How to Clean a Pet Bed After an Accident

Q: Can I put a foam dog bed insert in the washing machine?

Follow the bed maker's instructions. For its foam beds, Orvis says: The best way to clean the waterproof insert cover is to wipe it down with a damp cloth. Its care card for the foam reads: SPOT CLEAN FOAM BASE WITH A DAMP CLOTH AS NEEDED

Your dog or cat peed on their own bed. Here is how to strip it, wash the removable cover, deal with a foam insert or filled cushion that can't go in the machine, dry it fully, protect it next time and decide when it's time for a new one, using what the AKC, Orvis, Barker Beds and Humane World for Animals say.

Step 1: Act fast and take the bed apart

The AKC says: "Regardless of what your dog has peed on, your best course of action is to act fast. The sooner you get to it, the more likely you'll be able to remove all traces of urine odor."

If the bed comes apart, take it apart. Orvis describes its own beds this way: "After the bolster is out, unzip the bottom and remove the base foam insert from the cover." Separate every layer so you can see where the urine went.

Check the insert as well as the cover. Barker Beds is direct about its own covers: "The Barker Bed Covers are water-resistant but not 100% waterproof." It adds: "Drool, licking, or wet fur will not get through the fabric, but water spills or pee accidents that are left on the cover will get through."

Sources: AKC, How to Get Rid of Dog Pee Stains and Smells; Orvis, How to Wash Your Orvis Dog Bed; Barker Beds, Frequently Asked Questions.

Step 2: Wash the removable cover by its care label

Every bed is different, so start with the label sewn into the cover and the maker's instructions. The AKC says: "How you wash your dog's bed depends on its material, size, the manufacturer's instructions, and how dirty it is."

Two bed makers give their own cover instructions. Orvis says for its covers: "Simply select cold water for the wash cycle and tumble dry on low heat." Barker Beds says: "To wash your Barker Bed cover, remove it and machine wash with cold water on a gentle cycle." These apply to their own beds; your cover's label is the rule for yours.

For the full rinse, pre-treat, wash and check-before-drying routine for urine on fabric, follow our guide to getting pet pee smell out of clothes, bedding and towels. The AKC also warns: "Avoid heat or steam, which can lock in urine odors", so smell the spot before the cover goes in a dryer.

Sources: AKC, How to Clean Your Dog's Bed and Why It's Important; Orvis; Barker Beds; AKC, dog pee stains.

Step 3: Inserts, foam and fill that can't go in the machine

Foam bases and filled cushions need the bed maker's instructions, not a guess. Orvis gives this for the waterproof cover on its foam insert: "The best way to clean the waterproof insert cover is to wipe it down with a damp cloth." Its care card for the foam itself reads: "SPOT CLEAN FOAM BASE WITH A DAMP CLOTH AS NEEDED".

For beds that can't be machine washed, the AKC says: "For plastic beds or other materials that can't go into the machine, wash them with warm, soapy water." If your bed's own instructions say something different, follow those. If the bed sits in a crate, see our guide to cleaning dog pee in a crate or kennel.

Whatever you use, skip strong-smelling products. Humane World for Animals notes: "Strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area." Our guide to cleaners made for pet urine explains what those products are; check the bed maker's instructions before using one on foam or fill.

Sources: Orvis, How to Wash Your Orvis Dog Bed; Orvis, How to Assemble & Care for Your Dog's Bed; AKC; Humane World for Animals, pet stains and odors.

Step 4: Dry every layer fully before your pet uses it

The AKC says: "Air drying is usually best, as some bed fillings can clump in the dryer." It continues:

"Wait until thick, fiber-filled beds are fully dry before allowing your dog to snuggle back into them. A damp bed encourages mold and mildew formation."

Covers are quicker. The AKC notes: "Even if they require air-drying, a cover won't take nearly as long to wash as a thick, fiber-filled cushion."

Source: AKC, How to Clean Your Dog's Bed and Why It's Important.

Protect the bed next time

A liner between the cover and the foam is the option the sources mention. Barker Beds says: "For extra protection, you can add a waterproof liner to shield the foam from accidents, drool, or spills...because life happens!" The AKC says removable covers "might allow you to wash the main bed less frequently, especially if you opt for a waterproof type."

Liners need gentler care than covers. Barker Beds says: "If your liner needs to be laundered, use cool water and hang dry." and "High temperatures can damage the water resistant backing."

A blanket on top also helps. The AKC says of dog blankets: "They offer extra protection, meaning you can often wash the blankets weekly and the bulky bed slightly less frequently."

Sources: Barker Beds, How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dog's Bed; Barker Beds, Frequently Asked Questions; AKC.

When to replace the bed

The AKC says: "Over time, washing might not vanquish ingrained dirt, stains and odors as well. If your dog's old bed still smells funky after washing and doesn't look its best, it might be time to invest in a new one."

If only the cover is the problem, ask the bed maker about a new one. Barker Beds, for example, says: "Please contact us if you have any questions about replacement covers."

Sources: AKC, How to Clean Your Dog's Bed and Why It's Important; Barker Beds, Frequently Asked Questions.

Why a pet may soil its bed

It isn't spite. The AKC's article on dogs peeing on beds says: "Dogs aren't vindictive, and they certainly don't look at pee from a human point of view." It also says: "Marking is different from bathroom behavior because your dog will only release a small amount of urine rather than emptying their bladder."

Leftover smell matters. The AKC says: "If your dog is marking or confused about house training, any urine smell that remains will encourage your dog to repeat the behavior." For a puppy, see puppy accidents: cleanup steps that stop repeat spots. Humane World for Animals says: "As long as your pet can smell their personal scent, they may continue to return to the "accident zone.""

Humane World for Animals also says: "If your pet is having regular accidents, have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out medical causes." Read more in why dogs and cats keep peeing in the same spot. If the accident also reached your own bed, see how to get pet urine out of a mattress.

For an older dog, see our guide to senior dog accidents.

Sources: AKC, Why Do Dogs Pee on Beds?; Humane World for Animals, pet stains and odors.

Accident on the carpet or couch too?

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Works on carpets, upholstery, tile, and more." It is not described for pet beds or laundry; for the bed, follow its care label and the steps above. Follow the directions on the product label.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.