How to wash a cat bed

Please note: If you’re wondering how to clean a cat bed, this includes not using perfumes, air fragrances, scented cleaners, essential oils or ammonia. Cats are very sensitive and many products (both natural and man-made) with a strong scent are deterrents. Use products according to use instructions.

The kitty bed might have a cover with a foam or padding interior. Start with cleaning the removable cover and take it step by step:

• Sprinkling baking soda on the cover can help remove odors according to online sources. Wait 15 minutes.
  
• Vacuum the cover to remove loose dirt, sand and hair; then take the bed outside.
  
• Shake vigorously to loosen additional dirt and hair.
  
• Lint remover is next. Roll all over the cat bed (and yourself as well while you work).
  
• Throw the cover in the dryer on low for 10 minutes to continue to remove the dirt, grime and hair.
  
• Pre-cleaning is a must. Spot-clean any urine stains or dark areas from use or from your cat’s paws. Be sure to use a cleaner that is intended for this purpose. Follow instructions on the product label.
  
• Run the washing machine for two full wash cycles. Wash the cat bed cover on its own with hot water for a full cycle using an unscented and dye-free detergent like all® free clear and fabric softener if desired.
  
• Odors. Add a cup of vinegar to the washer whenever you clean the cat bed cover to help remove extra odors
  
• Put in the dryer and/or hang up in the sun.
  

Prep the mattress pad the same way as above: Vacuum, shake, remove dirt and hair with a lint brush, put in the dryer on low heat for 10 minutes, pre-clean with spot remover according to label directions.

• Use a rubber glove to pick off any large clumps of hair or dirt.
  
• Put only the pad in the washing machine on warm or cool for 1–2 full cycles with a cup of vinegar. If the bed pad is too big for the washer, soak and wash it in the bathtub and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
  
• Air dry the mattress, preferably outside in the sun or in a warm, sunny spot in your home. Place where animals will not get on it. Do not put it in the dryer.
  
• Reassemble the cover and pad once both are completely dry.
  

• This is an important part of how to wash a cat bed. While the cover and pad are drying, thoroughly clean and the area where you usually keep the bed. Again, use product according to directions
  
• With a sponge, do any spot cleaning if there are stains on the carpet near where the bed is usually located.
  

We hope you enjoyed our tips on how to wash a cat bed. Don’t forget to check out our other cleaning tips including how to remove pet hair easily.

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