Does your dog’s bed smell a little… less than fresh, even after a wash? You love your furry friend, but their bedding can become a magnet for dirt, dander, and those mysterious odors. Choosing the right detergent to tackle this challenge feels like a puzzle. You worry about harsh chemicals irritating your dog’s sensitive skin, or maybe the lingering scent of strong soap driving them away from their cozy spot.
It’s more than just getting things clean; it’s about keeping your pet healthy and happy. Finding a detergent that powerfully removes grime without leaving irritating residues can be tricky. We know you want the best for your companion, and a clean bed is a big part of that comfort.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes a detergent perfect for dog bedding. You will learn which ingredients to seek out and which ones to avoid completely. By the end, you will feel confident choosing a product that leaves beds spotless, odor-free, and safe for your beloved dog. Let’s dive into making naptime smell sweet again!
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
- Get the dog off with DOGOFF! You’re probably thinking: Wow. Another laundry detergent option to choose from. But we’ve made the choice so simple, a dog could sniff out the awesomeness.
- Pet Safe - 100% safe for washing items such as towels, clothes, bedding, and more belonging to dogs, cats, and other pets.
- Naturally Derived, High-Powered Ingredients - Everything we use in our formulas is derived from nature. With super concentrated, biodegradable formulas, you can rest assured that you're using a product not only good for your doggo but also for the environment.
- Made by Grooming Supply Experts - We've been making products for the grooming industry for over 23 years, so we know a thing or two about high-quality pet products that perform. In fact, this professional-grade product was created with the grooming industry in mind!
- 1 oz = 128 loads! (Please note this product does not come with a scoop/cup)
- Powerful Pet Stain & Odor Remover - Say goodbye to stubborn pet messes! From urine and drool to lingering odors, our Pet Laundry Detergent tackles it all. Working at a molecular level, it effectively removes stains and ensures your clothes and pet supplies are deeply cleaned and refreshed.
- Motherly Care for Sensitive Paws & Skin - Keep your pet’s skin calm and comfortable with our natural Pet Laundry Detergent. Designed to prevent irritation from harsh chemicals, this free and clear laundry detergent ensures their bedding and blankets stay clean, soft, and safe for sensitive paws, making it ideal for cozy snuggles.
- The Go-To Detergent for All Pet Supplies - Good Natured Brand Pet Laundry Detergent is a must-have for any pet parent. It’s ideal for cleaning bedding, blankets, and toys, effortlessly dissolving in any washing machine—whether standard or HE models. Experience hassle-free, effective cleaning every time.
- Concentrated Cleaning Power in Every Box - Enjoy more value with less product! Our concentrated laundry soap provides up to 94 loads per box, giving you incredible long-lasting performance. With fewer purchases and more savings, it's the smart choice for busy pet households.
- Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable - Choose sustainability with our biodegradable powder laundry detergent, made in the USA. Offering a powerful alternative to chemically harsh products, it’s the responsible option for your cleaning supplies. Join us in fostering a cleaner, greener planet, one load at a time.
- Upgraded Pet Laundry Detergent – Pet Hair Separation: Up to 90% of fur is separated from fabrics for easy rinsing—no chemical breakdown of hair. This pet hair remover for laundry is ideal for cat and dog owners seeking a gentler alternative to harsh products. By reducing static and surface oils, it prevents clogs while preserving fabric integrity.
- Enzyme-Powered Stain Removal for Daily Messes: Formulated as a concentrated enzyme laundry detergent, this booster targets sweat, grease, oil, blood, and pet-related stains. Perfect for activewear, pet bedding, and uniforms—deep cleans without harsh chemicals.
- Flexible Dosage for Effective Pet-Hair Separation: Use 25 ml (0.85 fl oz) for up to 4 items or 50 ml (1.69 fl oz) for up to 8; select a high water level and add a brief pre-soak or extra rinse so our plant-based, cedar-scent detergent can detach stubborn fur, soften fabrics, and leave a long-lasting fresh fragrance (removes hair, does not dissolve it).
- Great for Clothing & Smaller Pet Bedding: This laundry pet hair remover excels with everyday clothing, blankets, and lighter bedding. For bulky pet beds, ensure enough space for water to circulate or consider hand‑washing. Hair that becomes separated inside thick padding may remain trapped without adequate water flow.
- Safe for Colors & Gentle on Skin: Made with plant‑based enzymes, it does not contain bleach, parabens, or dyes. We have no reports of fading or irritation, though sensitive users may run an extra rinse if needed. By focusing on gentle cleaning, this detergent addresses both odor and hair issues without harsh aftereffects.
- CONCENTRATED FORMULA — Our BE.GOOD. Pet Laundry Detergent features a powerful, concentrated formula designed to tackle tough pet stains and odors. It’s compatible with high-efficiency machines, ensuring a thorough clean with every wash. It is also unscented, making it ideal for those who prefer a fresh, clean scent without the added chemicals found in traditional laundry detergents.
- NATURALLY DERIVED INGREDIENTS — Made with pet-friendly, naturally derived ingredients, this pet detergent is not only effective but also kind to the environment. Our formula is cruelty-free and alcohol-free, aligning with our commitment to providing safe products for your pets.
- SAFE & GENTLE — BE.GOOD. Pet Laundry Detergent is free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, phosphates, dyes, chlorine, and phthalates. This ensures that your pet’s bedding, clothes, and other items are clean and safe from irritants.
- HOMEGROWN GOODNESS — Proudly made by a small business in West Virginia, each bottle of our pet laundry detergent is crafted with care and dedication, ensuring your pet's laundry gets the best hometown touch.
