Quick answer

To wash a dog bed without ruining its shape, always unzip and remove the cover, then machine wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Never put memory foam or bolsters in the washing machine or dryer; instead, spot clean them and air dry completely. This preserves the bed's structure and support.

Why washing a dog bed is different from washing a blanket

Dog beds, especially orthopaedic ones, contain layers of memory foam and supportive bolsters that can break down if soaked or tumbled. The cover is usually the only part designed for machine washing. Treating the whole bed like a duvet will flatten the foam and leave you with a lumpy, unsupportive bed. Always check the care label first; if it's missing, assume the foam core is not machine washable.

Gather your supplies before you start

You'll need a mild, pet-safe detergent (avoid fabric softeners and bleach), a vacuum with a brush attachment, a soft-bristled brush, and a couple of clean towels. For spot cleaning, have a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. If your bed has a removable cover, a mesh laundry bag can protect zippers and seams.

How to spot clean odours and stains between washes

For everyday accidents or drool, blot fresh stains with a damp cloth, then spray with the vinegar solution and let it sit for five minutes. Blot dry. For dried stains, vacuum first to remove hair and debris, then gently scrub with a brush and a little enzyme cleaner. Always test on a hidden area first. This keeps odours from setting and reduces how often you need a full wash.

Step-by-step washing routine

  1. Remove the cover and vacuum the foam: Unzip the cover and set it aside. Vacuum the foam core and bolsters with a brush attachment to remove loose hair and dirt. Common mistake: washing the entire bed without checking if the foam is removable. Checkpoint: if the foam is attached or the label says 'do not wash', spot clean only. Never submerge memory foam in water.
  2. Pre-treat stains and odours on the cover: Apply a pet-safe enzyme cleaner or vinegar solution to stained areas and let it sit for 10 minutes. Common mistake: scrubbing too hard, which can damage fabric fibres. Checkpoint: always test on an inside seam first. Pre-treatment lifts dirt and reduces the need for harsh washing.
  3. Machine wash the cover on gentle: Place the cover in a mesh bag, use cold water and a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Common mistake: using hot water or fabric softener, which can shrink the cover or leave residue that irritates skin. Checkpoint: if the cover has a waterproof liner, wash it separately or hand wash. Cold water and gentle cycle protect seams and zippers.
  4. Air dry the cover completely: Hang or lay the cover flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight and radiators. Common mistake: putting it in the dryer, which can shrink or warp the fabric. Checkpoint: if you must speed it up, use a dryer on air-only (no heat) for 10 minutes. Never tumble dry on heat; air drying preserves fit.
  5. Spot clean the foam and bolsters: Wipe the foam with a damp cloth and mild soap, then blot with a dry towel. For odours, sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum. Common mistake: soaking the foam, which can cause mould and breakdown. Checkpoint: ensure the foam is completely dry before reassembling. Foam should never be soaked; surface clean only.
  6. Reassemble and fluff: Once the cover is fully dry, put it back on the foam and zip it up. Fluff the bolsters by hand. Common mistake: reassembling while damp, which can lead to mildew. Checkpoint: if you smell any mustiness, repeat the drying step. A dry bed stays fresh and keeps its shape longer.

Product facts

  • The Ultimate Orthopaedic Dog Bed by Baker & Bray in Navy Blue: The Ultimate Orthopaedic Dog Bed by Baker & Bray in Navy Blue is built with premium-grade repurposed memory foam, supportive bolsters, and durable recycled materials. The memory foam and bolsters are not machine washable, so you must remove the cover and spot clean the foam to maintain joint support and shape.
  • The Ultimate Orthopaedic Dog Bed by Baker & Bray in Teal Blue: The Ultimate Orthopaedic Dog Bed by Baker & Bray in Teal Blue uses the same repurposed memory foam and supportive bolsters for stable daily use. Even with a different colour, the care routine is identical: always unzip the cover before washing to protect the foam core.
  • The Ultimate Orthopaedic Dog Bed by Baker & Bray in Peach Fuzz: The Ultimate Orthopaedic Dog Bed by Baker & Bray in Peach Fuzz is designed for stable joint support and maintains its shape through daily use. Proper washing and drying help the bed keep that shape, so follow the steps below to avoid flattening the foam.