Does your dog’s bed smell a little… well, doggy? Even the coziest pet beds can become breeding grounds for odors, dander, and unseen grime. We love our furry friends, but cleaning up after them presents a real challenge. Choosing the right detergent feels like a minefield. You worry about harsh chemicals irritating sensitive skin, or strong perfumes lingering and driving your dog away from their favorite spot.
The wrong soap might strip the fabric or fail to eliminate those stubborn, deep-set smells. Finding a product that is tough on dirt but gentle on your pet is crucial for their health and comfort. You need a solution that actually works without causing side effects.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what you need to look for in a dog bedding detergent. By the end, you will know which ingredients to seek out and which to avoid. Get ready to transform that stinky cushion back into a clean, fresh sanctuary your dog will love curling up on again. Let’s dive into the best ways to keep those beds sparkling clean!
Top Detergent To Wash Dog Bedding Recommendations
- Concentrated Powder Detergent: ACTIVE Pet Detergent is a Powerful, High Efficiency Compatible Odor Destroyer & Stain Eliminating Detergent. Every Scoop has a Natural Cleaning Power to Handle any Mess, Stain, or Smell left behind by your pet.
- Suitable for all Pet Laundry: Including Pet Bed, Clothing, Leash, Harness, Blankets, Towels, Furniture Covers & More! ACTIVE is an All-in-One Laundry Detergent Compatible With All Fabric Types, Even Use on your own Clothing and Bedding that smells like your pet!
- Bio Based Enzyme Cleaner: ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Detergent is Formulated to Target Pesky Stains and Odors, Including Pet Urine, Cat & Dog Pee, Vomit, Slobber, Dirt, Grime, Oils and Protein Stains. ACTIVE Enzymes even get rid of Wet Dog Odor, and others stubborn scents
- Natural & Fragrance Free: ACTIVE Pet Detergent is a Natural Laundry Stain Remover, Free of Harsh Chemicals and Gentle for Pets and Sensitive Skin. ACTIVE Actually Removes Odors rather than using scents to cover them up like some alternatives
- Best Value 64 Loads: Compare ACTIVE Dog Laundry Detergent to liquids that take up more space with less uses. Our Value Pack Comes in a Bulk 2 Lb bag so you can Keep Your Pet Laundry Taken Care Of!
- Cleans & Deodorizes What Your Pet Loves Most: Uses naturally derived enzymes to help break down the messy stuff like drool, oils, and food stains on your pet’s favorite blankets, beds, and soft toys
- Odor Remover: Fragrance-free formula helps neutralize and eliminate dog and cat odors at the source, instead of masking them with synthetic scents like many conventional detergents
- Kind to Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and made without dyes, added scents, phthalates, or sulfates; just a gentle clean you can feel good about using around allergy-prone pets and people
- Made Thoughtfully, Close to Home: Made in the USA with carefully chosen ingredients and packaged in a recyclable bottle; never tested on animals
- Concentrated Formula: Lasts up to 32 loads with no booster needed; use two capfuls for regular laundry or four capfuls for larger or heavily soiled loads; for deep stains or heavy messes, a separate pre-soak treatment may be helpful; to sanitize, follow your washer's sanitize cycle settings
- Eliminates pet odors and stains - LaundraPet enzymatic laundry detergent by Alpha Tech Pet is designed to remove animal pet odors and stains from pet poop and urine, and heavy soils from washable garments, leaving them soft and smelling fresh!
- Triple-action enzymatic power - Offering 3x cleaning efficacy, LaundraPet is a pet laundry detergent fortified with enzymatic technology that boosts cleaning power by 15%. It can be used in cold water, saving energy consumption.
- Pet Hair Removal System - Includes 40oz luxury laundry detergent and a 40oz fabric softener working together as laundry supplies to lift stubborn pet hair from clothes, with results improving over multiple washes. Note: More pet hair is removed with additional use
- HairLift Technology Targets Cling - Targets static cling, microscopic fabric hooks, and sticky residues so hair releases during washing instead of reattaching. Performance improves with repeated use
- Six Enzyme Complex Formula - Works as a laundry stain remover and enzyme cleaner for dog and cat urine, helping break down oily sebum and dander that trap hair in fabrics over time
- Silicone Shield Barrier + Fabric Care - Creates an anti-static layer that works as a fabric deodorizer and softener, helping reduce re-cling while keeping fabrics soft, breathable, and effective across repeated washes
- Natural Scents with Real Essential Oils - Acts as a pet odor eliminator for home use with a light, natural scent. Lavender Sandalwood is made with real essential oils for a fresh, clean finish without heavy or overpowering fragrance
- POWERFUL PET FUR LIFTING ACTION: Made for pet homes that battle fur every day, these free-and-clear pet hair laundry detergent pods use targeted surfactants to loosen and wash away stubborn fur from clothes, pet beds, blankets, and towels in every cycle, helping remove up to 90% of embedded hair so pet parents can enjoy cleaner, fresher fabrics without endless lint rolling after laundry day.
