Can You Put a Foam Dog Bed in the Washer? Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Pup’s Bed Clean

Let’s face it – our furry friends aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness. Between muddy paws, shedding, drooling, and the occasional accident, dog beds can get pretty gross pretty fast. If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at that filthy foam dog bed and wondered, “Can I just throw this thing in the washing machine and be done with it?”

Well, I’ve got some bad news for ya. According to the experts at Dogbed4less, you absolutely should NOT put your foam dog bed in the washer. But don’t worry! I’m gonna share everything you need to know about keeping your pup’s memory foam bed clean without ruining it.

The Big “Don’ts” of Memory Foam Dog Bed Care

Before diving into the cleaning methods let’s get super clear on what you should NEVER do with your foam dog bed

• Don’t put the memory foam in the washer (Seriously, they mentioned this twice on their website, so they REALLY mean it!)
• Don’t put the memory foam in the dryer
• Don’t use hot or warm water to clean the memory foam
• Don’t scrub harshly or treat the surface roughly
• Don’t place the memory foam directly under sunlight
• Don’t wash shredded mix foam pillows – these aren’t washable at all!

Ignoring these warnings could leave you with a destroyed dog bed and a very sad wallet. Memory foam can break down, tear, or become permanently misshapen when subjected to washing machines or harsh treatments.

So What Can You Do? Effective Cleaning Methods

For Regular Maintenance and Odor Control

1. Sunlight Method (Indirect Only)If the weather’s nice, place your dog’s bed outside in indirect sunlight for a day or two. The fresh air and gentle warmth will naturally deodorize the bed. Just make sure it’s not in direct sunlight, which can damage the foam.

2. Baking Soda TreatmentFor funky smells

   • Sprinkle baking soda over the entire memory foam bed
   • Let it sit for 24 hours
   • Vacuum thoroughly using the brush attachment
   • Replace the cover

3. Vacuum Regularly
   Even without smells, vacuuming with a soft brush attachment once a week will remove hair, dander, and dirt before they become a bigger problem.

For Spot Cleaning and Stains

When accidents happen (and they will), here’s how to tackle specific messes:

Urine Stains

These are the toughest but most common with dogs. Here’s what to do:

1. Wear protective gloves
2. Use diapers, damp sponges, or paper towels to absorb as much urine as possible (press down, don’t wipe!)
3. Spray with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution (don’t saturate!)
4. Clean with gentle circular motions using a damp sponge
5. Follow up with a solution of dish soap (like Woolite) and cool water
6. For stubborn stains, use a commercial pet-stain remover
7. Complete with the odor removal process (described below)

Vomit Cleanup

1. Wear protective gloves (always!)
2. Use paper towels inside a plastic bag to pick up solid bits
3. Sprinkle sawdust or baking soda on remaining liquid and vacuum
4. Spray with a solution of 1 tbsp dish soap, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 2 cups cool water
5. Clean gently in circular motions
6. Follow with odor removal process

Feces Removal (The Worst One!)

1. Wear gloves (super important here!)
2. Scoop up solid waste with a sturdy plastic bag
3. Use sawdust/baking soda for any liquid portions
4. Clean with soapy water using a light touch
5. Use the same vinegar/soap solution as above
6. Follow with a disinfectant pet stain remover
7. Complete with odor removal

Final Odor Removal Process

After spot cleaning, follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle the entire pad with baking soda and let sit overnight
2. Vacuum thoroughly with a hand vac or soft brush attachment
3. Lightly spray with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution and let dry
4. Optional: Use a citrus-based cleaner or products like Febreze or FreshCare

Deep Cleaning Your Memory Foam Dog Bed

Sometimes, spot cleaning ain’t enough and you need to do a more thorough job. Here’s how to clean the entire memory foam bed (without using a washing machine!):

