How To Clean Foam Dog Beds

Being a responsible pet owner doesn’t just end with providing your dog a snug bed. It also covers the task of regularly cleaning the bed, the foam included. Regularly and properly cleaning the foam carries away all the dirt and mess that have accumulated over time. It also guarantees your dog a good night’s sleep. Cleaning the bed foam is pretty easy to do. Here’s a step by step guide.

1. Remove the foam. Start the cleaning process by removing the foam from the cover. After taking it out, set the foam aside. If indicated in the care label, you can also wash the bed cover separately, but make sure to follow the wash instructions. Usually, though, bed covers can also be machine washed and tumbled dry.
2. Prepare your cleaning solution. You will need a mild powdered detergent and warm water for this. First, fill a basin with warm water. Then add a few cups of detergent. Thoroughly stir until the detergent is completely dissolved and forms suds.
3. Soak the foam. As soon as the soapy water is ready, soak the foam in. Then repeatedly press the foam to remove dirt and grime. If there are stains, it is best not to scrub them off because this will cause foam damage. Instead, rub the stained area with your fingers and continue to press it down. The detergent will break down the stains, and with continuous hand pressure, they should easily come off. If the soapy water turns too dark with all the dirt, you can fill the basin with new water and detergent.
4. Rinse the foam. Drain the basin and fill it with clean water. Then put the foam back into the basin and begin to press it down again to remove soap suds. You may have to change the water a few times until there are no more suds left in the foam.
5. Dry the foam. You have two options for this: you can choose to use the dryer or sun dry the foam. If you want to use the dryer, make sure to use low heat and run the dryer for not more than 15 minutes. If you are going to sun dry the foam, place it somewhere it can get ample amount of sun. Before setting the foam to dry, it is best to squeeze out excess water.
6. Zip the foam back into the bed cover. After washing the foam and making sure it is completely dry, you can insert it back to the bed cover. Then the zip the cover close. Once ready, set the foam bed in your dog’s sleeping area.

A very important note: never use the foam unless it is completely dry. Using damp foam will invite mold and mildew and will eventually rot the bed. And rotten bed will of course necessitate buying a new one. Another note: you can spray pet freshener on the bed to make it smelling fresh and clean. But make sure to use the freshener that is proven safe to animals.