Even indoor dogs who rarely venture outside have a supernatural ability to collect dirt, dust, and various residues while going about their daily routine.
And unless you bathe your pooch daily, these foul and filthy substances are going to end up on her doggie bed.
This will not only make the bed look terrible, it will make it smell pretty bad too. Fortunately, there are a number of good dog beds that are easy to wash, so they’ll continue to look and smell their best for years.
Below, we’ll explain some tips for keeping any bed clean and point out a few of the best options on the market.
Best Washable Dog Beds: Quick Picks
- #1 BRINDLE Memory Foam Bed [Best Overall Washable Dog Bed]: Featuring a shredded memory foam core and a removable, machine-washable cover, this bed is easy to keep looking and smelling great.
- #2 MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Dog Bed [Best Completely Washable Dog Bed]: A completely washable dog bed you can just toss in the washing machine, this bed is great for accident-prone puppers.
- #3 Omlet Memory Foam Bolster Bed [Best Premium Washable Dog Bed]: The perfect option for pet parents interested in completely spoiling their pooch, this customizable bed features a machine-washable cover.
- #4 Coolaroo On the Go Elevated Pet Bed [Most Affordable Washable Dog Bed]: An affordable, elevated pet bed you can simply hose off when necessary to keep it clean and looking great.
Continue reading for more in-depth reviews.
Wait a Minute, Aren’t All Dog Beds Washable?
To an extent, this is true: Many (if not most) dog beds can be washed.
But that doesn’t mean it is always easy to do so, nor does it mean the bed will survive the process.
In practice, many beds are as good as worthless once they become soiled.
There are a few reasons this is true, including:
Some beds have covers that can’t be removed. You could probably wash the whole bed in a commercial-sized washing machine, but you’ll have a hell of a time trying to get the stuffing dry afterward.
Many bed covers are a pain to take off and put back on. This is often the case with covers that fit very tightly, or beds that feature multiple core layers, which can be difficult to get stuffed back into the bed properly.
Some covers are simply not durable enough to survive repeated washings. At first, you’ll notice a few frayed threads, which will become more numerous with every subsequent wash. Eventually, the cover will develop holes or fall apart entirely.
Some cover materials tend to hold on to dirt and stains more tenaciously than others. The best washable dog beds feature stain-repelling fabrics which will come out of the washing machine looking brand new; but less-than-stellar dog beds will often come out of the wash looking just as bad as they did going in.
Some bed covers feature closures that will fall apart if spun around in a washing machine or dryer. A high-quality zipper (or any other closure, really) should come through the wash without a problem, but low-quality zippers will break if you don’t treat them with kid gloves. And unfortunately, many bed manufacturers try to save costs on these types of things.
Essentially, most washable dog beds fall into one of two categories:
- Some beds feature a removable cover you can wash, along with an inner core you should not wash.
- Other beds are completely washable — this includes soft beds that can be tossed in the washer and dryer and “outdoor” beds, which you can simply hose off and let air dry.
Completely washable dog beds are not terribly common, as they must be made from exceptionally durable materials (including the core) to survive repeated trips through the laundry. However, we’ve found one that is designed to be cleaned in exactly this manner.
“Hose ’em down” washable beds are a bit more common, but these types of beds are usually of the elevated variety, which isn’t ideal for all dogs (such as skittish or nervous puppers).
Accordingly, the majority of the beds discussed below feature removable, machine-washable covers. This isn’t ideal in cases where the core needs to be washed, but it will suffice for most situations.
The 7 Best Washable Dog Beds
If you are looking for a dog bed that provides the kind of comfort your dog demands, while still being easy to wash and keep clean, you should find a suitable choice among the options detailed below.
Just be sure to consider your dog’s specific needs when making your selection.
1. BRINDLE Memory Foam Bed
About: The Brindle Memory Foam Dog Bed is an orthopedic mattress that comes in several sizes that will work with most standard dog crates.
The 3-inch-thick shredded memory foam core will take the pressure off your dog’s joints, while the removable micro suede cover is machine washable (tumble dry), making it easy to keep clean.
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BRINDLE Memory Foam Bed
A premium, shredded memory foam pet bed with a removable, machine-washable cover.
Features:
- Shredded foam design provides the kind of comfort canines love
- Interior baffles keep the shredded foam in place to prevent clumping
- Backed by the manufacturer’s 3-year warranty
- Available in 7 sizes and 4 color patterns (Khaki, Red, Stone, and Teal)
Pros
- Provides excellent comfort and joint support
- Several owners reported that it held up well to multiple trips through the washing machine
- Because it’s easy to clean, owners found that the typical “dog smell” in their home dissipated
Cons
- Unfortunately, this bed isn’t waterproof
- A few owners mentioned that hair seems to stick to this bed more than some other beds
2. MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Dog Bed
About: The MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Dog Bed is a bit different than most of the other beds we recommend. Instead of having to remove and wash the cover separately, you can just toss the whole thing in the washing machine (and you can machine dry it too!).
