Nobody really likes cleaning and cleaning your dog’s bed is probably one of those tasks that you really do not want to do. You want to give your dog a fresh clean bed but it can be a pain to clean some beds. That is why it is best to get a washable dog bed.
Whether it is machine washable or the cover is washable, being able to toss it in the wash rather than doing it by hand is a plus. Some beds you can even toss in the dryer too, which is good for getting rid of bacteria and any kind of bugs that may be lurking in his bed.
After evaluating more than 30 washable dog beds, we chose the “The Kuranda Dog Bed” as our favorite washable dog bed because washable, it can also be hosed off outside for an even easier way to clean between washings. In addition, the heavy-duty fabric choices of ballistic nylon, Cordova, or heavy-duty vinyl are pawesome for standing up to those diggers and chewers and it comes in six sizes.
But I understand that you might have different needs, whether you’re searching for a washable bed for your dog’s crate or a bed with orthopedic features. That is why I prepared a shortlist of our top washable dog beds that address different needs.
Before we look at our 9 bed reviews and top picks in various categories, let’s talk about washable beds. How do these beds keep you and your dog healthy? & types of washable beds available online and their benefits.
Then I’ll share some rules of thumb you can use to help you find the best product for your needs, expert tips on how to clean your dog’s bed, and finally, I’ll answer some common questions from dog parents.
Let’s get started.
How Does Washable Dog Bed Help To Keep You & Your Dog Healthy?
All dog beds get dirty over time no matter how clean you try to keep your fur baby. The hair and the moisture from his skin and from cleaning himself all make a pretty nasty concoction of bacteria, mildew, and other gross things we do not want our pooch sleeping on.
Not only is a dirty dog bed yucky, but it is also smelly and your dog will eventually stop sleeping in it because of the odor. In fact, the bacteria can even make your dog sick eventually if you do not keep his bed clean.
Washable dog beds can solve all these problems and make it simple to make sure your little buddy has a clean place to sleep.
Keeping your dog’s bed clean also makes it easier to keep him stay cleaner and smell better as well. And washing your dog’s bed regularly keeps away the dust mites that cause allergies and can get rid of fleas and other little buggers. Vacuuming your pup’s bed is good but it is not enough to get rid of the bacteria, hair, and other nasty things hiding in the material.
Types of Washable Dog Beds, Which One is Best for Your Needs?
Now that you know your dog needs a washable dog bed, you need to decide what kind you should get for him. There are many washable dog beds on the market but the main three include:
Bed with a Washable Cover
These dog beds are made with a piece of foam or other material inside of a cover that can be removed. They are typically easy to unzip and toss in the washing machine. However, you cannot put the foam or other inner material into the wash with it.
Bed that is Completely Washable
Some stuffed dog beds are machine washable. You can put the entire bed into the washing machine for a good cleaning. However, you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions because many can only be washed on a cold gentle cycle.
Cot Beds
The cot bed is usually easy to clean with a hose or a wet cloth. Just vacuum up the excess hair and take it outside and spray it with the sprayer to get it clean. You can also clean these with a wet cloth. Some cot beds have removable covers you can put in the washing machine.
14 Rules Of Thumb When Buying a Washable Dog Bed
Now that you know all this about washable dog beds and why your pup needs one, you need to know some impawtant details before shopping for a new bed:
Check the description of the bed to make sure it is machine washable or has a removable cover. Read what kind of material it is to figure out if it can be washed. You will also need to know if you can put it in the dryer. Some dog beds that are machine washable have to be hung to dry.
Use these guidelines to help you find the best product for your furbaby:
- Machine Washable: The easiest dog bed to care for is one that is completely machine washable. That way, all you have to do is toss it in the washing machine and dryer. But if your pooch is a heavy shedder, you may want to brush off all the loose hair.
- Removable cover: The next easiest type of dog bed is the bed with a removable cover that can be washed. However, check to see if it is machine washable or if you have to wash it by hand. This makes a big difference for dog parents on the go.
- Fabric: Dog beds come in many different fabrics like polyester, cotton, canvas, nylon, and even vinyl. Make sure the fabric on the dog bed you get is washable if you do not want to wash it all by hand.
- Dryer Safe: Many dog beds that can be machine washed have to be hung to dry. Some of them have a filling that cannot be dried like those with certain kinds of polyfil or foam. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or label to be sure.
- Non-slip Base: It is good to have a non-slip base for your pooch so the bed does not slide around when he jumps in and out of bed. But make sure the material on the bottom can be machine washed and dried before cleaning.
