Cleaning The Dog Bed With Steam

ProsFed Up Cleaning The Dog Bed? Try Steam!

[Updated on 1 January 2023]When you have a dog, cleaning the dog bed is part of the daily routine particularly if you want to reduce any doggy odors as much as possible, and the smell of damp dog is the worst – so finding the best way to clean dog beds is utterly essential.

Added to which most dogs prefer a clean smelling bed – at least all of ours have without exception. Change their beds to clean sweet smelling duvets. Give the pads a blast of fresh hot steam and we get the sofas to ourselves again – until the dog beds get stale, with bits of biscuit and other unmentionables hidden between the folds, then we’ve got serious competition for the sofas again.

Obviously how you clean it depends a lot on the type of bed or beds you have, but the one thing that does for most of them is a handheld steam cleaner – I know how much time I’ve saved over the last few years by using steam to sanitize the dogs foam pads and mattresses every week, without the hassle of washing – and worse – drying them.

With a new dog, as you’d expect another bed has now presented itself for my attention. Complete with an expensive foam pad which looks like it holds a lot of water if you have to wash it.

The pads are quite thick foam and the steamer needs to have enough oompf and pressure for the steam to get through it – best to do it thoroughly from both sides to be sure of killing any nasty’s (and the eggs of any nasty’s) and to kill any bacteria present in the pad or bedding.

The link just below takes you to an old post reviewing popular handheld steamers. You might be surprised at which one gets the best rating from those who use them.

Steaming your pet’s bed with a good quality steamer, means choosing one which will build up sufficient steam to create the pressure needed to push through mattresses and soft furnishings, without it mimicking a pressure washer – something you really don’t want – in fact the best handheld steamers produce steam so hot it really is almost dry.

That said, there will be a little residual dampness and you do need to make sure your air and dry bedding as thoroughly as if you were going to lie on it – half an hour in the sun or any warm place and it should be just fine.

Great For Carpet Stains Too

Handheld steamers are also perfect for those annoying dark stains on carpets. You don’t necessarily know what they are, but you can take a fair guess… I’ve been using my steamer to get rid of these for a long while now and the carpets are just fine to thank you! If you’ve got the same unfortunate err… ‘blobs’, then you might find this post on cleaning carpet stains with steam helpful.

I’ll confess we don’t buy or use expensive dog beds. Too many have been chewed and shredded in a matter of hours, so instead the dogs have a good solid plastic bed lined with a foam pad and topped with a folded duvet. You can buy a mattress topper very cheaply and cut several dog bed pads out of it for a few dollars, better than buying one dog bed pad for the same price, especially if it gets pulled to bits…

The foam pad gets wrapped in a waterproof cot mattress protector, topped off with a duvet and in winter a nice snug blanket. I admit when it gets really cold outside. Even though the thermostat says the rooms are warm, we usually wake up with a greyhound between us.

Now we’ll all have to shove up and make room for her boyfriend!

Prevention for Minimizing Dog Bed Odors and Stains

1. Clean the bed regularly: Use a mild detergent and warm water to wash the bed cover and stuffing. Let it dry completely before putting it back on the bed.
2. Use a waterproof cover: Place a waterproof cover on top of the bed to protect it from spills and accidents.
3. Vacuum the bed: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, hair, and debris from the bed.
4. Use odor-eliminating sprays: Spray the bed with an odor-eliminating spray to neutralize any odors.
5. Train your dog: Teach your dog to stay off the bed when they are dirty or wet. This will help to prevent stains and odors.
6. Use baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the bed before vacuuming to help neutralize odors.
7. Place the dog bed in a well-ventilated area: Keep the dog bed in a well-ventilated area to allow for air circulation and help prevent odors.
8. Rotate the bed: Rotate the bed periodically to ensure even wear and prevent the build-up of odors in one spot.

How to Clean a Dog Bed With Steam

1. Start by removing the cover of the dog bed if it is removable.
2. Check the care instructions for the cover and filling to ensure that they can be safely steamed.
3. Vacuum the dog bed thoroughly to remove any loose dirt or debris.
4. Fill a steamer with water, and allow it to heat up.
5. Hold the steamer nozzle a few inches away from the surface of the dog bed and pass it over the bed, being careful not to saturate the fabric.
6. Use a clean, moist cloth to wipe down the bed, removing any dirt or stains the steam has loosened.
7. Allow the dog bed to air dry completely before reassembling it.
8. If the filling of the dog bed is not removable, you can also steam it by holding the steamer nozzle a few inches away from the surface.
9. Once the filling is dry, place it back into the cover of the dog bed.
10. Replace the cover on the dog bed and allow it to air out for a few hours before letting your dog use it again.

Important Features of Cleaning the Dog Bed With Steam

Important Features of Cleaning the Dog Bed With Steam

1. Using a steam cleaner is a proper way to sanitize and deodorize a dog bed without using harsh chemicals.
2. High-temperature steam can kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs. This makes it an excellent option for pet beds that may have been exposed to these contaminants.
3. Steam cleaning can also remove dirt, stains, and other debris from the bedding, leaving it fresh and clean.
4. It is important to use the appropriate attachments and settings on your steam cleaner to ensure you effectively clean the dog bed without damaging it.
5. It's also important to let the dog bed dry completely before letting your dog use it again to avoid damp or mold growth.
6. Cleaning the dog bed regularly may help to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust mites, and allergens that can cause health problems for both the dog and the owner.

FAQs

How often should I clean my dog’s bed with a steam cleaner?

It is recommended to clean your dog's bed at least once a month and as needed to keep it fresh and clean.

Can I add any cleaning solutions to the steam cleaner when cleaning my dog’s bed?

It is not recommended to add any cleaning solutions to the steam cleaner when cleaning a dog bed as it may cause irritation to your dog's skin.

What is the best way to clean a dog bed with a steam cleaner?

The best way to clean a dog bed with a steam cleaner is to first remove any loose debris or hair. Then run the steam cleaner over the bed paying close attention to seams and crevices.

Can I use a steam cleaner on a memory foam dog bed?

It is not recommended to use a steam cleaner on a memory foam dog bed, as the heat and moisture can damage the foam.

How long does it take a dog bed to dry after cleaning with a steam cleaner?

It can take several hours for a dog bed to dry completely after cleaning with a steam cleaner. It's depending on the size of the bed and the humidity of the room.

Can I use a steam cleaner on a dog bed that has a removable cover?

Yes, you can use the steam cleaner on a dog bed with a removable cover. But make sure to remove the cover before cleaning and allow it to dry fully before replacing it.

Can I use a steam cleaner on a dog bed that has a waterproof cover?

It is not recommended to use a steam cleaner on a dog bed that has a waterproof cover as it may damage the cover or reduce its effectiveness.

Will using a steam cleaner on my dog’s bed eliminate all bacteria and germs?

While a steam cleaner can effectively remove dirt and debris, it may not eliminate all bacteria and germs. It is recommended to use a disinfectant spray or a UV light sanitizing wand to kill germs and bacteria on your dog's bed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a steam cleaner to clean a dog bed is an effective and efficient method. It allows for sanitizing and deep cleaning of the bed without the use of harsh chemicals. This making it safe for both the dog and the owner. Additionally, the steam's heat can help eliminate any lingering odors. Overall, steam cleaning is a convenient and effective way to keep a dog's bed clean and hygienic.