As a pet lover and dog owner, we’re often faced with messy situations. If you’re looking for answers on cleaning a dog bed without a removable cover, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’m going to tell you the best way to clean a dog bed when it doesn’t have a removable cover, and offer a few tips on stain removal.
So, let’s start with step by step directions on cleaning a dog bed without a removable cover:
1. Vacuum
You should always start by running the vacuum over your dog bed. This will suck up any surface dirt, and stand the matting of the bed up to the bed to be properly cleaned and wiped out. Dogs usually shed a great deal, and cleaning the bed is going to be a lot easier if you vacuum any visible dog hair from the bed before you start to wipe it out.
2. Wipe It Out
Start with a cloth that you have wet with hot water. Go as hot as you can stand without burning yourself. Now, wipe the dog bed out thoroughly, l leaving the surface of the bed a bit moist.
3. Stain Remover
Apply a pet safe stain remover to any visible stains. Allow it to sit on the stains as the packaging directs you to.
4. Scrub
After the stain remover has sat on the stains for the recommended time on the packaging, use a soft bristled scrub brush to scrub at the stains.
Scrub as long as necessary to begin lifting the stains from the bed.
5. Wipe Out
Wipe away the dirt and stain remover with a clean cloth wet with hot water. Wipe any excess stain remover away, as well.
6. Hang
Hang the dog bed to dry outside on the line. When it is thoroughly dry, it is safe for your dog to sleep in.
Some of your dogs may cause bigger messes than others, and it may be difficult to remove some of the dirt and stains from your dogs bed. If you find it’s difficult to get it clean, try using vinegar to add some extra cleaning power. Here is a step by step guide to cleaning your dogs bed with vinegar:
7. Use the same steps as above to prep the dog’s bed for a vinegar cleaning. When you can clearly see the stains that aren’t wanting to easily lift, mix
one cup of vinegar to a gallon of water.
8. Using a clean cloth that you’ve soaked in the vinegar and water solution, start wiping out the dogs bed. Pay extra attention to the heavily stained areas, and leave the cover moist from wiping.
9. You can use a scrub brush soaked in your vinegar and water mix, also, and it should help to further break down the stain.
10. Use a clean cloth that you’ve wet with hot water to wipe out the vinegar solution and any excess dirt.
11. Hang it to dry outside, and it is ready for use again when it is thoroughly dry.
If the stains persist, you may end up actually soaking the bed with hot water in order to get the bed clean. If you find that the stains and discoloration are still visible after using the methods above, there’s one last method that you can try on the bed.
12. Apply a pet safe detergent to the affected areas of the bed.
13. Pour hot water over the detergent covered areas. Go as hot as you can stand without burning yourself on the water, as the hot water will help to break the stain down.
14. Using a scrub brush with soft bristles, scrub at the affected areas, really lathering up the detergent.
15. Rinse the dog bed with hot water, rinsing off as much of the soil as you can.
16. Hang the dog bed outside to dry. It is ready for use once it is thoroughly dry.
For most dog beds that don’t come with a removable cover, you would be wise to invest in a cover for it. This will allow you to slip the additional cover off of the dog bed for washing, and help to protect the bed itself. There are many retailers that sell covers for dog beds and you should be able to purchase an additional cover without a problem.
There are a few other household chemicals that pet owners use to remove pet stains from carpet and bedding. One of these is hydrogen peroxide. If you pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the stained area, and then scrub it with a soft brush, it will also lift a good variety of stains, including blood.
You can try to use hydrogen peroxide if the stain persists. Another household chemical is citric acid, which you can purchase in pellets for mixing with water. Just put a tablespoon of the pellets in hot water and mix. Then apply the solution directly to the pet stain.
Scrub the stain with a soft bristled brush until it loosens and starts to disappear. Rinse everything away with hot water, and then hang the dog bed outside to dry. It is ready to be used by your dog once it is thoroughly dry.
There are many commercial pet stain removers on the market, but it is important to remember that some of the commercial cleaners aren’t safe for your pet to come into contact with. Be sure to read the entire label before you use a commercial pet stain remover to clean your dogs bed.
Some of them may cause your pet to have irritated or itchy skin, which may not go away even after repeated rinses. If it doesn’t specifically state that it is safe for contact with your pet, don’t use the cleaner to clean your dogs bed. If you cannot get the dog bed clean after using all of the methods listed here, it may be time to buy your dog another bed. A clean place to sleep is vital for your dog’s happiness and health. Your dog will thank you.