- Bolsters-Style Vs. Traditional Style: Many pooches like to have a pillowy surface to put their head on just like we do. Those pups would enjoy a bolster-style bed. These are also good for dogs that like to curl up into a ball. On the other hand, traditional flat dog beds are great for dogs that love to stretch out when they sleep.
- Orthopedic Features: If your fur baby is older or has some kind of an injury or joint problem, it is nice to have a dog bed with orthopedic features like memory foam. This will help your pup by eliminating pressure points and making his bed more comfortable.
- Durability: Dogs are not the most delicate animals so their beds tend to get a little torn up over time. Make sure your dog’s new bed can handle any of his strange digging, scratching, and chewing behavior.
- Breathability: Breathable material is important for any bed but it is especially important for senior pups because they lose the ability to control their body heat and can possibly become overheated. If you have a waterproof bed or cover, make sure you get a cover made of a breathable material like cotton, polyester, or nylon.
- Bed for Outdoor or Indoors: If you plan to keep your dog’s bed outside for any period of time, make sure it is waterproof and can handle the sun’s damaging rays. On the other hand, if you are keeping his bed indoors, check to be sure the material is not transferable so you do not end up with fur or hair all over the house.
- Is your dog a heavy chewer?: There are no indestructible dog beds but there are some materials that can stand up to a bit of chewing if your dog chews on everything. The best materials for chewers include heavy canvas, denim, Cordura, ripstop nylon, firehose material, and vinyl.
- Environmental Friendly: Try to find a bed made with recycled materials or one that can be recycled. It is good for everyone, in the long run, to take care of our environment.
- Warranty: The longer the manufacturer’s warranty is, the better the product in most cases. If a company is willing to back up their dog bed with a good warranty, they obviously believe in it.
- Made In The USA: Dog beds made in the USA are put through strict regulations to make sure they are safe. While other countries may make perfectly safe materials, it is best that they have rules and regulations to abide by.
Our 2024 Top 9 Washable Dog Beds
After reviewing more than 30 washable dog beds using the criteria mentioned above, we chose our 12 best beds that we think are essential to your fur baby getting the proper rest that he needs.
Kuranda Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 25L x 18W x 7H inches to 50L x 36W x 9H inches
- Bed Style: Flat
- Material/Fabric: High strength PVC frame and Cordura fabric
- Dryer Safe: No
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: Yes
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for one year
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: Our top pick overall
The Kuranda company is well-known for its quality and their one-year chew proof warranty tells you that they believe in their product. It comes in four different colors and several different fabrics including the heavy-duty vinyl, Cordova, and ballistic nylon.
It also comes in six sizes including 25L x 18W x 7H inches, 30L x 20W x 7H inches, 35L x 23W x 7H inches, 40L x 25W x 7H inches, 44L x 27W x 9H inches, 50L x 36W x 9H inches.They each hold up to 250 pounds and they are pawfect for indoors or outdoors since they are waterproof and UV resistant. The lightweight aluminum makes it easy to carry in and out as well.
What We Like:
- No corner holes
- Comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and fabrics
- Holds up to 100 pounds
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is comfortable to sleep on
- The air circulation keeps it cool
What We Don’t like:
- Some dogs just do not like it
MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 35L x 22W x 4H inches to 47L x 29W x 4H inches
- Bed Style: Flat
- Material/Fabric: Polyester
- Dryer Safe: Yes
- Removable Cover: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Only the bottom
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: affordable price
The amazing price is the first thing you will love about this bed. You can get a small dog bed for under $10! And it stands up to most of the abuse that the others stand up to that cost 10x the price. There is no zipper or velcro to worry about on this one either. It is all one piece so your dog cannot tear the cover off like others. The non-skid bottom means you can also use it outside the crate for a regular bed when your pup is not in the crate.
And you can toss it in the washing machine if it gets dirty or wet so no worries about odors. It comes in three colors and seven sizes. The small is 17L x 11W x 1.5H inches, medium is 21L x 12W x 2H inches, large is 23L x 18W x 2.5H inches, x-large is 29L x 21W x 3H inches, xx-large is 35L x 22W x 3H inches, xxx-large is 40L x 27W x 3.5H inches, and the jumbo is 46L x 29W x 4H inches.
What We Like:
- This is one of the most affordable dog beds on the market
- It comes in seven different sizes
- It is machine washable and dryer friendly
What Dogs Love about it?
