing machine unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise.
In many cases, you remove and machine wash the outer cover while cleaning the foam separately according to its instructions.
Orthopedic Dog Beds
“Orthopedic” describes many different constructions.
Some contain memory foam.
Some contain layered foam.
Some have washable covers but non-washable inserts.
Don't assume an orthopedic bed is machine washable because the outside looks like ordinary fabric.
Heated Dog Beds
Do not put electrical components into a washing machine.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for any heated or electronically equipped pet bed.
Why Wash a Dog Bed at a Laundromat Instead of at Home?
The biggest advantage is washer capacity.
A dog bed may technically fit into your home washing machine while still being too large to wash properly.
That's an important distinction.
When a bulky item is packed tightly against the washer drum, there may not be enough space for:
- Water to circulate
- Detergent to distribute
- Soil to move away from the fabric
- Rinse water to remove detergent
- The item to move properly
- The washer to maintain balance
- Water to be extracted effectively during the spin cycle
A laundromat gives you access to larger-capacity equipment.
At Wash Works in Stamford, customers can choose from multiple commercial washer sizes rather than trying to force every load into the same residential machine. Wash Works has more than 100 washers and dryers overall.
The same capacity principle applies to other bulky household items. If you're cleaning bedding too, our guides explain how to wash a large blanket at a laundromat and what size washer you need for a king-size comforter.
Should You Remove Pet Hair Before Washing a Dog Bed?
Yes.
Remove as much loose dog hair as reasonably possible before putting the bed into the washing machine.
The washer shouldn't be the first line of defense against a thick layer of loose fur.
Depending on the bed, you can use:
- A vacuum
- Lint roller
- Pet-hair removal tool
- Appropriate brush
- Damp rubber glove
- Other fabric-safe pet-hair remover
Take the bed outside and shake away loose debris first when appropriate.
Then focus on the hair trapped in:
- Seams
- Corners
- Piping
- Creases
- Around zippers
- Textured fabric
You probably won't remove every hair.
That's okay.
The goal is to remove the loose buildup before washing.
Why Should You Remove Dog Hair Before Using the Washer?
A heavy layer of pet hair doesn't simply vanish once water hits it.
Hair can clump together when wet and collect throughout the bed, machine and drainage system.
Removing the majority beforehand makes the actual washing process more effective.
It also follows good laundromat etiquette.
The commercial machine is there to wash the bed—not replace basic preparation.
Should You Vacuum a Dog Bed Before Washing It?
For heavily shedding dogs, vacuuming can be one of the easiest preparation steps.
Use an attachment appropriate for upholstery or fabric and work across:
- Sleeping surface
- Sides
- Bottom
- Seams
- Crevices
If the cover comes off, vacuum the cover and inspect the interior separately.
This also gives you an opportunity to identify damage before the bed enters the washing machine.
Inspect the Dog Bed Before You Wash It
This step is easy to skip.
Look for:
- Torn seams
- Holes
- Loose stuffing
- Damaged zippers
- Fraying
- Weak fabric
- Exposed foam
A small tear can become a much bigger problem during washing.
If stuffing starts coming out inside the washer, you can end up damaging the bed and creating a mess.
Repair appropriate damage before washing when possible.
Should You Remove the Dog Bed Cover?
If the bed has a removable cover, usually yes.
Check the instructions for both:
the cover
and
the insert.
You may discover that the cover is machine washable while the interior should only be spot cleaned.
This is especially common with foam beds.
A removable cover also lets you clean the part that receives most of the dog's direct contact without unnecessarily soaking the entire interior every time.
Can You Wash a Memory Foam Dog Bed at a Laundromat?
Usually, you should not put solid memory foam into a commercial washing machine unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is machine washable.
Memory foam can absorb a substantial amount of water.
Agitation and saturation may damage its structure, and getting a thick foam insert completely dry can be difficult.
Instead, many memory-foam beds are designed with a removable washable cover.
Wash the cover according to its label and clean the foam according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Don't assume a large laundromat washer makes memory foam washable.
More capacity doesn't override the care instructions.
That's the same principle we emphasize for other unusual household items. Our guide to washing curtains at a laundromat explains why the care label should determine the cleaning method before you choose a machine.
How Do You Get Dog Urine Out of a Dog Bed?
Pet accidents need to be addressed before you simply run a normal wash cycle.
First, remove as much excess moisture as possible if the accident is fresh.