You need to use the gentle cycle and dry it on a low setting, but this still provides some extra convenience few other beds offer.
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MidWest Homes for Pets Plush Dog Bed
A completely machine-washable bed that doesn’t require you to remove the cover.
Features:
- Tufted, ultra-soft plush polyfiber construction
- Designed to be used inside a crate or as a standalone bed
- Backed by MidWest’s 1-year quality guarantee
- Available in 7 sizes and 3 colors
Pros
- You can machine wash this entire bed — including the internal core
- A lot of dogs seemed to like the bed’s outer texture
- This bed is pretty affordably priced
Cons
- This isn’t the most supportive bed on the market
- Some owners complained that the plastic no-skid pieces came off over time
3. Omlet Memory Foam Bolster Bed
About: The Omlet Memory Foam Bolster Bed is a very high-quality snoozing station that you can customize to suit your specific pet. You can not only choose the size that’s appropriate for your pooch, but you can also choose from five different types of feet and 15 attractive colors.
It is important to note that you cannot wash the entire Omlet Memory Foam Bed, but the cover is removable and machine washable. Additionally, the internal mattress and bolsters are enclosed with a plastic cover to protect them from accidents or spills.
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Omlet Memory Foam Bolster Bed
A customizable, elevated pet bed with a removable, machine-washable cover.
Features:
- This customizable bed comes in several sizes and colors
- The bed is elevated and available with your choice of 5 different feet styles
- Cover is removable and machine washable; internal plastic barriers protect the foam
- Bolster provides extra security and serves as a comfy head rest
Pros
- We love the myriad customization options available for this bed
- The cover is pretty easy to remove, making it easy to wash when necessary
- Internal plastic covers help protect the foam from moisture
Cons
- The entire bed isn’t washable, but the inner plastic covers mean this isn’t a problem
- This bed is quite a bit more expensive than the other options discussed here
Omlet was kind enough to send my pooch one of their beds to try out, so I wanted to share our experiences.
By and large, I really like it, and my pooch seems to like it even more!
I was actually a little worried that she’d find the elevated design off putting (she’s a very skittish doggo), but she crawled right onto it and promptly started snoozing when I gave her the chance to do so.
But no bed is perfect, and the Omlet Memory Foam Bolster Bed has some good traits and some less-than-fantastic traits. We’ll share some of the most important takeaways below.
Starting with the good:
- The bed is pretty well made. All of the components feel solid, and it isn’t only strong enough to support my 95-pound pooch, but it was even sturdy enough to support all 170 pounds of me without issue.
- The large model is pretty darn roomy – my pooch had more than enough room to lay comfortably.
- The foam used in the mattress and bolsters seems quite supportive and comfy. My dog not only hopped right on it and started sleeping, but she appears to prefer it to the couch.
- The styling is pretty understated, which I like. It blends right in with our home and looks great.
- The entire thing is pretty easy to move around when need be.
- It comes with neat little felt pads for the feet to prevent it from scratching your floors (we’re keeping it on carpet, so I didn’t use them, but it was nice to see them included).
- The entire bed was well packed without featuring a bunch of unnecessary garbage that’d just end up in a landfill.
For the most part, my complaints about the bed were limited. However, there were a few issues I feel it’s important to share:
- The assembly instructions were awful. They’re primarily made up of graphics, and they really only explain how to put on the feet. Omlet does have a YouTube video that demonstrates assembly, but I honestly didn’t find this much more helpful. I figured it out, but better instructions would have been greatly appreciated.
- The cover seems a tiny bit too big for the foam. This doesn’t cause any big problems for my pooch, but it means that it doesn’t look quite as awesome as the ones in the photos. However, I imagine this is largely because the foam will take a few days to “fluff up,” and I expect it will look better in the coming days.
But again, these problems were pretty minor. Ultimately, my pooch and I both love this bed, and we’re really happy to have it.
This certainly isn’t a super-affordable dog bed, so it won’t be the right choice for budget-limited owners. But if you don’t mind dropping a little cash to spoil your dog with a truly premium option, stop reading and start choosing the options you want on Omlet’s website.
I should point out that I haven’t yet had a chance to wash the cover, but I’ll share my experiences and update this article when I do.
My dog doesn’t struggle with accidents, but she sheds a fair bit. So, it shouldn’t be long before I will give it a trip through the laundry.
4. Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed
About: Need a washable pet bed that won’t break the bank? It’s hard to find a better option than the Coolaroo On the Go Elevated Dog Bed.
Elevated pet beds aren’t the best pick for all puppers (they may be intimidating to particularly skittish dogs), but if you need a bed that’s super easy to wash and about as affordable as any bed on the market, you’ll want to give the Coolaroo serious consideration.
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Coolaroo On the Go Elevated Pet Bed
An easy to clean elevated dog bed that’s affordable and perfect for outdoor use.
Features:
- Elevated design provides a great combination of support and comfort
- Air flows beneath the bed, helping to keep your canine cool
- Lightweight and easy to disassemble, making it great for travel
- Available in 3 sizes and 6 colors
Pros
- A great bed for outdoor use and travel
- Helps keep dogs cool in warm temperatures
- Super easy to clean — just hose it off
Cons
- As mentioned, skittish dogs don’t always like elevated beds
- A small number of owners had trouble assembling the bed
- Durability is a bit of a long-term issue
4. BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed
About: The BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed is a plush and cozy dog bed that is built around an orthopedic foam core, which will provide your dog with plenty of support for her joints and back.
The bed comes with removable, machine-washable cover and a bolster that encircles the entire bed and gives your pup a place to rest her head.
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BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed
A supremely comfy dog bed with a solid orthopedic foam core and wrap-around bolster.
Features:
- Non-slip rubber backing prevents the bed from sliding around on the floor
- Ultra soft, quilted polyester cover provides the kind of comfort your dog deserves
- Suitable for dogs weighing up to 100 pounds
- Available in 3 sizes
Pros
- Dogs appeared to find the cover and bolsters very comfortable
- Owners were very pleased with how easy this bed was to wash
- The foam core and bolster can be removed — something that isn’t always possible to do with dog beds
Cons
- This isn’t the most durable bed on the market
- A few owners had trouble replacing the bolster after removing the cover for washing
5. Kuranda Dog Bed
About: The Kuranda Dog Bed is an elevated bed that will keep your dog cool and comfortable while she naps.
Constructed from a strong PVC frame and super-durable Cordura sleeping area, the Kuranda bed is very easy to wash and is guaranteed to stand up to repeated cleanings.
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Kuranda Dog Bed
A strong and durable elevated pet bed you can simply hose down when you need to clean it.
Features:
- Cordura fabric is as durable as canvas, while still being comfortable for your pup
- Available in 5 sizes and 4 colors (Burgundy, Smoke, Forest Green and Khaki)
- Backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year warranty
- Elevated design takes pressure off your dog’s joints
Pros
- Most dogs seemed to find the Kuranda Bed to be pawsitively cozy.
- Several owners noted a reduction in joint pain symptoms after switching to this bed.
- The bed is very easy to clean — you can wipe it down with a damp cloth or just hose it down.
Cons
- Some owners had trouble assembling the bed.
- Especially skittish dogs may not feel comfortable with the elevated design.
6. Milliard Orthopedic Dog Bed
About: The Milliard Orthopedic Dog Bed features an egg-crate core to provide enough support and a thick pillow-top upper layer to ensure your pup’s complete comfort.
The zippered cover can be removed and machine-washed to ensure the bed looks and smells its best for years to come (be sure to air-dry the cover after washing).
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
Milliard Orthopedic Dog Bed
A comfy bed with a machine-washable cover that’s available in two standard crate sizes.
Features:
- Core is made from egg crate luxe foam for comfort
- Available in 2 standard crate sizes (35″ x 22″ and 47″ x 27″)
- Backed by the manufacturer’s 100% satisfaction-guaranteed warranty
- The bed is 4 inches thick to ensure complete support
Pros
- Most dogs seemed to find the bed very comfortable
- Owners reported that the cover was very easy to clean
- Appears supportive enough to keep dogs in the 60- to 70-pound range up off the floor
Cons
- There was a smattering of durability complaints, though most owners liked the bed
- A few owners complained that the bottom of the bed became damaged easily
An Alternative Option: Molly Mutt Dog Duvets
If you prefer a standard (non-elevated) dog bed, but still want one that can be machine washed, you can try a Molly Mutt Duvet.
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Molly Mutt Dog Duvets
A DIY-style dog bed alternative you can machine wash and stuff however you like.
The Molly Mutt Duvet is 100% cotton canvas, and will stand up to repeated washings with ease; simply unzip the cover, remove the padding and place the cover in your washing machine on a cold-water cycle. You can then take it out and place it right in the dryer, as long as you use a low, tumble-dry setting.
Note that these “beds” do not come with any padding or stuffing, so you’ll have to stuff it with memory foam, cotton fill material or old clothes. This is a bit of a headache, but it also gives you the chance to customize your pup’s bed, so that it provides exactly the amount of cushion and support she requires.
