Are Washable Dog Beds Worth It? What to Look For

For most dog owners, washable dog beds are worth it. A bed you can throw in the machine stays hygienic, controls odour, and lasts far longer than one you can only spot-clean, which usually offsets the slightly higher price within a year. The exception is a heavy chewer or a dog that rarely makes a mess, where durability or simplicity may matter more than washability.

What "washable" really means

Not all washable beds are equal, and the label can be misleading. There are two things worth checking.

• Removable cover. A zip-off cover that machine washes is the gold standard, as it's quick to strip and easy to dry.
• Fully washable bed. Smaller flat beds and mats often go in the machine whole, cover and filling together, which is brilliant for puppies and crate liners but bulky for large beds.

Beware beds described as "wipe clean" or "surface washable only", as these don't deal with deep-set odour, mud or accidents. The washable dog beds range is grouped by how they actually clean so you're not caught out.

The genuine pros

• Hygiene. Dogs carry mud, dander, drool and the odd accident into bed. A proper wash removes what wiping never reaches.
• Odour control. That distinctive doggy smell lives in bedding. Regular washing keeps your home fresher, which is the reason most owners switch.
• Longer life. A bed you can refresh gets replaced less often. For how to judge that, see How Often Should You Replace a Dog Bed?
• Allergy help. Washing strips dust and dander, useful in homes where someone reacts to it.

The honest cons

• Higher upfront cost. Removable-cover beds usually cost a bit more than a basic non-washable one.
• Drying time. Thick filling can take a day or more to dry fully, so a spare cover or a quieter day for washing helps.
• Chew risk. Zips and seams give determined chewers something to attack. If that's your dog, prioritise toughness, as covered in Best Dog Beds for Chewers: Tough, Durable Options That Last.

Features that actually matter

When comparing options, look past the marketing to a handful of things that decide whether a washable bed survives real life.

• Machine-washable at 30 to 40 degrees. Hot enough to clean and freshen, gentle enough not to wreck the cover. Check the care label before you buy.
• Robust, well-protected zips. A chunky zip with a covered pull lasts longer and is harder for a dog to chew.
• Quick-drying or removable filling. Beds you can wash and dry fast get washed more often, which is the whole point.
• Right size and shape. A round plush bed suits curlers, while a flatter design fits sprawlers and crates. Bolstered shapes give anxious dogs an edge to lean on.

Browse the full dog range to compare shapes, and the Dog Supplies hub for the bigger picture on kit.

How to keep one going

A washable bed only pays off if you wash it properly. Aim for a wash every couple of weeks, more if your dog is muddy or moults heavily, and use a fragrance-free detergent to avoid skin irritation. Vacuum the surface between washes to lift loose hair. Our step-by-step How to Clean a Dog Bed (Including the Stuffing) covers getting the inner clean too, which is where the smell usually hides.

The verdict

If you want a fresher home and a bed that lasts, washable is almost always the better buy. Spend a little more on a removable-cover design with strong zips and a quick-drying inner, and you'll wash it more, replace it less, and live with a lot less doggy smell.