Blot rather than aggressively rubbing the liquid farther through the fabric.
Then check the bed's cleaning instructions and use a treatment that's appropriate for:
- The fabric
- The filling
- The stain
- Pets
For an older urine stain, odor can penetrate beyond the outer cover.
If the bed has a removable cover, inspect whether the liquid reached the insert underneath.
Washing only the cover won't solve an odor problem if the source is actually inside the foam or filling.
How Do You Get Dog-Bed Odor Out?
First determine why the bed smells.
Common causes include:
- Body oils
- Saliva
- Dampness
- Outdoor dirt
- Urine
- Wet fur
- Incomplete drying after a previous wash
A proper wash can remove many washable soils and odors.
But don't make the mistake of trying to cover odor with an enormous amount of scented detergent.
More fragrance is not the same as cleaner.
Use an appropriate detergent amount and make sure the bed rinses thoroughly.
Most importantly, make sure it dries completely.
A freshly washed bed that stays damp inside can develop a new odor problem.
What Detergent Should You Use to Wash a Dog Bed?
Check the manufacturer's recommendations first.
Many pet owners prefer a mild or fragrance-free detergent for washable bedding, particularly when a dog has sensitive skin.
Avoid automatically using extra detergent because the bed smells dirty.
Bulky fabrics and filling can retain detergent if you use too much.
That can make proper rinsing more difficult.
The objective is enough detergent to clean the bed—not as much detergent as the machine can physically hold.
Can You Use Fabric Softener on a Dog Bed?
Don't assume it's necessary.
A dog bed doesn't need to smell heavily perfumed to be clean.
Some manufacturers may advise against certain laundry additives, particularly for specialty or performance fabrics.
Follow the bed's care instructions and keep the process simple.
Can You Use Bleach on a Dog Bed?
Only if the care instructions permit it.
Bleach can affect:
- Color
- Fabric
- Foam
- Printed designs
- Specialty finishes
There's no universal rule that pet bedding should be bleached.
Choose cleaning products based on the actual bed rather than assuming the strongest chemical produces the cleanest result.
What Water Temperature Should You Use for a Dog Bed?
Use the temperature specified by the manufacturer.
Don't automatically choose the hottest setting.
Heat can affect:
- Fabric
- Color
- Filling
- Waterproof layers
- Backing
- Adhesives
Some washable beds may permit warm or hot water.
Others may call for cold water.
The label determines the safest choice.
What Cycle Should You Use?
Again, check the care label.
A heavily constructed pet bed may require a different cycle from a lightweight removable cover.
Don't automatically select the most aggressive cycle because the bed is dirty.
Cleaning needs to be balanced with protecting:
- Seams
- Zippers
- Filling
- Fabric
- Shape
What Size Washer Do You Need for a Dog Bed?
There's no single washer size that works for every dog bed.
A small terrier bed and a giant breed's oversized bed are completely different loads.
Instead of choosing based only on the dog's size, look at the actual bed.
The washer needs enough room for the bed to:
move, saturate, wash, rinse and spin properly.
If you have to force the bed through the washer opening and compress it tightly to make it fit, the machine is probably too small.
A bigger machine isn't about using more water for the sake of it.
It's about giving a bulky item enough working space.
Can You Use a 60 lb Washer for a Dog Bed?
Potentially, but that doesn't mean every dog bed needs a 60 lb machine.
Washer capacity should be matched to the item.
Wash Works already has a detailed guide explaining how much laundry fits in a 60 lb washer.
The key principle is the same:
Don't choose a machine solely because the item fits through the door.
It needs enough space inside the drum to wash effectively.
Can You Wash Multiple Dog Beds Together?
Potentially, if:
- Both are machine washable
- Their care instructions are compatible
- Their colors are compatible
- The machine is large enough
- They can move freely
But don't fill every available inch of the drum.
Two beds packed tightly together may clean worse than one bed given adequate space.
If you have several pet beds, one advantage of a laundromat is the ability to use multiple machines at the same time.
Should You Wash Dog Bedding With Your Clothes?
It's generally more practical to wash heavily soiled pet bedding separately from ordinary personal clothing.
Dog beds can carry substantial amounts of:
- Fur
- Dirt
- Saliva
- Outdoor debris
- Odor
If you're already making a laundromat trip, there's little reason to pack the dog bed into the same load as shirts, underwear and everyday clothing just to save one machine.