The lack of filling also provides one other benefit: Molly Mutt Duvets are less expensive than any of the other beds reviewed above.
Molly Mutt Duvets are available in three rectangular sizes, as well as one round configuration, and they come in 22 different color patterns.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Bed Clean
No matter what type of bed you purchase, and how well it will stand up to a trip through the laundry, there are a few tips you can embrace to help keep your dog’s bed clean between washings. This will not only help keep the bed looking great, but it will reduce the number of times you have to wash it, too.
Some of the best ways to keep your dog’s bed clean include:
Wipe the bed down with a damp cloth as often as possible. This won’t remove fluids that seep into the cover, nor will it help to get out things like mud, but you can remove most of the hair, dander, and dust that comes to rest on the surface.
Select a bed that matches your dog’s coat color. Admittedly, this won’t actually keep the bed cleaner, but it will keep the bed looking cleaner, as your dog’s shed hair won’t stand out to the eye.
Select complex patterns, rather than solid colors. If you drop a teaspoon of dirt on a solid-colored bed, you’ll see it immediately. But if you do the same on an intricately patterned bed, you won’t be able to see the dirt as readily. This is another tip that won’t actually keep the bed cleaner, but it will help keep it looking better.
Use a stain-repelling spray (like this) on your dog’s bed cover. There are a variety of different fabric-protecting sprays available, and they can help prevent stains and discoloration – just make sure you choose one that is safe for pets.
Clean off your dog after playing outside. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth will help remove most of the debris that clings to her coat, which will keep it from getting on the bed in the first place. Pay special attention to her paws – it is often helpful to fit her with some booties or invest in a paw washer.
Bathe your dog regularly. The cleaner you keep your dog, the cleaner her bed will stay, so be sure to bathe her on a reasonable schedule (once a month or so is probably sufficient for most pups). Make sure you dry her off afterwards, so her bed doesn’t become soaked when she lays on it.
Still in need of some tips to keep your dog bed tidy? Check out these dog bed cleaning hacks from Martha Stewart!
Is it easy to wash your dog’s bed cover? Do you normally do so by hand, or do you just toss it in the washing machine? Has it started showing signs of wear and tear, or has it stood up to repeated trips through the laundry?
Let us know all about it in the comments below!
8 Comments
February 20, 2023
I feel like your disparaging comments on the only option on here that’s not wasteful is what’s wrong with society. It’s not a headache to fill a bed with old clothes, actually it’s a great solution for what to do with worn out textiles when you have too many rags already.
February 20, 2023
Hey there, Lauren.
I think “disparaging comments,” is a bit strong.
It can be a headache to track down a bunch of rags and worn out textiles for some.
But if you have a bunch laying around, then have at it!
Either way, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
January 5, 2020
Hello,
I have Shitzu that needs religious washing and gets moldy smelly itchy Easily and it is very high maintenance requires medicated shampoo with skin soothers that I don’t even need, and since the dog sweats everywhere, the dog bed gets equally stinky and after the dog got into the cat box , the dog bed definitely needS cleaning after every dog wash, but the super soft and very well loved dog bed can’t spin in the washer, the washer sounds like a sledge hammer is killing it and it just stops without finishing and so The dog bed Still needs cleanIng and It still weighs a ton, please can you help me find a medical grade super easy to wash and dry and yet comfortable dog bed?
Thanks!
January 6, 2020
It sounds like a bed with a removable cover would work better in your circumstances.
We’d recommend trying the Brindle Bed discussed above. It has a removable cover and most dogs seem to find it very cozy.
Best of luck!
September 22, 2018
I was tired of taking apart our dog bed each time it needed to be cleaned so I take our large sofa-type dog bed directly to the laundromat and throw the entire thing – bolsters still intact into the largest front loading machine they have – throw in 2 detergent pods and set it on high. Same goes for the dryer. Works beautifully with minimal work.
September 30, 2018
Take a look at Big Shrimpy beds. Several styles, washable, durable, and can get replacements of all parts. They also recycle if you ever give up.
June 10, 2018
Have you come across any that the whole bed can be washed but still cushy with sides? My dog is always licking which makes her bed stinky. Washing just the cover isn’t enough. She is 14 and she likes to climb on the couch, so a bed with sides is necessary to keep her of the furniture. I bought one years ago that I throw the whole thing in the washer in 2 parts, but I want a second one for upstairs.
June 11, 2018
Hey Cathy – maybe have a look at our articles on bolster beds if you need something with raised sides. The problem is that washing the entire bed can cause the innards to quickly lose their fuff. You might be better off getting some spare covers for the bed you want so you can simply toss out the old cover after a while.