How Often Should You Wash Your Dog's Bed?

Your dog sleeps on it every night, naps on it during the day and probably climbs into it with dirty paws more often than you'd like to think about.

So, how often should you actually wash your dog's bed?

For most dogs, a good starting point is to wash their bedding about once a week or every other week. But the right schedule depends on your dog, their lifestyle and how much time they spend outdoors.

The easier the bed is to wash, the easier it is to keep up with it.

Why Dog Beds Get Dirty So Quickly

Dog beds collect much more than visible dirt.

Every time your dog lies down, they can leave behind hair, dander, saliva, body oils and whatever they've picked up on their paws and coat.

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors can bring even more into their beds: dust, pollen, grass, mud and other debris.

Even when a dog bed looks clean, that doesn't necessarily mean it is.

How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?

For an average household dog, consider washing the bedding every one to two weeks.

You may want to wash it more frequently if your dog:

• Sheds heavily
• Spends a lot of time outside
• Swims frequently
• Sleeps in your bedroom
• Regularly gets muddy or dirty
• Has accidents
• Shares the bed with another pet

There's also a very simple test:

If the dog bed smells like your dog, it's probably time to wash it.

What About the Dog Bed Itself?

This is where things get complicated.

Some dog beds can be put directly into a washing machine. Many can't.

Large beds may not fit. Foam inserts often require special cleaning. And removable zippered covers can turn washing the bed into a bigger project than it needs to be.

That's one reason a washable dog bed cover can make such a difference.

Instead of repeatedly cleaning the entire bed, you can wash the surface your dog actually sleeps on.

The Easiest Way to Keep a Dog Bed Clean

Think about your own bed.

You probably don't wash your mattress every week.

You wash your sheets.

That's the idea behind LAYR.

LAYR makes washable, fitted dog bed sheets that stretch over the dog bed you already own. A 360° elastic edge keeps the sheet in place without requiring zippers or removing the bed's filling.

When it gets dirty:

Pull it off. Wash it. Put it back on.

Having a second sheet also means you can immediately put a clean one on while the dirty one is in the wash.

How Should You Wash Dog Bedding?

Always start by checking the care instructions for your particular dog bed or cover.

Before washing, removing excess dog hair can also help keep it from accumulating in your washing machine.

For LAYR dog bed sheets, follow the care instructions provided with your specific fabric and product.

And don't forget the area around the bed. Regularly vacuuming or cleaning underneath it can prevent hair and dirt from immediately making their way back onto freshly washed bedding.

When Is It Time to Replace a Dog Bed?

A dirty dog bed isn't necessarily a worn-out dog bed.

If the internal bed is still supportive and in good condition, replacing the entire thing simply because the exterior has become dirty can be unnecessary.

A removable cover lets you create a fresh sleeping surface while continuing to use the bed underneath.

That's better for your wallet—and means one less perfectly usable dog bed headed for the trash.

If the bed itself has lost its support, developed permanent damage or can no longer be properly cleaned, however, it may be time for a replacement.

Clean Bed. Happy Dog. Less Work.

Dogs are messy.

Their beds don't have to be.

Creating a simple routine—vacuum, swap the cover, wash and repeat—makes keeping your dog's favorite sleeping spot clean considerably easier.

And if washing your current dog bed is a production every time, you might not need a different bed.

You might just need a sheet.

That's LAYR.