How to Wash Pet Bedding at a Laundromat: Pet Owner’s Guide

Updated August 15, 2026

A laundromat can be especially useful when pet bedding is too bulky for a household washer. Larger commercial machines give blankets and washable beds more room to move, rinse and dry without packing them tightly into a small drum.

However, not every dog bed, cat bed, foam insert, collar or pet accessory belongs in a washing machine. This guide explains what you can usually wash, what should stay out of the machine and how to handle pet hair, stains and odors responsibly at a self-service laundromat.

Can You Wash Dog Beds and Pet Bedding at a Laundromat?

Yes, if the item is machine washable, in suitable condition and allowed under the laundromat’s policies. Common laundromat loads for pet owners include:

• Machine-washable dog and cat blankets
• Removable pet-bed covers
• Washable crate liners and pads
• Fabric kennel blankets
• Washable sofa throws used by pets
• Fabric pet clothing
• Washable towels used for bathing or drying pets
• Some fabric collars, harnesses and soft toys when their labels permit machine washing

Check the item’s permanent care label before leaving home. A commercial washer has more capacity than a household machine, but it does not make a non-washable item safe to launder.

What Pet Items Should Not Go in a Laundromat Washer?

Do not machine wash an item when its label prohibits it or when water and agitation could damage its construction.

Pet Item	Recommended Approach
Removable fabric bed cover	Machine wash only when the care label permits it.
Entire stuffed pet bed	Machine wash only if the entire bed is labeled washable and fits without crowding the drum.
Memory-foam or solid-foam insert	Usually should not be machine washed or tumble dried. Follow the manufacturer’s spot-cleaning or hand-washing instructions.
Heated pet bed	Never place attached cords or electrical components in a washer. Wash only removable components specifically labeled machine washable.
Leather collar or leash	Use a material-appropriate cleaning method rather than an ordinary wash cycle.
Item with loose stuffing or torn seams	Repair or replace it before washing. Loose filling can escape and damage laundry equipment.
Hard plastic or electronic toy	Clean according to the toy manufacturer’s instructions.

Ask an attendant before loading an unusually large, heavily soiled or unfamiliar pet item. At The Dutchman’s Laundry, attendants are available daily from 8 AM–6 PM.

What to Do Before Bringing Pet Bedding to a Laundromat

1. Read Every Care Label

Check whether the item can be machine washed and tumble dried. Record the permitted water temperature, cycle and drying setting so you do not have to guess at the laundromat.

2. Remove Covers and Non-Washable Inserts

Unzip removable covers and separate any foam, rigid supports, heating elements or other parts that should not be submerged. Do not force an insert into a washer simply because the outer cover is washable.

3. Remove Loose Pet Hair

A washing machine should not be the first line of defense against a thick layer of pet hair. Wet hair can cling to fabric, collect inside the machine or transfer to other items.

Before leaving home:

• Shake the bedding outdoors.
• Vacuum both sides and work along seams.
• Use a lint roller or reusable pet-hair brush.
• Remove clumps of hair from corners, zippers and folds.

For hair-covered clothing rather than bedding, use our separate guide on how to remove pet hair from clothes.

4. Remove Solid Debris

Remove food, litter, grass, dried mud and other loose debris. Pick up and dispose of solid pet waste before transporting the item. Do not put bedding containing solid waste directly into a public washer.

5. Check for Damage

Inspect seams, zippers, waterproof backing and fabric around heavily used areas. Washing a torn bed can release stuffing or make the damage worse.

6. Transport It in a Washable or Sealed Container

Use a laundry bag, basket or separate container to keep loose hair and dirt from spreading through your vehicle or across the laundromat.

How to Wash Pet Bedding at a Laundromat

Step 1: Pretreat Stains

Follow the item’s care label and the stain-treatment product instructions. Remove any solid material first, then gently blot or rinse the affected area instead of aggressively rubbing it deeper into the fabric.

For urine stains or lingering pet odors, use a laundry-compatible product intended for that type of stain and fabric. Test unfamiliar products on a hidden area when possible.

Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia, vinegar, acids or other household cleaners. If you are uncertain about product compatibility, use one appropriate product and follow its label.

