7 Best Laundry Detergents for Washing Pet Bedding

Pet bedding collects more than just fur; it traps dander, oils, and bacteria that settle deep into fabric fibers over time. Finding a detergent that actually lifts these contaminants rather than masking them requires balancing enzyme strength with fabric safety. Selecting the right formula ensures that pet beds remain hygienic and fresh without frequent, costly replacements.

Tide Heavy Duty 10X: For The Toughest Pet Messes

When pet bedding has endured weeks of outdoor play or heavy dander buildup, a standard detergent often falls short. Tide Heavy Duty 10X utilizes a concentrated enzyme blend specifically engineered to break down the complex proteins found in pet saliva, mud, and dried mud.

This detergent is ideal for households with large-breed dogs or multiple pets who frequently track outdoor debris into the home. Because it is highly concentrated, it requires less shelf space than economy-sized jugs, making it a reliable choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited laundry room cabinetry.

While it sits at a higher price point per load, its cleaning efficiency means fewer re-washes are needed. Use this for thick, canvas-style beds or removable covers that require a serious structural clean.

Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters: Best Budget Odor Fighter

For high-traffic households where laundry volume is constant, balancing efficacy with cost is a necessity. Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters offers a dependable, mid-tier solution that relies on baking soda to neutralize odors rather than just covering them with heavy perfumes.

This formula works exceptionally well for routine maintenance washes, preventing lingering “wet dog” smells from setting into synthetic fabrics. It is particularly effective for households managing multiple pet beds simultaneously, as the bulk packaging provides a high volume of washes at a lower cost-per-load.

Choose this option if the goal is frequent, regular laundering to prevent odor buildup rather than deep-cleaning one-off accidents. It remains a workhorse for families who prefer to wash bedding weekly to keep the living room smelling fresh.

Persil ProClean Intense Fresh: For a Deep, Lasting Clean

Persil is frequently favored for its ability to cut through greasy, deep-seated oils that pets leave behind on their favorite sleeping spots. The formula excels at brightening fabrics and removing stains that have persisted through multiple wash cycles.

This detergent is recommended for older, memory foam-style beds where oils have seeped into the fabric surface over time. It provides a noticeable improvement in fabric texture, leaving covers feeling softer and cleaner to the touch after the rinse cycle.

Although it carries a premium price tag, the results on heavily soiled bedding are consistent and reliable. For those who prioritize longevity in their pet’s furniture, this detergent helps extend the life of the fabric by removing damaging debris.

OxiClean Odor Blasters: Removes Set-In Pet Smells

Sometimes, an odor has become so deeply embedded in the fibers that standard soap is insufficient. OxiClean Odor Blasters acts as both a detergent booster and a cleaner, utilizing oxygen-based agents to lift stubborn, trapped smells.

This product is the go-to solution for bedding that has not been washed as frequently as it should have been. It is particularly effective on synthetic fabrics and fleece liners that tend to hold onto musk and pet dander.

Consider adding this to your routine for “reset” washes, especially when transitioning between seasons. It is a powerful tool for those who keep pet beds in smaller, poorly ventilated rooms where smells tend to concentrate quickly.

All Free Clear: Gentle Power for Sensitive Pets

Not every pet reacts well to the strong fragrances or concentrated enzymes found in heavy-duty cleaners. All Free Clear provides a fragrance-free, dye-free alternative that prevents skin irritation for pets with known allergies or sensitive patches.

This is the smartest choice for homes with puppies, senior pets, or breeds known for dermatological issues. Even though it lacks the strong perfume of other brands, the cleaning power remains high enough to handle everyday soil and dander effectively.

It is also a safer bet for shared laundry machines where strong scents might transfer to human clothing. For households prioritizing health and skin safety, the trade-off is a lack of artificial freshness, but the benefit is a significantly lower risk of contact dermatitis for the pet.

Nature’s Miracle Detergent: Targets Pet Bio-Stains

Nature’s Miracle is designed specifically for the realities of living with animals, including urine, feces, and vomit. The enzymatic formula targets the biological source of the stain, preventing it from leaving behind pheromone-based scents that might encourage future accidents.

This detergent is essential for households in the house-training stage or for owners of senior pets prone to occasional incontinence. Using a standard detergent on these types of stains can often lock the odor in; Nature’s Miracle is formulated to break those proteins down completely.

Keep a bottle of this on hand for emergency laundry situations. It acts as a specialized tool for your laundry room, ensuring that bio-accidents do not result in the permanent disposal of expensive pet bedding.

Gain + Odor Defense: Leaves Bedding Smelling Fresh

If a household struggles with the distinct lingering scent of a pet area, Gain + Odor Defense is engineered to combat those specific odors while leaving a strong, clean fragrance behind. It is less about heavy-duty stain removal and more about persistent scent control.

This detergent works best for bedding that is generally clean but picks up common household musk. It provides a long-lasting freshness that can help make a living space feel cleaner and more welcoming to guests.

It is a preferred choice for people who feel that “clean” is only complete when it smells like it. Just be mindful of the intensity of the scent if the pet has a sensitive nose or if the bedding is located in a very small, confined space.

Best Washer Settings for Cleaning Dirty Pet Bedding

Always check the care label on the bed cover, but most sturdy pet beds handle a “Heavy Duty” or “Sanitize” cycle well. For heavy soil, use a high water level to ensure the fabric has enough space to agitate and release dirt.

• Pre-rinse: Always run a cold, short cycle first to rinse away excess fur and loose debris before the main wash begins.
• Water Temperature: Use the hottest setting the fabric can withstand to effectively kill dust mites and bacteria.
• Extra Rinse: Always select the “Extra Rinse” option to ensure all detergent residue is removed, as leftover soap can irritate a pet’s skin.

Skip the fabric softener, as it can coat the fibers and reduce the bed’s breathability or water-wicking properties. Clean, hot water and the correct detergent are almost always enough to achieve a deep clean.

Pre-Soak vs. Pre-Treat: What Works for Pet Stains

Pre-treating is the act of applying detergent or a stain remover directly to a spot, whereas pre-soaking involves submerging the entire bed in a mixture of water and cleaner. Pre-treating is sufficient for small, localized accidents or muddy paw prints.

For massive stains or bedding that has not been cleaned in months, a soak in a utility sink or large tub is superior. This allows the enzymes in the detergent to work over 30 to 60 minutes, which is necessary to break down biological matter that short cycles cannot reach.

When choosing between these methods, consider the severity of the mess. If you are dealing with set-in urine or severe odor, a dedicated pre-soak is the only way to avoid repeated cycles and wasted electricity.

How Often to Wash Bedding and Clean Your Machine

Pet bedding should ideally be washed every one to two weeks, depending on the pet’s activity level and shedding. If a pet is frequently outdoors or has seasonal allergies, weekly washing is non-negotiable to prevent indoor air quality issues.

After washing heavily soiled pet beds, run a “Tub Clean” cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar or a dedicated machine cleaner. This prevents fur, dander, and odors from transferring to the next load of family laundry.

Failing to clean the washer after a particularly dirty cycle is a common mistake that leads to buildup in the internal pump. Keep your machine performing well by wiping down the rubber gasket after every pet load to remove trapped fur and debris.

Selecting the right detergent and maintaining a consistent washing routine transforms pet bedding from a household burden into a manageable part of your chores. By choosing a product that aligns with your specific needs—whether that is odor neutralization, bio-stain removal, or hypoallergenic safety—you ensure that both your home and your pet stay comfortable. Regular cleaning not only preserves the investment you made in pet furniture but also fosters a cleaner, healthier living environment for every member of the household.