Can You Wash Your Dog Bed at Laundromat?

You can wash your dog bed at a laundromat in any commercial washing machine with a capacity of 3.0 cubic feet or larger. Commercial laundromat machines handle loads up to 4.0 cubic feet, making them ideal for large dog beds measuring 30 inches by 40 inches or bigger.

Yes—laundromat washing machines effectively clean dog beds when you use a pet-safe detergent and a hot water cycle of at least 130°F (54°C), followed by 30 minutes in a dryer set to high heat to kill dust mites and bacteria.

Dog Beds

A dog bed is a piece of furniture designed to provide a comfortable sleeping surface for dogs. Dog beds come in various shapes and sizes, and manufacturers construct them from a wide range of materials including memory foam, polyester fill, and cotton covers.

Types of Dog Beds

The most common type of dog bed is the traditional mattress-style bed. These beds typically feature a padded surface and a removable, washable cover. Some dog beds also include a built-in pillow or bolster for added comfort.

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog’s Bed?

You should wash your dog’s bed every 7 days according to the CDC’s pet hygiene guidelines. This frequency prevents the buildup of bacteria, allergens, and parasites that accumulate from daily use.

If your pet sheds heavily or is prone to accidents, you may need to wash the bed more frequently. Pets with allergies benefit from twice-weekly washing to reduce dander and allergen exposure.

A clean dog bed reduces bacterial load and prevents the growth of dust mites, which thrive in warm, moist environments within pet bedding.

Can You Wash Dog Bed at Laundromat?

Washing a dog bed at the laundromat is feasible for beds that fit inside a commercial machine. Laundromat washers range from 2.5 to 4.0 cubic feet—larger than most residential machines—which makes them better suited for oversized dog beds.

A dog bed measuring 30 inches by 40 inches or larger requires a minimum of 3.0 cubic feet of washing capacity. Measure your bed and call ahead to confirm the laundromat has appropriately sized equipment.

Commercial machines at laundromats also provide higher water temperatures than residential washers, which improves sanitization of pet bedding.

How to Wash Dog Bed at Laundromat: Step-by-Step

Place the dog bed inside a large laundry bag to prevent damage to the machine and protect the bed’s fill from clumping.
Load the bagged bed into a commercial washer set to a minimum of 130°F (54°C) hot water cycle.
Add 2–4 oz of pet-safe, fragrance-free laundry detergent. Heavily soiled loads benefit from 4 oz.
Run the longest wash cycle available, typically 45–60 minutes.
Transfer the bed to a commercial dryer set to the highest heat setting (135–140°F) for at least 30 minutes to kill dust mites and bacteria.
Air-dry as a final step if possible, or run an additional 20-minute high-heat cycle to ensure complete drying.

How to Wash Your Dog Bed at Home

Washing your dog bed at home follows the same principles as laundromat cleaning, with adjustments for residential machine capacity. Check that your home washer can accommodate the bed without overloading it—overloading reduces cleaning effectiveness by 40% or more.

Pet-Safe Laundry Detergent

Use a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent formulated for sensitive skin. These detergents have a pH between 7.0 and 8.0, which is gentle on pet skin and effective at cleaning.

If commercial pet-safe detergent is unavailable, mix a substitute from 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts baking soda. The vinegar acts as a fabric softener and deodorizer while the baking soda provides gentle cleaning action.

Washing Machine Requirements

Residential washing machines typically range from 2.5 to 3.5 cubic feet. A compact dog bed (under 25″ x 30″) fits in a standard residential machine. Larger beds require a laundromat’s commercial equipment.

Tools You Need

Pet-safe laundry detergent (2–4 oz per load) or vinegar/baking soda substitute
Large laundry bag (optional but recommended)
Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
Lint roller or pet hair removal tool

Steps for Washing Your Dog Bed at Home

Remove the dog bed cover and any pillows or bolsters. Vacuum the bare bed frame to remove embedded dirt and pet hair.
Pre-treat heavily soiled areas with a pet-safe stain remover. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before washing.
Place the bed components in the washing machine. Add 2–4 oz of pet-safe laundry detergent.
Set the machine to the hottest water temperature available (minimum 130°F / 54°C) and run the longest wash cycle.
Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residue is removed—residue causes skin irritation in pets with sensitive skin.
Dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. The CDC recommends 30 minutes at high heat to kill dust mites and bacteria effectively.
Allow the bed to cool completely before returning it to your pet. Place the bed in direct sunlight for 1–2 hours as an additional sanitizing step when possible.

Tips for Your Dog’s Bedding

Add ½ cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to loosen pet hair from fabrics and act as a natural fabric softener.
Vacuum the bed with an upholstery attachment before every wash to remove loose hair and debris—this prevents machine clogs and improves wash effectiveness.
Keep two dog bed covers on rotation so you always have a clean备用 while one is being washed.
Wash all bedding—including blankets and toys that contact the dog bed—together in the same load to maintain consistent hygiene.
Store pet bedding in a dry, well-ventilated area between washes to prevent mold growth and dust mite infestations.

Can I Clean My Dog’s Bed and Collar at the Same Laundromat?

Yes, you can clean your dog’s bed and collar at the same laundromat. Wash the bed using the hot water and high-heat drying method described above. For the collar, use a gentle cycle with pet-safe detergent and air dry completely. Never mix the collar and bed in the same wash load—the agitation causes metal hardware to damage fabric.

Final Words

Regular washing of your dog bed keeps it clean, extends its lifespan, and protects your pet from bacteria and allergens. Laundromat machines handle large beds effectively when you use hot water (minimum 130°F / 54°C) and high-heat drying (30 minutes at 135–140°F). Wash your dog’s bedding every 7 days for optimal hygiene.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Cleaning and Disinfecting Pet Supplies. CDC Healthy Pets, Healthy People.