Step 2: Choose the Right Washer Size

The pet bedding must have enough room to move through the wash water. An overloaded washer may leave detergent, hair, dirt and odors trapped in the fabric.

Choose a larger machine when washing:

• Thick dog blankets
• Multiple crate liners
• Large removable bed covers
• Washable stuffed beds
• Pet bedding combined with washable pet towels

The Dutchman’s Laundry has Speed Queen washers ranging from 2-load to 8-load capacity. If you are unsure which size to use, ask an attendant rather than packing the item tightly into a smaller machine.

Step 3: Wash Pet Items Separately

Keeping pet bedding separate from everyday clothing helps limit hair transfer and allows you to choose a cycle suited to the bedding’s fabric, size and soil level.

Do not add delicate garments merely to fill space. If a single washable blanket creates an unbalanced load, ask an attendant whether compatible washable towels or similar items can be added.

Step 4: Add the Correct Amount of Detergent

More detergent does not automatically produce a cleaner dog bed. Excess detergent can remain inside thick covers, padding and seams.

Use the amount recommended for the machine and load size. A mild, fragrance-free detergent may be preferable for pets with sensitive skin, but owners should follow any advice provided by their veterinarian.

If the care label allows it, an extra rinse can help remove detergent from thick or heavily textured bedding.

Step 5: Select the Cycle and Water Temperature

Use the warmest temperature permitted by the care label rather than automatically selecting hot water. Excessive heat can shrink fabric, damage waterproof coatings, weaken adhesives or distort some fillings.

Choose a cycle that matches the item:

• Bulky or bedding cycle: For larger washable blankets and bedding when the label permits it
• Normal cycle: For durable everyday pet blankets and removable covers
• Gentle cycle: For lighter fabric items, delicate stitching or accessories that allow machine washing
• Higher soil setting: For visibly dirty items when both the machine and care instructions support it

Never use a high-temperature or aggressive cycle solely because an item belongs to a pet.

Step 6: Inspect Before Drying

Check for remaining stains and odors when the wash cycle ends. Dryer heat can make some remaining stains more difficult to remove, so repeat the appropriate pretreatment and wash process before drying when necessary.

Step 7: Dry According to the Care Label

If tumble drying is permitted, use a dryer large enough for the item to move freely. The Dutchman’s Laundry has commercial dryers with capacities up to 75 pounds.

Use the labeled heat setting. Low or moderate heat is often safer for synthetic filling, waterproof backing and items that may shrink, but the manufacturer’s instructions control.

Air dry an item when its label prohibits tumble drying. Never put solid foam, electrical components or heat-sensitive materials in a dryer.

Step 8: Confirm the Bedding Is Completely Dry

Thick seams and filling can remain damp after the outer fabric feels dry. Check the center, corners, underside and areas around zippers before allowing your pet to use the item.

Do not seal or store damp pet bedding. Trapped moisture can produce musty odors and mildew.

Step 9: Leave the Machine Ready for the Next Customer

Remove visible pet hair and debris from the drum and surrounding area. Tell an attendant if hair, filling or another material remains inside the machine or if the load caused a spill.

This simple step helps keep a shared laundromat comfortable for customers with and without pets.

How to Handle Common Pet-Bedding Problems

Pet Hair

Remove most hair while the item is dry. Shake, vacuum and brush it before washing. After drying, clean the lint screen as directed or notify an attendant if customers should not access it.

Urine Stains and Odors

Remove excess moisture, rinse or pretreat according to the fabric instructions and use a laundry product intended for pet urine. Do not cover the odor with excessive fragrance or detergent.

If a pet repeatedly urinates on its bedding, address the underlying behavior or health concern with an appropriate veterinary professional.

Mud

Allow thick mud to dry when appropriate, brush off the loose soil and then pretreat any remaining mark. Washing large amounts of loose mud can leave sediment in the machine.

Fleas, Ringworm or Contagious Illness

Routine washing advice may not be enough for parasites or contagious conditions. Ask your veterinarian which items should be washed, discarded or isolated and what temperatures or products are appropriate.

Contact the laundromat before bringing potentially contaminated bedding. Washing the bed alone does not treat the pet or the rest of the home.

