3 Easy Steps To Wash a Cat Bed! (2023 Guide)

Regardless of the sort of cat bed you have, the first step is to remove as much fur from it as possible. The hair can clog the drain of your washer and the dryer vent, so removing the hair first will ensure that your machines remain clean and functional. Nonetheless, hair will still accumulate in them over time, so they must be cleaned frequently.

To remove hair off the bed, use a vacuum or lint roller. You may also shake the bed outdoors and use your hand to remove the hair.

Use the Dryer First

Whether or whether your cat's bed is machine-washable, you can dry it before cleaning it. Once you've removed as much hair as possible from the bed, dry it on low heat or the air cycle if feasible. This will aid in removing more hair that may be lodged in the mattress.

1. Remove the Cover

Some cat beds include detachable covers that may be removed and cleaned separately. Often, they are joined via buttons or zippers. If your cat's bed has a cover, remove it and inspect it for dirty and stained spots. Before washing, remove vomit and feces from the cover as much as possible.

2. Spot Treat It

You may wish to spot-treat badly dirty bedding with a stain remover first. Spray the contaminated areas, then allow the bed to rest for approximately 10 minutes before cleaning. Ensure that the spot treatment you apply is pet-friendly.

3. Wash and Dry the Bed

Using a mild, unscented detergent or one designed particularly for pets, cold-cycle wash your cat's bed or bed cover. Follow the drying directions on the packaging.

Several mattresses and coverings are dryer-friendly. If so, dry the bed or cover it with an unscented dryer sheet to eliminate any more hairs that may have adhered to the fabric. Make careful to empty the lint trap after you're finished.

Others need to air-dry. If you insist on air-drying your cat's bed, hang it in the sun to give it a new aroma and feel.

1. Fill a Large Basin With Water and Detergent

If your cat's bed cannot be washed in a machine, you may hand-wash it in a sink, bathtub, or bucket. If you are utilizing a bathtub or sink, you should install a drain catcher to prevent stray hair from entering your pipes.

Fill the basin with water and detergent until the mixture is soapy enough to cover the mattress and bed cover.

2. Spot Treat It

As the basin is filled with water, you may spot-treat any extremely filthy areas to make them simpler to clean. Wait ten minutes before adding the bed to the water.

3. Hand Wash the Bed

After the basin is full, immerse the bed in the water and let it sit for several minutes. You may begin washing the bed using a gentle sponge, cloth, or your hands. Concentrate on extremely soiled areas and apply additional detergent as needed.

After completed, squeeze the water out of the bed or cover it and rinse it with clean water. Repeat the wringing process and select a drying technique. If the bed is dryer-safe, it can be dried in the dryer or by hanging it on an indoor or outdoor clothesline.

Detergent

You want your cat's bed to smell pleasant, but what smells pleasant to humans may not be pleasant to cats. Humans have a less acute and less potent sense of smell than cats.

Cats have about 200 million odor receptors in their nostrils, compared to 5 million in humans. Some aromas might be overpowering for them. Avoid detergents with ammonia or citrus, mint, or lavender fragrances. Avoid using bleach.

The most effective detergent is one that is all-natural and contains no additional scents. This will eliminate any unpleasant scents from your cat's bed without irritating their sensitive noses.

A detergent developed for pets is excellent. If that is not feasible, use a cleanser designed for sensitive skin that is devoid of colours and scents.

Wash the Bed by Itself

The bed of your cat should always be cleaned separately. Your washing machine may be adjusted to accommodate a tiny load. If it is cleaned with clothing or linens, not only will the bed not be as clean as it may be, but so will the clothing and linens.

Your cat's bed should be cleansed as often as you see necessary; however, the frequency might vary from cat to cat. If your cat sheds excessively or stains the bed often, it should be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, it is also advisable to wash the bed often. The bed will retain pet dander, which can then be dispersed throughout the air.

If your cat's bed stays quite clean and just accumulates cat hair over time, it is preferable to wash it once per month to maintain it clean and extend its life.

Cleaning the Machines

After drying your cat's bed, you should always clear the dryer's lint trap. It will collect all of the bed's stray hair and lint and should be removed promptly.

The washing machine might also become clogged with hair, so you'll need to clean it when you're through. In certain instances, clumps of hair will be adhered to the interior of the drum. They can be pulled or wiped away.

In addition, you may add half a cup of white vinegar to the machine and run an empty cycle. This will make the washer clean. Following that, you will be able to remove any remaining hair. You should also clean the lint trap of your washing machine.

The Bed Was Not Cleaned

Is your cat's bed still filthy or odorous after being washed? You might need to repeat the procedure. Occasionally, the bed requires a second cleaning cycle, especially if it is quite soiled. Do a spot treatment again and keep it on for a longer amount of time before washing to determine whether this resolves the problem.

The process of cleaning your cat's bed in "3 Easy Steps To Wash a Cat Bed!" by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) may appear onerous, especially if it is filthy or coated with cat fur.

By eliminating germs, old hair, and dirt from the cat's bed, it is possible to keep your cat cleaner and healthier. Take these procedures to safely clean the bed and provide a clean sleeping area for your cat.