How to Wash a Donut Dog Bed Without Ruining the Fluff

Donut dog beds, the round, raised-rim beds often called calming beds, are cozy but can be tricky to wash. The thick filling clumps if you wash or dry it the wrong way. Here's how to clean one and keep it soft. Start by reading the care label, which overrides anything below.

Step 1: Check the label and size

Look for a care tag. It will say whether the bed is machine washable, the maximum water temperature, and how to dry it. Some beds have a removable cover with a separate insert.

Also check whether it fits your machine. A bed that's jammed into the drum won't get clean and can strain the washer. Large beds may need a bigger front-loading machine at a laundromat, or hand washing.

Step 2: Remove hair and debris

Take the bed outside and shake it hard. Then go over it with a vacuum, a lint roller, or a damp rubber glove to pull up hair. Removing hair first keeps it from clogging your washer.

Step 3: Pre-treat stains

Spot-clean any stains with a little mild detergent and a soft brush. For accidents, a cleaner made for pet stains can help with odor. Test it on a hidden spot first.

Step 4: Machine wash (if the label allows)

• Use a gentle or delicate cycle.
• Use cold or warm water as the label says.
• Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent in a small amount. Too much soap is hard to rinse out of thick filling.
• Skip fabric softener, which can leave residue and reduce fluffiness.
• Add an extra rinse if your machine has one.

Front-loaders are generally gentler on bulky beds than top-loaders with a central agitator.

Hand washing instead

Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and a little detergent. Press and squeeze the bed underwater rather than wringing or twisting it. Drain, refill with clean water, and press again until no suds remain. Gently press out as much water as you can.

Step 5: Dry it gently

Drying is where most beds get ruined.

• Tumble dry on low or no heat if the label allows. Add two or three clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps. It may take several cycles.
• Air dry by laying it flat in a warm, airy place, turning it every few hours.
• Make sure it's completely dry inside before your dog uses it. Damp filling can develop odors or mildew.

Step 6: Fluff it back up

Once dry, squeeze and shake the bed and pull at the filling through the fabric to break up any remaining clumps.

How often to wash

Many owners wash their dog's bed every one to two weeks, and vacuum or lint-roll it in between. Wash it sooner after muddy days or accidents.

Making washing easier

A washable blanket on top of the bed takes most of the hair and dirt, and it's much easier to throw in the wash. Cleaning muddy paws at the door also helps; a paw washer cup (add water, twist, towel off) makes that easier.