- GENTLE PLANT-BASED PET LAUNDRY CARE: Crafted as a thoughtful pet laundry detergent for sensitive households, these laundry pods free and clear of fluorescent brighteners, phosphates, chlorine bleach, and harsh added preservatives rely on plant-derived ingredients and bio-based surfactants to deliver a caring clean that supports families who read every label and want a calm, low-fuss wash routine around their animals.
- DEEP-DEODORIZING ODOR DEFENSE: This pet laundry detergent uses plant-based deodorizing ingredients and targeted odor neutralizers to break down stubborn smells from urine, body odor, drool, damp bedding, and everyday pet messes so fabrics come out genuinely fresh and ready for life with animals instead of relying on heavy fragrance to mask lingering pet scents.
- LOW-SUDS FORMULA FOR HE & STANDARD WASHERS: These low-foaming detergent pacs are compatible with front-load, top-load, HE, and standard machines. They are made to clean effectively without excessive foam buildup, helping avoid overflow issues and keeping everyday laundry simple and hassle-free.
- FABRIC-SAFE CLEAN FOR PET HOMES: Thoughtfully balanced plant-based fabric care ingredients in this pet laundry detergent gently cleanse while helping maintain fiber smoothness, reduce pilling, and slow color fading over time so everyday washable fabrics—from clothes and sheets to blankets, pet bedding, and other pet laundry—stay comfortable, durable, and ready for the next round of real life with animals.
- Advanced 96.7% Pet Hair Dissolution - 100g Powerful Formula: Each upgraded 100g sachet contains our specialized hair-dissolving factor that eliminates up to 96.7% of pet hair, stains, and odors. Use just 1 sachet per wash on pet bedding, blankets, and fabric toys. Now infused with a refreshing Basil scent for naturally fresh laundry
- Oxygen-Powered Deep Clean + Washing Machine Maintenance: Our oxygen penetration formula lifts embedded hair and grime from fabrics while descaling and deodorizing your washer. It breaks down residue, removes musty odors, and maintains HE washer performance – safe for front-load and top-load machines
- MUST Use "Tub Clean" Mode - No Pre-Soaking, No Scrubbing: For FurGone to work effectively, you must run the "Tub Clean" or "Self Clean" cycle (water heats to 194°F). Simply toss 1 sachet into the empty drum and start the cycle - the granules activate instantly to dissolve hair, stains, and odors. No pre-soaking needed. For the first wash of a heavily furred machine, use 2 sachets. Do not use with normal wash cycles
- Gentle on Synthetic Fabrics - Please Note Fabric Care: This formula is specifically designed to loosen embedded pet hair from synthetic materials (e.g., polyester pet beds, fleece blankets, nylon toys) and rinse it away cleanly. It is not recommended for cotton, linen, silk, wool, or delicate/color-fading fabrics. Avoid using on garments labeled "cold wash only" to prevent damage or discoloration. Always check your item's care label first. Septic safe and free from harsh additives
- Versatile Use - From Pet Gear to Washer Drums: Use FurGone on dog/cat beds, plush toys, carrier liners, and even to deep-clean your empty washing machine drum. Keep your entire home fur-free and fresh with every laundry day. The light Basil scent lingers pleasantly without being overpowering - your pet's bedding will smell clean, not chemical
- Cleans & Deodorizes What Your Pet Loves Most: Uses naturally derived enzymes to help break down the messy stuff like drool, oils, and food stains on your pet’s favorite blankets, beds, and soft toys
- Odor Remover: Fragrance-free formula helps neutralize and eliminate dog and cat odors at the source, instead of masking them with synthetic scents like many conventional detergents
- Kind to Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and made without dyes, added scents, phthalates, or sulfates; just a gentle clean you can feel good about using around allergy-prone pets and people
- Bundle includes large mesh laundry bag, ideal for soft toys, pet clothing, collars and leashes.
- Concentrated Formula: Lasts up to 32 loads with no booster needed; use two capfuls for regular laundry or four capfuls for larger or heavily soiled loads; for deep stains or heavy messes, a separate pre-soak treatment may be helpful; to sanitize, follow your washer's sanitize cycle settings
- Cleans & Deodorizes What Your Pet Loves Most: Uses naturally derived enzymes to help break down the messy stuff like drool, oils, and food stains on your pet’s favorite blankets, beds, and soft toys
- Odor Remover: Fragrance-free formula helps neutralize and eliminate dog and cat odors at the source, instead of masking them with synthetic scents like many conventional detergents
- Kind to Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and made without dyes, added scents, phthalates, or sulfates; just a gentle clean you can feel good about using around allergy-prone pets and people
- Made Thoughtfully, Close to Home: Made in the USA with carefully chosen ingredients and packaged in a recyclable bottle; never tested on animals
- Concentrated Formula: Lasts up to 32 loads with no booster needed; use two capfuls for regular laundry or four capfuls for larger or heavily soiled loads; for deep stains or heavy messes, a separate pre-soak treatment may be helpful; to sanitize, follow your washer's sanitize cycle settings
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Keeping Your Canine’s Castle Clean
Washing your dog’s bedding regularly is vital for health and comfort. Dirty beds hold onto odors, dirt, and allergens. Finding the right detergent makes this chore much easier and safer for your furry friend. This guide helps you choose the best soap for that stinky dog bed.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for specific features that target pet messes.