- The soft furry bed is comfortable all night long
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
Furhaven Pet
- Bed Size: 20L x 15W x 5.5H inches to 53L x 42W x 9.5H inches
- Bed Style: Bolster
- Material/Fabric: Plush and suede polyester
- Dryer Safe: Yes
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: washable bed with orthopedic features
Furhaven has your fur baby covered with comfort with this cool and cozy sofa bed. The base is a layer of medical-grade support foam and one layer of memory foam covered in plush faux fur. The bolsters are filled with 100% recycled materials so it is even good for the environment. And the memory foam soothes pressure points to ease the pain of arthritis in older dogs.
The cover is easy to remove and toss into the washing machine and you can dry it on low heat. It is available in 10 colors and five sizes. The small is 20L x 15W x 3H inches, medium is 30L x 20W x 3H inches, large is 36L x 27W x 3H inches, jumbo is 44L x 35W x 4H inches, and jumbo plus is 53L x 42W x 5H inches.
What We Like:
- Two layers of foam for extra support
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
- Has a variety of colors and sizes
What Dogs Love about it?
- The bolsters are comfy
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 17L x 11W x 3H inches to 52L x 34W x 3H inches
- Bed Style: Flat
- Material/Fabric: Microsuede cover and shredded memory foam fill
- Dryer Safe: Yes, tumble dry low
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for three years
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: memory foam dog bed
The three inches of shredded memory foam in this bed gives your pooch the support while still allowing extremely good breathability so he stays cooler. This one fits inside most crates and is easy to care for since the cover is washable. And it is double-stitched for extra durability for those scratchers and diggers.
It comes in four colors and seven sizes. The small is 17L x 11W x 3H inches, medium is 22L x 16W x 3H inches, large is 28L x 18W x 3H inches, x-large is 34L x 22W x 3H inches, xx-large is 40L x 26W x 3H inches, XXX-l is 46L x 28W x 3H inches, and the jumbo is 52L x 34W x 3H inches. For such an inexpensive bed, it is covered by a three-year warranty, which is pawesome!
What We Like:
- It is very inexpensive
- It has a three-year warranty
- It comes in seven sizes
What Dogs Love about it?
- The microsuede is soft and the filling is comfy
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
Milliard Quilted Padded Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 35L x 22W x 4H inches to 47L x 29W x 4H inches
- Bed Style: Flat
- Material/Fabric: Plush pillowtop polyester cotton and egg crate foam
- Dryer Safe: No
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Extremely durable
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, lifetime warranty
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: washable dog bed for crate
All sizes of these dog crate pads are a full four inches thick. They are made from a two-inch foam base with two inches of premium memory foam on top. It is designed to conform to your dog’s body with the extra two inches on the bottom so it relieves the pressure from his joints while laying down. This is furfect for those aging pups with arthritis.
The cover is easy to clean because it is machine washable and your dog will love the furry coating. It comes in four sizes. The small is 35L x 22W x 4H inches, the medium is 42L x 27W x 4H inches, and the large is 47L x 29W x 4H inches. Wash on a gentle cycle and hang to dry.
What We Like:
- Good for diggers and scratchers
- Double layer of foam for extra support
- Has a lifetime warranty
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is very comfortable
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
BarksBar Large Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 26L x 20W x 10H inches to 40L x 30W x 10H inches
- Bed Style: Bolster
- Material/Fabric: Polyester cover and orthopedic foam
- Dryer Safe: No
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: No
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: bolster-style dog bed
The 3.5 inches of high-quality orthopedic foam in this bed is furfect for those pups who need a bit of cushion to relieve joint pain. It will keep its shape for years so your fur baby stays comfy for years too. The soft polyester cover unzips to toss in the washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle and let it air dry.
The cotton-filled bolsters provide neck support as well as being a comfy pillow for your fur baby’s head. It only comes in gray but it has several sizes to choose from. The small is 26L x 20W x 10H inches, the medium is 32L x 22W x 10H inches, and the large is 40L x 30W x 10H inches.
What We Like:
- Easy to wash
- Has three sizes
- Orthopedic foam is furfect
What Dogs Love about it?
- The high bolsters make great pillows
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
Suede Dog Bed By Majestic Pet Products
- Bed Size: 24L x 19W x 7H inches to 52L x 35W x 11H inches
- Bed Style: Bolster
- Material/Fabric: Polyester and polyfil
- Dryer Safe: No
- Removable Cover: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Only the bottom
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: Yes
- Best for: bagel-style dog bed
Your pooch will love sleeping in his very own bagel bed with high loft bolsters all around him. He will feel snuggly and safe with a place to lay his head no matter which way he lays. The base is waterproof, made of 300/600 denier, and has a non-slip material. And you can throw the whole thing in the washing machine when it gets dirty.