Strong or Unusual Contamination

Do not place items contaminated with pesticides, solvents, oils, hazardous chemicals or large amounts of bodily waste in a public laundry machine. Ask the laundromat and the appropriate professional how the item should be handled.

How Often Should You Wash Pet Bedding?

A practical starting point for frequently used washable dog bedding is approximately every one to two weeks. Wash sooner when the bedding is visibly dirty, wet, strongly odorous or affected by an accident.

The right schedule depends on:

• How often the pet uses the item
• The amount of shedding
• Outdoor activity and mud exposure
• Allergies or skin sensitivities
• Accidents or illness
• The bed manufacturer’s care instructions

Using a removable, washable cover can make regular cleaning easier and reduce the number of times the entire bed needs to be cleaned.

Self-Service Laundry for Pet Owners in Clarksville

The Dutchman’s Laundry provides large-capacity self-service washers and commercial dryers at 551 Dover Rd in Clarksville, TN.

• Self-service hours: Daily, 5 AM–midnight
• Attended hours: Daily, 8 AM–6 PM
• Washers: Speed Queen machines from 2-load to 8-load capacity
• Dryers: Commercial dryers up to 75 pounds
• Payment: Cash, coins and debit cards
• Appointment: Not required

If you are washing pet bedding for the first time or are unsure about the item or machine size, visit during attended hours so a team member can help you choose an appropriate machine.

Pet Bedding and Laundromat FAQs

Can I wash a dog bed at a laundromat?

You can wash a dog bed when the entire bed is labeled machine washable, fits comfortably in the selected machine and complies with the laundromat’s policies. If only the cover is washable, remove it and clean the cover separately.

Can memory foam go in a laundromat washer?

Solid memory-foam inserts generally should not be machine washed or tumble dried unless the manufacturer specifically permits it. Machine washing can damage the foam, while retained water can make it extremely difficult to dry.

What detergent should I use for pet bedding?

Use a properly measured detergent that is suitable for the fabric. A mild, fragrance-free detergent is often a sensible option for pets with sensitive skin. Ask your veterinarian for advice when your pet has allergies or a diagnosed skin condition.

Should I wash pet bedding in hot water?

Use only the warmest temperature allowed by the care label. Hot water may be appropriate for some durable items but can damage other fabrics, coatings, adhesives and fillings.

Should pet bedding be washed with regular clothes?

It is usually more practical to wash hairy or heavily soiled pet bedding separately. This limits hair transfer and allows you to select a cycle, temperature and detergent suited to the bedding.

How do I remove pet hair before washing?

Shake the item outdoors, vacuum it thoroughly and use a lint roller or pet-hair brush. Pay particular attention to seams, corners and textured fabric where hair collects.

Can I put pet bedding in a commercial dryer?

Yes, when the care label permits tumble drying. Select the labeled heat setting and use a dryer large enough for the bedding to tumble freely. Air dry items that contain foam, electrical parts or heat-sensitive materials.

Does washing remove all pet odors?

A suitable wash process can remove many ordinary pet odors. Persistent urine or biological odors may require fabric-safe pretreatment and another wash. Strong recurring odors may also indicate that the item’s filling remains contaminated or that replacement is appropriate.

Do I need an appointment at The Dutchman’s Laundry?

No appointment is required for self-service laundry. The laundromat is open daily from 5 AM–midnight, with attendants available from 8 AM–6 PM.

Related Laundry Guides

• How to Remove Pet Hair From Clothes
• Self-Service Laundromat in Clarksville
• Large-Capacity Washers and Dryers
• Bulky-Item and Bedding Laundry

Bottom Line

A laundromat can make washing bulky dog beds, pet blankets and crate liners easier, but preparation matters. Read the care label, remove loose hair and debris, separate non-washable inserts, select a machine with enough capacity and dry every layer completely.

Pet owners in Clarksville can use the large-capacity self-service machines at The Dutchman’s Laundry daily from 5 AM–midnight. Visit during attended hours from 8 AM–6 PM when you need help selecting a machine or confirming whether an unusual item is appropriate for self-service cleaning.