1. Freshen it up: Sprinkle borax or baking powder on the entire pad and let sit for at least 60 minutes
2. Vacuum thoroughly: Use a handheld vacuum to remove the powder and any hair/dust
3. Create a cleaning solution: Mix 1 part Woolite with 2 parts water in a spray bottle (or use 1 tbsp dish soap, 1 tbsp vinegar, and 2 cups water)
4. Apply solution: Stand the foam on end and spray entire piece, front and back (don’t saturate!)
5. Let sit: Allow solution to stay on for 30 minutes
6. Wipe clean: Use a damp sponge with gentle circular motions (never twist or wring!)
7. Vinegar rinse: Spray with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water
8. Let sit again: Allow this solution to stay on for 30 minutes
9. Final wipe: Remove the solution with a damp cloth
10. Dry completely: Air dry outside (indirect sun), use a fan, or place in well-ventilated area

Why You Can’t Just Toss It in the Washer

I know what you’re thinking – “All this seems like a lot of work. Why can’t I just put it in the washing machine?”

Well, according to Dogbed4less, high-density memory foam isn’t designed to get wet. When it gets soaking wet, it doesn’t release moisture easily and could take WEEKS to dry completely. This creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth – something you definitely don’t want your dog sleeping on!

Plus, the agitation from the washing machine can tear the foam, break down its structure, and completely ruin its supportive properties. You’d end up with a lumpy, torn mess instead of a comfy bed for your furry friend.

What About Waterproof Covers?

You might be wondering about those “waterproof” internal covers that come with some memory foam dog beds. While these help, they aren’t 100% foolproof. Dogbed4less explains that making a cover completely waterproof would trap moisture and air inside, encouraging mold and mildew growth.

Even with waterproof liners, liquids can eventually find their way through stitching edges and zipper tracks. For best results:

• Clean up accidents immediately (within the first few hours)
• Consider a second layer of internal cover for extra protection if accidents are frequent
• Always follow proper cleaning procedures for both covers and foam

Tips for Easier Maintenance

1. Buy beds with removable, washable covers – while you can’t wash the foam, you CAN wash the cover! This makes regular maintenance much easier.

2. Keep a cleaning kit ready – Having baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and clean towels on hand means you can tackle accidents right away.

3. Rotate and flip the bed – Just like your mattress, occasionally rotating the dog bed helps it wear more evenly and stay cleaner.

4. Consider a waterproof mattress protector – An extra layer between the cover and foam can provide additional protection.

5. Regular maintenance prevents deep cleaning – Weekly vacuuming and monthly deodorizing with baking soda means you’ll rarely need to do a full deep clean.

The Bottom Line on Foam Dog Beds and Washing

So to answer the original question – no, you absolutely cannot put your foam dog bed in the washer. But with the right approach, you can still keep it clean, fresh, and comfy for your four-legged friend.

Remember, if cleaning seems like too much work, there are washable dog beds available that don’t use memory foam. But if your pup loves the support of memory foam (especially older dogs or those with joint issues), these cleaning methods are well worth the effort.

Now go give your clean, fresh-smelling pup a belly rub from me! And maybe consider getting them to wipe their paws before jumping on their bed next time… though we all know how well THAT works out!

Have you found other effective ways to clean your dog’s memory foam bed? Drop a comment below – we’d love to hear your tips and tricks!

You generally can wash the removable cover of a foam dog bed in a washing machine, but you should never put the foam insert in the washing machine or dryer. Instead, use spot cleaning with a mild, pet-safe detergent and water, and allow the foam to air dry completely to prevent mold or damage. Always check the manufacturer’s tag for specific instructions before cleaning.

No, you cannot put a foam dog bed in the dryer, as the high heat can damage the foam and create a fire hazard. Instead, you should remove the foam insert from its cover and air-dry it completely to prevent mold, deterioration, and potential damage.

No, you cannot wash foam, particularly memory or polyurethane foam, in a washing machine. Machine washing will damage the foam’s internal structure and can cause it to break down. Instead, for foam pillows and other items, remove the cover and hand wash it separately. The foam itself should be cleaned by spot treating with a mild detergent and water, or by gently squeezing it under cold water. After rinsing, squeeze out excess water and allow the foam to air dry completely.

Yes, it’s generally okay to wash a dog bed in a washing machine, but always check the care label first, as most removable covers are machine washable. For beds without removable covers, or for whole beds, use a gentle cycle with warm or hot water, a pet-safe detergent, and consider an extra rinse cycle.