Can You Wash Dog Blankets With the Bed?
Possibly, as long as the items:
- Have compatible care instructions
- Are compatible colors
- Fit comfortably
- Don't overload the machine
Dog blankets are often easier to wash than the bed itself because they aren't filled.
Using washable blankets on top of a difficult-to-clean pet bed can actually make regular maintenance easier.
The blanket can be washed more frequently while the entire bed receives a deeper cleaning when needed.
How Do You Dry a Dog Bed at a Laundromat?
Drying is just as important as washing.
Check the care label.
If the bed is tumble dryable, choose the permitted dryer temperature and give it enough room.
If it requires air drying, don't put it into a commercial dryer simply because you want to finish faster.
Some beds contain materials that can be affected by excessive dryer heat.
Can You Put a Dog Bed in a Laundromat Dryer?
Only if the manufacturer permits tumble drying.
Machine washable does not automatically mean machine dryable.
A dog bed may contain:
- Foam
- Rubber backing
- Adhesives
- Specialty filling
- Waterproof components
that react differently to heat.
Read the drying instructions separately from the washing instructions.
How Long Does a Dog Bed Take to Dry?
It depends heavily on the bed.
A thin removable cover may dry relatively quickly.
A thick filled bed may take much longer.
Factors include:
- Size
- Filling
- Thickness
- Dryer capacity
- Dryer temperature permitted
- How much water was extracted during spinning
Don't judge dryness only by touching the outside.
Press into the center.
Check:
- Corners
- Seams
- Thick bolsters
- Interior padding
A dog bed can feel dry on the surface while moisture remains trapped inside.
Why Does a Dog Bed Need to Be Completely Dry?
Residual moisture can contribute to:
- Musty odor
- Mildew
- Unpleasant texture
- A bed that quickly smells dirty again
Putting the bed back on the floor while the center is still damp defeats much of the purpose of washing it.
When in doubt, give it more drying time.
Can You Air-Dry a Dog Bed?
Yes, if the manufacturer allows it.
For some beds, air drying is actually required.
Use good airflow and make sure thick sections have enough time to dry internally.
Depending on construction and conditions, a bulky bed can take considerably longer to air dry than ordinary clothing.
Plan accordingly.
Don't wash the dog's only bed at 9 p.m. and assume it will automatically be ready by bedtime.
How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?
There's no single schedule for every dog.
Cleaning frequency depends on:
- Shedding
- Outdoor activity
- Allergies
- Odor
- Accidents
- Whether the dog sleeps in the bed every night
- Whether a washable blanket or cover protects it
A bed used by a low-shedding indoor dog may need a different schedule from one used by a dog that swims, hikes and comes home muddy every weekend.
Instead of relying only on a calendar, pay attention to:
hair + visible dirt + stains + odor + how heavily the bed is used.
Wash removable covers more frequently when practical, because that can reduce how often the entire bed needs deep cleaning.
What If the Dog Bed Is Too Big for Your Washing Machine?
That's one of the clearest reasons to use a laundromat.
Don't force a large pet bed into a residential washer.
Even if you manage to close the door, an overpacked washer can lead to:
- Poor cleaning
- Poor rinsing
- Unbalanced spinning
- Excessive water retention
- Unnecessary stress on the machine
A large commercial washer gives bulky machine-washable items more room.
This is the same reason people bring oversized bedding to Wash Works. Our article on washing a large blanket that won't fit in your washing machine explains why usable drum space matters more than simply being able to shut the washer door.
Is a Laundromat Better for Large Dog Beds?
For machine-washable beds that are too large for a home washer, it often can be.
The primary advantages are:
Larger washer capacity
Larger dryer capacity
Multiple machine sizes
Ability to run other laundry simultaneously
At Wash Works, you don't have to force an oversized pet bed into the same machine you normally use for a week's clothing.
Choose equipment appropriate for the load.
How Can You Wash a Dog Bed and Your Regular Laundry Faster?
Use separate machines simultaneously.
For example:
Machine 1: regular clothing
Machine 2: towels
Machine 3: machine-washable pet bedding
Instead of waiting for the pet bed to finish before starting your clothing, you can run compatible loads at the same time.
That's one of the main reasons laundromats can make a large laundry day substantially more efficient.
Our guide to doing laundry faster at a laundromat explains how parallel washing can turn several sequential home loads into one concentrated laundry trip.
How Long Will the Whole Laundromat Trip Take?