It is available in seven colors and four sizes. The small is 24L x 19W x 7H inches for dogs up to 25 pounds, the medium is 32L x 23W x 7H inches for pups up to 40 pounds, large is 40L x 29W x 9H inches for dogs up to 70 pounds, and x-large is 52L x 35W x 11H inches for dogs up to 110 pounds.
What We Like:
- Comes in a variety of sizes and colors
- The whole thing is machine washable
- Bolsters are overstuffed
What Dogs Love about it?
- The bottom is non-slip so he won’t slip and slide
What We Don’t like:
- It is not waterproof
Best Friends by Sheri
- Bed Size: 20L x 20Wx 12H inches to 24L x 24W x 13.5H inches
- Bed Style: Bolster
- Material/Fabric: Polyester with AirLoft fibers inside
- Dryer Safe: Yes
- Removable Cover: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Only the bottom
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Orthopedic Features: No
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: calming dog bed
In this cozy dog bed, there are crevices your pooch can burrow in as well as deep plush sherpa for him to cuddle up with. And he has an entire wall circling him to help make him feel safe. The back wall is three inches taller than the front so your pooch can use it as a backrest while using the front for a pillow. And it is overstuffed with virgin AirLoft fibers that last three times as long as other fillers. For little pooches who love to sleep curled up, this bed is furfect and the material is so thick it can stand up to diggers and scratchers.
It comes in 16 different colors and three different fur styles. You can choose from sherpa, Ilan, and lux. They are all soft and cozy but it just depends on what your dog likes. The sherpa is more of curly wool, the lux is a faux fur material, and the Ilan is a microfiber with a smoother touch. The base is waterproof and the outer material is triple stitched to keep the stuffing in place. There are two sizes. The standard is 20L x 20Wx 12H inches with a sleeping surface of 16L x 16W inches and the jumbo is 24L x 24W x 13.5H inches with a sleeping surface of 21L x 21W inches.
What We Like:
- It comes in 16 different colors and three fabrics
- The deep pockets are great for snugglers
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
What Dogs Love about it?
- It is cozy and warm
What We Don’t like:
- Only the bottom is waterproof
Dogbed4less Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed
- Bed Size: 35L x 20W x 4H inches to 55L x 47W x 4H inches
- Bed Style: Flat
- Material/Fabric: Denim with gel memory foam
- Dryer Safe: No
- Removable Cover: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Waterproof fabric: Yes
- Chew-Proof Fabric: No
- Durability: Very durable
- Orthopedic Features: Yes
- Warranty: Yes, for 30 days
- Made In The USA: No
- Best for: flat-style dog bed
This one has four layers. The outer layer is heavy denim, the next layer is microsuede, the next layer is a waterproof membrane, and the inner layer is 100% gel-infused memory foam that keeps your pup cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is five times denser than the typical memory foam mattress for extra support.
While the denim is extremely durable and can handle scratching, digging, and a bit of chewing, it is not chew-proof. But it is hypoallergenic and insect resistant. And it comes in seven sizes. The small is 35L x 20W x 4H inches, medium is 37L x 27W x 4H inches, large is 41L x 27W x 4H inches, x-large is 40L x 35W x 4H inches, xx-large is 47L x 29W x 4H inches, xxx-large is 55L x 37W x 4H inches, and the jumbo is 55L x 47W x 4H inches.
What We Like:
- It comes in seven sizes
- The denim is tough
- Cover is washable
What Dogs Love about it?
- The foam keeps him cool in summer and warm in winter
What We Don’t like:
- It only comes in one color
Expert Tips On How To Properly Clean Your Dog Bed
You would not want to sleep in a dirty bed or blankets that have not been washed in ages so why would your fur baby want to? Yes, he does roll around in the dirt and plays in the mud but that does not mean he wants to sleep in it. So, you need to wash his bed on a regular basis even if it does not look or smell dirty. Here are some tips to properly clean your dog bed.
Cleaning a Removable Dog Cover
A lot of dog beds have removable covers that keep the inner material clean and can be taken off to put in the washing machine. These are easy to take care of since all you have to do is toss it in the washing machine with mild laundry soap. But read the label or instructions first.
Washable Covers
If your dog’s bed cover is not washable, you will have to clean it by hand. It may take longer but you can do it and your dog will really appreciate it. Just follow these easy steps:
- Use your vacuum attachments to remove all of the hair, dander, mites, and other dirty stuff. You can use a lint roller if your vacuum does not come with attachments but it won’t get as clean as it would with your vacuum.
