A soft pet bed can quickly become the main collection point for loose fur, dander, muddy paws, treat crumbs, and that familiar dog or cat smell. A washable pet bed for shedding makes the cleanup part of pet parenting far less frustrating, without asking your pet to give up their favorite place to nap. 🐾
The best choice is not always the fluffiest bed or the one with the biggest label. For a heavy-shedding Husky, a long-haired cat, or a multi-pet home, the details matter: removable covers, fabric that releases hair easily, supportive filling, and a washing routine you can actually keep up with.
Why washable beds make life easier
Pet hair does not stay on top of a bed. It works its way into seams, under bolsters, around zippers, and deep into fluffy fibers. If a bed can only be spot-cleaned, it may look fresh for a few days but hold onto odor and buildup over time.
A washable bed gives you a reset button. You can remove hair before it spreads around the room, wash away paw dirt and everyday oils, and give your pet a cleaner space to rest. That matters for homes where the bed sits in a bedroom, living room, office, or beside your desk all day.
Washability is also a smart value feature. Replacing a worn, smelly bed every few months gets expensive. A well-made bed with a washable cover can stay useful longer when it is cleaned correctly and dried fully.
What to look for in a washable pet bed for shedding
A label that says “machine washable” is a good start, but it does not tell the whole story. Look closely at how the bed is built and what happens when it meets a real washing machine.
A removable, zippered cover
For most pet parents, a removable cover is the easiest option. You can wash the part that collects the most fur and grime without trying to fit a bulky cushion into the machine. It also helps the inner fill keep its shape longer.
Choose a cover with a sturdy zipper that is tucked away or protected by a flap. An exposed zipper can scratch floors, snag blankets, or become tempting for a curious chewer. If your pet has accidents or tracks in wet dirt, a water-resistant inner liner adds another helpful layer of protection.
Fabric that lets fur go
Very shaggy faux fur may feel cozy, but it can be harder to fully de-fur before washing. Short-pile plush, tightly woven microfiber, canvas-like upholstery fabric, and smooth quilted materials are often more practical for frequent shedding.
That does not mean your pet has to sleep on a stiff surface. A soft, low-pile cover can still feel inviting while allowing hair to lift away with a vacuum, lint roller, damp rubber glove, or a quick shake outside. If your cat or dog loves to nest, look for a bed with cushioned sides rather than relying only on extra-long fibers for comfort.
Support that survives the wash
The cover gets most of the attention, but the fill determines whether the bed remains comfortable after repeat use. Loose, low-quality stuffing can clump or flatten, leaving your pet with a lumpy spot on the floor.
For everyday lounging, supportive polyester fill, shredded foam, or a structured foam base can work well. Senior pets and larger dogs may benefit from thicker orthopedic-style cushioning, especially if they spend a lot of time resting. Just check whether the foam insert is washable, spot-clean only, or protected by a separate liner.
A non-slip bottom
A bed that slides across tile, hardwood, or laminate is annoying for you and unsettling for a pet trying to settle down. A non-slip base helps keep the bed in place when your dog circles before lying down or your cat hops in from a nearby perch.
This small feature is especially useful in busy homes, apartments with smooth floors, and spaces near a desk or kitchen where people walk often.
Choose the right style for your pet’s habits
Shedding is only one part of the decision. Your pet’s sleeping style should guide the shape and size of the bed.
A curled-up cat or small dog may love a round donut-style bed with raised edges. The sides create a tucked-in feeling, but choose one with a removable cover or a design that fits comfortably in your washing machine. A pet who stretches flat on their side may prefer a rectangular lounger with a roomy, easy-to-wash surface.
Bolster beds are a practical middle ground for pets that like a pillow under their chin. For dogs with joint stiffness, a lower entry is often more comfortable than tall sides they need to step over. For pets that burrow, consider a covered cave-style bed only if the interior lining can be cleaned easily. Otherwise, it can hold fur and odor more than an open bed.
When choosing size, measure your pet while they are fully stretched out, then add a few inches. A bed that is too small means more fur ends up on the floor around it. One that is excessively large can feel less secure for small pets and take up unnecessary room in the washer.
Before washing, remove as much fur as possible
Sending a fur-covered bed straight into the washer can leave hair on the drum, clog filters, and make the cover come out looking only slightly cleaner. A two-minute prep step makes a noticeable difference.
First, take the bed outdoors and shake it well. Then vacuum the cover and seams using an upholstery attachment if you have one. A lint roller works for smaller beds, while a damp rubber glove can gather stubborn hair into easy-to-remove clumps.
Check the care label before choosing water temperature or detergent. In general, mild pet-safe detergent without heavy fragrance is a comfortable choice for pets that sleep with their face against the fabric. Avoid fabric softener when possible, since it can leave residue and may reduce the performance of water-resistant coatings.
A simple washing routine that protects the bed
How often you wash a pet bed depends on your household. During spring and fall shedding seasons, a cover may need attention every one to two weeks. In lower-shed months, monthly washing may be enough if the bed is vacuumed regularly.
Keep these care habits in mind:
- Wash removable covers separately from clothing and towels.
- Close zippers and fasten hook-and-loop tabs before washing.
- Use the gentle cycle unless the care label says otherwise.
- Rinse thoroughly so detergent does not stay in the fabric.
- Dry the bed completely before your pet uses it again.
When fully machine washable is the better choice
A removable-cover bed is usually the most convenient choice for regular shedding. Still, a fully machine-washable bed can be a better fit for small pets, frequent accidents, or homes that need fast, all-over cleaning.
The trade-off is capacity. A large stuffed bed may be too bulky for a standard home washer, even if the product is technically washable. Overcrowding the machine prevents a thorough clean and can put stress on both the bed and your washer. In that case, a removable cover or a trip to a larger-capacity laundromat machine may be more realistic.
For pets with ongoing skin concerns, strong odors, or repeated accidents, follow guidance from your veterinarian and clean bedding more often. A washable bed supports a cleaner routine, but it is not a substitute for addressing the source of the issue.
Help your pet keep the new bed clean
Place the bed where your pet already likes to relax, not in an isolated corner they never use. A washable throw blanket on top can catch extra fur between full washes, especially during peak shedding. Keep a small lint roller or handheld vacuum nearby for quick touch-ups.
For households with more than one pet, having two covers or a second bed can make laundry day easier. Your pet still has a familiar resting spot while the other cover is washing and drying.
The right washable bed should feel like a comfort upgrade for your pet and a cleanup win for you. At PurrlyCare, we believe the best everyday pet products earn their place by making happier naps, cleaner homes, and simpler routines possible. Choose a bed your pet will happily claim, then give it the regular care that keeps it fresh for the long haul. 🐾