- **Odor Elimination:** The best detergents don’t just mask smells; they destroy them. Look for terms like “enzymatic cleaner” or “odor-neutralizing.”
- **Hypoallergenic Properties:** Dogs often have sensitive skin. Choose formulas free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and strong perfumes.
- **Concentration Level:** Highly concentrated formulas mean you use less product per wash, saving you money over time.
- **Pet-Safe Ingredients:** Ensure the label clearly states it is safe for use around pets after rinsing.
Important Materials to Consider
The ingredients list tells the whole story about the detergent’s effectiveness and safety.
You want to prioritize natural or gentle ingredients. Enzymes are excellent. They are tiny proteins that break down organic matter like dirt, slobber, and pet accidents. This action is how tough stains and smells disappear completely.
Avoid certain things. Many standard laundry detergents contain optical brighteners. These chemicals make clothes *look* whiter under light but can irritate sensitive dog skin. Also, steer clear of heavy fragrances. While they smell nice to humans, strong perfumes often bother a dog’s sensitive nose.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the detergent directly impacts how clean the bedding gets and how long the bedding lasts.
Improving Quality:
- **Enzymatic Action:** This is the single biggest factor improving stain and odor removal on pet items.
- **Cold Water Effectiveness:** A high-quality detergent works well even in cold water. This saves energy and protects delicate bed materials from high heat damage.
- **Residue-Free Rinsing:** The best detergents rinse out completely. If soap residue remains, it stiffens the fabric and can irritate the dog’s skin when they lie on it later.
Reducing Quality:
- **Bleach or Harsh Solvents:** These destroy fabric fibers quickly, making the bedding wear out faster. They also leave dangerous chemical residues.
- **Excessive Foaming:** Too much soap creates excess suds. These suds trap dirt and require extra rinse cycles, often leaving soap behind.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the detergent matters, especially with pet bedding.
Dog beds come in many forms—from simple fleece pads to thick orthopedic foam inserts. User experience is best when the detergent handles the worst messes easily. If you have a puppy or an older dog with incontinence issues, you need a powerful cleaner that tackles urine odors immediately.
For regular maintenance, a gentle, eco-friendly formula works perfectly. If you are dealing with flea treatments or heavy outdoor mud, you might need a stronger, specialized enzymatic wash. Always follow the machine instructions. For thick beds, use an extra rinse cycle to ensure all cleaning agents are washed away. A happy dog means a clean bed, and a clean bed starts with the right soap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Bedding Detergent
Q: Can I just use my regular laundry detergent?
A: You can, but it is not ideal. Regular detergents often contain perfumes and brighteners that might irritate your dog’s skin. Specialized pet detergents target organic odors better.
Q: How often should I wash the dog bed?
A: Aim to wash removable covers weekly. For thick, non-removable beds, a deep wash should happen every two to four weeks, depending on how messy your dog is.
Q: Will enzymatic cleaners harm my washing machine?
A: No. Enzymatic cleaners are designed to be gentle on fabrics and safe for standard home washing machines when used as directed.
Q: Is “fragrance-free” the same as “unscented”?
A: Not always. “Fragrance-free” means no perfumes were added. “Unscented” sometimes means chemicals were added to cancel out natural smells. Look for “fragrance-free” for the safest option.
Q: What if the bed cover is machine washable but the inner foam is not?
A: Wash the cover regularly with pet detergent. For the foam, spot clean stains immediately using a diluted enzymatic spray cleaner, and allow it to air dry completely. Never soak foam inserts.
Q: Do I need to use extra detergent for heavily soiled beds?
A: It is better to use the correct amount of high-quality detergent and run an extra rinse cycle, rather than overloading the machine with too much soap. Too much soap leaves residue.
Q: Are natural detergents effective against strong pet odors?
A: Yes, if they contain effective ingredients like baking soda or specific plant-based enzymes. Check the label to confirm odor-fighting power, not just natural sourcing.
Q: How should I dry the bedding?
A: Air drying is often best to protect waterproof or memory foam materials. If using a dryer, use low heat. High heat can break down the foam structure inside the bed.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when washing dog beds?
A: The biggest mistake is failing to rinse thoroughly. Leftover detergent residue is a common cause of skin irritation for pets.
Q: Can I use fabric softener on dog bedding?
A: Avoid fabric softeners completely. They leave waxy coatings on the fabric that trap odors and irritate the dog’s skin.