Wash and dry time depends on:
- Machine selected
- Cycle
- Bed thickness
- Fabric
- Filling
- Dryer instructions
For ordinary laundry, a laundromat trip commonly takes around 60–90 minutes, although bulky items can take longer—especially during drying.
If you're planning your visit, see our complete guide to how long laundry takes at a laundromat.
What If You Don't Want to Wash the Dog Bed Yourself?
Wash Works also offers drop-off wash-and-fold service.
However, pet beds vary substantially in construction and care requirements, so confirm that your specific bed can be accepted before leaving it for service.
For ordinary household laundry, Wash Works currently lists drop-off wash and fold at $1.80 per pound.
And if your real problem isn't the dog bed but laundry day itself, Get Fresh Start Laundry offers residential pickup and delivery throughout its Fairfield County and Westchester service areas.
That gives you three different solutions depending on what you're trying to accomplish:
Self-service at Wash Works when you want larger equipment.
Drop-off service when you want the laundry handled for you.
Fresh Start pickup and delivery when you'd rather have everyday laundry collected and returned at home.
Biggest Mistakes When Washing a Dog Bed at a Laundromat
Avoid these common problems:
Putting Memory Foam in the Washer
Don't machine wash foam unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
Leaving Heavy Pet Hair on the Bed
Remove loose hair before washing.
Ignoring Torn Seams
Repair damage before filling a washer with loose stuffing.
Choosing a Washer That's Too Small
The bed needs room to move.
Using Too Much Detergent
More soap can mean more residue and harder rinsing.
Assuming Hotter Water Is Better
Follow the care label.
Washing Pet Bedding With Everyday Clothes
Heavily soiled pet items are usually better handled separately.
Using High Dryer Heat Without Checking
Dryer heat can damage certain materials.
Taking the Bed Home Damp
The outside can feel dry while the interior remains wet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Dog Beds at a Laundromat
Can you wash a dog bed at a laundromat?
Yes, many machine-washable dog beds can be cleaned at a laundromat. Check the care label first and use a washer large enough for the bed to move freely.
Can you wash a dog bed in a commercial washing machine?
If the manufacturer says the entire bed is machine washable, a commercial washer can be a good option for a bed that's too bulky for a residential machine.
What size washer do you need for a dog bed?
It depends on the bed's size and construction. Choose a washer that allows the bed to move freely rather than packing the drum tightly.
Can you wash a memory foam dog bed?
The removable cover may be machine washable, but solid memory foam generally requires another cleaning method unless its manufacturer specifically permits machine washing.
Should you remove dog hair before washing a dog bed?
Yes. Shake, brush, vacuum or otherwise remove as much loose pet hair as practical before putting the bed into a washer.
Can you wash dog beds with regular laundry?
It's generally better to wash heavily soiled pet bedding separately from everyday clothing.
Can you put a dog bed in the dryer?
Only if its care instructions permit tumble drying. Check the allowed temperature and make sure the interior dries completely.
Why does my dog bed still smell after washing?
Possible causes include residual soil, urine reaching the interior, detergent residue or moisture trapped inside the filling. Make sure the entire bed is completely dry before using it again.
Can you wash dog blankets at a laundromat?
Many machine-washable pet blankets can be washed at a laundromat. Follow their care labels and choose a machine appropriate for the amount of bedding.
Is a laundromat good for oversized dog beds?
A laundromat can be especially useful for large machine-washable beds because commercial equipment may provide considerably more room than a home washer.
Wash Large Dog Beds at Wash Works in Stamford, CT
If you've been wondering how to wash a dog bed at a laundromat, the most important thing to remember is that size isn't the only consideration.
Start with the care instructions.
Then:
Remove loose hair and debris.
Take off removable covers.
Inspect the seams.
Identify the filling.
Choose a washer with enough room.
Use an appropriate amount of detergent.
Follow the correct wash temperature.
Follow the drying instructions.
Make sure the entire bed is dry.
For a large machine-washable dog bed that overwhelms your home washing machine, a commercial laundromat can give the bed the space it needs to move, rinse and spin properly.
Wash Works has served Stamford for more than 20 years and operates a fully attended laundromat at 953 East Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902. The store is open 7 a.m.–11 p.m., seven days a week, with multiple commercial machine sizes available.
If you're unsure which machine is appropriate for a washable bulky item, ask one of our attendants before starting your load.
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