- 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
- Powerful Pet Stain & Odor Remover - Say goodbye to stubborn pet messes! From urine and drool to lingering odors, our Pet Laundry Detergent tackles it all. Working at a molecular level, it effectively removes stains and ensures your clothes and pet supplies are deeply cleaned and refreshed.
- Motherly Care for Sensitive Paws & Skin - Keep your pet’s skin calm and comfortable with our natural Pet Laundry Detergent. Designed to prevent irritation from harsh chemicals, this free and clear laundry detergent ensures their bedding and blankets stay clean, soft, and safe for sensitive paws, making it ideal for cozy snuggles.
- The Go-To Detergent for All Pet Supplies - Good Natured Brand Pet Laundry Detergent is a must-have for any pet parent. It’s ideal for cleaning bedding, blankets, and toys, effortlessly dissolving in any washing machine—whether standard or HE models. Experience hassle-free, effective cleaning every time.
- Concentrated Cleaning Power in Every Box - Enjoy more value with less product! Our concentrated laundry soap provides up to 94 loads per box, giving you incredible long-lasting performance. With fewer purchases and more savings, it's the smart choice for busy pet households.
- Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable - Choose sustainability with our biodegradable powder laundry detergent, made in the USA. Offering a powerful alternative to chemically harsh products, it’s the responsible option for your cleaning supplies. Join us in fostering a cleaner, greener planet, one load at a time.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Keeping Your Dog’s Bed Fresh and Clean
Washing your dog’s bedding regularly is super important. It keeps your furry friend healthy and your home smelling nice. Choosing the right detergent makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the best soap for those smelly, hairy dog beds.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for dog bed detergent, look for a few important things.
- Odor Elimination: This is the most important feature. Dogs roll in things! You need a detergent that truly destroys bad smells, not just covers them up.
- Enzymatic Action: Many top detergents use enzymes. Enzymes are like tiny helpers that eat up organic stains and odors, like urine or dirt.
- Gentle Formulas: Your dog sleeps on this fabric every day. The detergent must be powerful on dirt but gentle on sensitive skin.
- Color Safety: You want the bed colors to stay bright. Check if the detergent is safe for colored fabrics.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list tells you a lot about how well the detergent will work and how safe it is.
What to Choose:
Look for plant-derived ingredients. These are often safer for pets and the environment. Mild surfactants (the cleaning agents) are good. Also, products labeled “pet-safe” usually mean they skip harsh chemicals.
What to Avoid:
Stay away from harsh chemicals. Phosphates can harm waterways. Strong perfumes or artificial dyes are big no-nos. These can irritate your dog’s skin or cause allergic reactions. Strong bleach is almost always too harsh for pet bedding.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your cleaning experience depends on the detergent’s formula and how you use it.
Quality Boosters:
A concentrated formula means you use less soap for a bigger clean. Detergents with high ratings for stain removal handle muddy paws and accidents better. Products designed specifically for pet messes usually work much better than regular laundry soap.
Quality Reducers:
Using too much detergent reduces quality. Excess soap residue gets trapped in the thick foam of dog beds. This residue attracts more dirt later. Also, if the detergent leaves behind a strong scent, your dog might refuse to sleep in the bed!
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use the detergent. Are you washing a small, thin mat or a giant, thick orthopedic bed?
Heavy Duty Cleaning: For heavily soiled beds (e.g., after a trip to the lake), you might need a deep-cleaning enzymatic wash. Run an extra rinse cycle to make sure all soap washes out completely.
Routine Maintenance: For weekly washes, a milder, scent-free detergent works perfectly. This keeps smells down without stripping the fabric.
Sensitive Pets: If your dog scratches a lot after washing, switch immediately to a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free option. User reviews often mention if a product caused skin irritation.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Bed Detergent
Q: Can I just use my regular laundry detergent?
A: You can, but specialized pet detergents work better on strong pet odors. Regular soaps often just mask smells instead of eliminating them.
Q: Should the detergent have a scent?
A: No, it is usually best to choose unscented. Strong perfumes bother a dog’s sensitive nose and can irritate their skin.
Q: What does “enzymatic” mean on a bottle?
A: Enzymatic means the soap contains special proteins that break down organic matter, like pet urine or vomit, completely.
Q: How much detergent should I use for a large dog bed?
A: Always follow the bottle instructions, but generally, use slightly less than you would for a regular load of human clothes. Dog beds soak up a lot of water, so too much soap is easy to use.
Q: Will this detergent ruin the waterproof liner of the bed?
A: Most pet detergents are safe. However, never use bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage waterproof coatings.
Q: How often should I wash my dog’s bedding?
A: Aim to wash the bedding every one to two weeks. If your dog is sick or dirty, wash it immediately.
Q: What if the smell is still there after washing?
A: Soak the bed for an hour in a solution of water and white vinegar before rewashing with an enzymatic detergent. Vinegar helps neutralize tough smells.
Q: Are there any detergents that are better for older dogs with incontinence?
A: Yes. Look specifically for “urine remover” or “heavy-duty enzymatic” formulas. These are designed to break down urea crystals.
Q: Does the water temperature matter?
A: Yes. Use the warmest water setting the bed fabric allows. Hot water helps kill bacteria and fully dissolve the detergent.
Q: Is fabric softener safe to use on dog beds?
A: No. Fabric softeners leave a waxy coating on the fibers. This coating traps odors and dirt, making the bed smell worse faster.