Five simple ways to clean your pets bedding and remove harmful bacteria

March 18, 2024

We know all about cleaning our own bedding but how often should we clean our dog's bedding and what's the best way to go about it to make sure it's bacteria-free?

Pet bedding can harbour ticks, mites and fleas, as well as e.coli and salmonella. Laundry expert and CEO of Laundryheap, Deyan Dimitrov, has shared his ultimate guide on how to properly clean your dog's bedding to keep your pet happy and hygienic.

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1. Start by vacuuming or lint rolling the pet bed

lakeland OXO Good Grips FurLifter Lint Remover

Firstly you'll want to remove all the pet hair from your pet’s bed or blanket. The best way to do this is to start by lint rolling the bed, and if there’s a lot of hair, vacuuming the bed. Remove as much hair as your can and shake off any excess outdoors.

2. Pre-treat any stains with a stain remover

Use your usual stain remover on the pet bedding before you wash it. The stain remover will be washed off during the cleaning process so don’t worry about it harming your pet. For a more natural alternative, opt for some white vinegar and let that sink into the stain for five to 10 minutes before washing it.

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Simple Solution Pet Stain and Odour Remover, 945 ml

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Scotch Brite Lint Roller, Remove Lint, Dog Hairs

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THE LAUNDRESS Fabric Fresh spray 250ml

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hownd Dog Wipes

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earth rated 120 Biodegradable Poop Bags, Lavender

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Lemon Scented Pet Kennel Disinfectant and Deodoriser

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WildWash PRO Dog Shampoo for Deep Cleaning and Deodorising 300ml

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Bondi Wash Kennel & Dog Spray

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3. Place all bedding and blankets in the washing machine

Put all of your pet’s bedding and blankets in the washing machine and wash separately from any other laundry on a cold wash. Use a pet-safe laundry detergent to wash the load and add in some pet hair dissolver to get rid of any leftover hairs. Avoid using fabric softener or any other products in the rinse cycle as this could irritate your pet.

If your washing machine isn’t big enough to fit your pet’s bedding in, then the bath is the next best option – just make sure to clean and disinfect it after.

Dog grooming tools

GROOM PROFESSIONAL Curved Soft Slicker Brush Medium

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Groomers Performance Aromatherapy Calming Shampoo 2.5ltr

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Exacta GT416 Trimmer

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4. Dry in the tumble dryer or naturally

Dry your pet bedding in the tumble dryer and choose an eco-friendly setting. If you’re looking for a more natural option, or simply don’t have a tumble dryer, put your pet bedding outside in the sun to dry.

Drying the bedding in the sun is not only more eco-friendly but the ultra-violet rays are superb at getting rid of any leftover odours.