- Fill your sink or tub with warm water mixed with about one-quarter of a cup of baking soda. Mix the water and soak the cover in the water for at least 15 minutes to remove any odors.
- If there are stains on the cover, use a stain remover safe for babies and pets. Put a few drops on the stain and rub it clean with a clean cloth or towel. Be gentle so you do not damage the material.
- Rinse off the bed cover and scrub the rest of the cover with a mild soap. Use a soft scrub brush or clean cloth for this.
- Clean all the soap and residue completely by rinsing it in hot water. Wring it out and hang it up to dry before putting it back on the bed.
Cleaning a Dog Bed Without a Cover
Some dog beds are just one piece and are not machine washable. For these, you will have to wash the entire thing by hand. Here are some of the things you will need:
- Toothbrush
- Clean cloth
- Soft scrub brush
- Baking soda
- Mild laundry soap for baby items
- A large tub or sink
- Enzyme cleaner for stains
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
Here are the steps in cleaning a dog bed without a cover:
- Use the soft scrub brush to get rid of most of the excess hair. Vacuum your dog’s bed with your vacuum attachments. Make sure you get all the way into the tight spaces and seams. Then vacuum the entire thing all over to remove hair, dead skin, and dirt.
- Similar to cleaning the cover, stains should be cleaned before washing the bed. Use a safe enzyme stain cleaner and follow the instructions on the package.
- Soak your pup’s bed in warm water with a tablespoon of extra mild laundry soap mixed in. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. If the water is dirty, you will need to do it again.
- Dip your scrub brush in baking soda and scrub teh entire bed from top to bottom. Do not forget the seams and tight spaces. This gets rid of odors that soap cannot.
- Rinse the bed thoroughly to get rid of all the soap, enzyme cleaner, and baking soda. It will take a few rinses in clean tubs of water to get it all out.
- Wring out the water from the bed by squeezing it section by section until you cannot get any more water. Be gentle so you do not damage the inner padding or stuffing. Then hang it up to dry.
Common Questions from Dog Parents
Is it OK to wash dog bed in the washing machine?
Some dog beds can be machine washed and dried and others have covers that can be removed and tossed in the wash. Other beds have to be washed by hand. It depends on the materials and the manufacturer’s instructions.
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
You should wash your dog’s bed every other week to prevent dust mites, fleas, parasites, and bacteria. If your dog tends to get dirtier than most pups, you may need to wash it every week.
How to wash an extra smelly dog bed?
If your pooch got the bed extra smelly by rolling in something nasty outside, you may need to do a deeper cleaning. Remove everything that can be removed and use a scrub brush to get rid of dirt and solid waste. Then use your vacuum to remove any hair and other dirt. Dilute bleach in 32 parts water and cover the entire bed in the solution for 10 minutes before rinsing. Then you can use vinegar mixed with equal parts of water and do the same thing.
What is the cost of washable dog beds?
You can get a good washable dog bed for anywhere between $17 to over $100 dollars. It depends on the type of bed you get and the size of your pooch.
Which is the best washable dog bed?
The best washable bed for your fur baby depends on what kind of dog bed you want. Out of the list below, we believe that the Kuranda Dog Bed is the best because it is easy to clean outside or in the washer, it is waterproof, and it comes in different colors, styles, and sizes. It is also very durable and has a one-year warranty.
What temperature should I wash my dog’s bedding?
You should always use the hottest temperature allowed on the label to get rid of dirt and germs. The experts recommend using water that is at least 140 degrees but you have to check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
How do you clean a washing machine after washing the dog bed?
Use the highest temperature allowed and clean out the washing machine tub afterward with a damp paper towel. This will remove all the hair usually. If you still see hair in the washing machine tub, let it dry and use the soft attachment on your vacuum to get rid of the rest.
Is laundry detergent toxic to dogs?
Regular strength laundry detergent is toxic to dogs like it is for humans. It is best to use a very mild detergent like the type used for washing infant clothing. If your dog eats one of the laundry detergent pods, you need to take him to your veterinarian or an emergency pet hospital right away.
The Final Woof
The Kuranda Dog Bed is our top choice for the best washable dog bed. Not only is it machine washable, it can also be hosed off outside for an even easier way to clean between washings.
The heavy-duty fabric choices of ballistic nylon, Cordova, or heavy duty vinyl are pawesome for standing up to those diggers and chewers and it comes in six sizes. The one-year warranty is a good thing too because that shows that the company believes in their product and it is made in the USA.
