- Always check the care label before washing.
- Remove loose dirt and debris.
- Take off all removable covers for washing.
- DO NOT MACHINE WASH THE MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS/CUSHION
- Avoid overloading the washing machine.
- Use a good-quality detergent, and add a laundry sanitiser if needed.
- Wash on lower temperatures, gentle cycles, and gentle spin speeds.
- Air-dry naturally unless the care label specifies tumble drying.
- Ensure all bedding is completely dry before reassembling the bed.
How often should I wash a Lux Dog Bed?
We recommend washing your dog’s bed regularly to prevent dirt and allergens from building up. The outer covers should be washed every 1–2 weeks, and the internal polyfibre bolsters every 3 months to reduce moisture, dander, and dirt.
All of our pet beds include waterproof and stain-resistant liners to protect the mattress. To keep the filling fresh and dry, simply air the mattress and padding once a month.
Please always refer to the wash care labels located on the base of each Lux Dog Bed before cleaning.
Prep before machine washing a dog bed
Before machine washing, remove loose dirt and debris by shaking out the bed or vacuuming it. A damp rubber glove is also an easy and effective way to lift dog hair from the fabric.
Next, strip the bed by removing the outer covers so each part can be cleaned thoroughly. Keeping spare MOCHII PET bed covers on hand can make wash day quicker and more convenient.
Before washing, make sure the covers fit comfortably in your washing machine. If needed, wash items separately. Avoid overloading the machine, as this can reduce cleaning performance, prevent proper rinsing and spinning, and may damage your washer.
Bolster padding can be bulky, particularly for larger beds. If you have a smaller machine, do not force the mattress or pads into the drum—they won’t wash properly and may become misshapen. In this case, we recommend using a larger-capacity machine, such as those available at a laundromat.
Which wash cycle to wash a dog bed cover?
Wash cycles differ mainly by the level of agitation, water temperature, and spin speed.
We recommend avoiding quick wash cycles, as they use high agitation and fast spins. This can cause fibres to rub and twist excessively, leading to shrinkage, pilling, and reduced fabric lifespan.
Over time, gentler wash cycles help fabrics maintain their quality and durability for longer.
What temperature should I use for washing a dog bed cover?
Under normal conditions, there is no need to wash dog beds at high temperatures. A good-quality detergent is effective at removing dirt, stains, and bacteria.
High heat can be harsh on fabrics, so cooler wash temperatures are recommended to help preserve the quality and extend the life of the farbric.
What spin speed for washing a dog bed cover?
Higher spin speeds remove more water but can cause fabrics to shrink or pill. Lower spin speeds are gentler on materials, though they will retain more moisture. Always follow the care label guidance, and remember that lower spin speeds help protect the fabric.
Long-pile fabrics such as faux fur or sherpa fleece should never be spun at high speeds, as this can cause matting and pilling.
Fibre-filled bolster pads should also be washed on low spin speeds to prevent the filling from clumping, which can make the bed uncomfortable for your dog
What laundry detergent is best?
For dog bed covers with normal levels of dirt, we recommend using a good-quality non-bio detergent. If the bed is heavily soiled, a biological detergent can be used, provided your dog does not have sensitive skin or allergies.
Biological detergents contain enzymes that break down fats and proteins, making them more effective for grease and stubborn stains, even at lower temperatures. However, these enzymes can trigger allergies, so non-bio detergents are generally the safer choice where possible.
When to add laundry sanitiser
Unless there has been an obvious mess, unpleasant odours in dog beds are usually caused by a build-up of bacteria. This is why we recommend washing dog beds regularly to prevent smells from developing.
For particularly smelly covers, you can add a laundry sanitiser, such as Dettol Laundry Sanitiser, which helps eliminate bacteria and viruses even at low wash temperatures (from 20°C).
Do not use fabric softener
Do not use fabric softener when washing dog bedding. Fabric softener leaves a coating on the fibres and fillings that builds up over time, attracts dirt and bacteria, and can reduce the durability of the fabric.
How to dry a dog bed cover after washing
Check the tumble dry symbol for the recommended heat setting. After tumble drying, allow the bed to cool to room temperature before use.
Remember, heat can be harsh on fabrics and fillings, so air-drying on a laundry rack in a warm, well-ventilated area is often the gentlest way to preserve the bed’s quality. It’s also a more environmentally friendly option.
Tips on cleaning a Lux Dog Bed mattress
Our memory foam dog mattresses should only be spot-cleaned. For odors, sprinkle baking soda on both sides, leave for an hour, then vacuum it off.
For stains, gently blot with a damp cloth and mild detergent, working from the outside in, then blot with plain water to rinse.
While damp, reshape the mattress and air-dry naturally in a warm, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent mould and damage.
Ensure the mattress is completely dry before reassembling the bed, as damp bedding can encourage mould, mildew, and other issues.
