How to Keep Your Dog's Bed Fresh Between Washes

Quick answer

Keep your dog's bed fresh between washes by removing loose hair and dander daily, airing the bed out, spot-cleaning accidents right away, and using a washable cover that you rotate. For a bed like the Original Bully Bed, which has a waterproof cover, you can wipe the surface and let it dry fully before your dog lies back down.

A dog bed that smells clean makes your whole home feel better, but washing a large orthopedic bed every week isn't realistic. Between washes, odors build up from hair, saliva, dander, and occasional accidents. The good news is that a few daily habits and the right cover can keep the bed fresh for much longer.

This guide walks through a simple, step-by-step routine for dog bed maintenance between washes. It focuses on large beds and orthopedic beds, where the foam core can't go in the washing machine and the cover does most of the work.

Why dog beds get smelly so fast

Odor in a dog bed comes from three main sources: natural oils and dander from your dog's coat, saliva from chewing or licking, and moisture that gets trapped in the fabric. Large dogs produce more of all three, and a thick orthopedic bed holds onto smells longer because air doesn't move through the foam easily.

The cover is your first line of defense. If it's waterproof and removable, you can wipe it down or wash it without exposing the foam core to water. If the cover isn't removable, you'll need to rely more on surface cleaning and airing, which takes longer and never gets quite as deep.

• Check whether your bed has a removable cover before you plan a routine.
• A waterproof cover stops accidents from soaking into the foam.

The daily habits that make the biggest difference

The most effective thing you can do is remove loose hair and dander every day. A quick pass with a rubber brush or a vacuum hose on low suction lifts away the material that holds odor. This takes under a minute and prevents buildup that would otherwise require a full wash.

Airing the bed out is the second habit. Dogs transfer body heat and moisture into the fabric every time they lie down. Pulling the bed into a dry, ventilated spot for an hour or two lets that moisture escape. If you can, rotate between two covers so one can air while the other is in use.

• Keep a dedicated brush or vacuum attachment near the bed so you actually use it.
• Aim for daily hair removal and a few hours of airing whenever possible.

Spot-cleaning without soaking the foam

Accidents, drool, and muddy paws need immediate attention. Blot the area with a clean cloth, then wipe with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap if needed. Avoid soaking the cover, because moisture that reaches the foam core can cause mildew and break down the foam over time.

For a bed with a waterproof cover, like the Original Bully Bed, you can wipe the surface and let it air-dry completely before your dog uses it again. If the cover is not waterproof, use as little liquid as possible and dry the area with a fan or towel.

• Never pour cleaner directly onto the bed; apply it to the cloth first.
• Let the bed dry fully before your dog lies down, or you'll trap moisture inside.

How often to wash the cover

A removable cover should be washed every two to four weeks for most dogs, and weekly if your dog has allergies, skin issues, or spends a lot of time outdoors. Between those washes, the daily habits above keep odor from taking over. Always check the care label before washing, and use a gentle cycle with a pet-safe detergent.

If you have a replacement cover, keep it clean and ready so you can swap it in while the other one washes. That way your dog never has to lie on a bare foam core, and the bed stays in service.

• Two covers make the wash routine far easier to keep up with.
• Skip fabric softener, which can leave a residue that traps odor.

Your between-wash freshness routine, step by step

1. Step 1: Brush or vacuum the bed daily: Use a rubber brush or a vacuum hose on low suction to lift hair, dander, and crumbs from the cover. Pay attention to the seams and corners where debris collects. Checkpoint: if you see a visible layer of hair, you waited too long. Aim for once a day.
2. Step 2: Air the bed out for an hour or two: Move the bed to a dry, ventilated area, or open a window nearby. This lets trapped body heat and moisture escape. If you have two covers, rotate them so one airs while the other is in use. Checkpoint: the bed should feel dry and neutral-smelling, not warm or damp, before your dog lies back down.
3. Step 3: Spot-clean accidents and drool immediately: Blot with a clean cloth, then wipe with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Do not soak the cover. For waterproof covers, a surface wipe is enough. Let the area dry completely. Common mistake: scrubbing hard pushes moisture into the foam. Be gentle and patient.
4. Step 4: Wash the removable cover every two to four weeks: Follow the care label. Use a gentle cycle and pet-safe detergent, and skip fabric softener. If your dog has allergies or skin issues, wash weekly. Keep a spare cover on hand so the bed is never out of commission. Checkpoint: if the cover still smells after washing, the odor has likely reached the foam. Air the foam core in a dry, sunny spot before putting the clean cover back on.
5. Step 5: Refresh the foam core if needed: If the foam itself holds an odor, take the cover off and let the foam air out in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated area for a full day. Do not get the foam wet. Rotate and flip the foam to help it dry evenly. Common mistake: putting a clean cover back on a damp foam core. That traps moisture and brings the smell right back.

Products that support a fresh-bed routine

• Original Bully Bed - Large Orthopedic Dog Bed: Comes with a waterproof cover and 4.5lb density human grade memory and support foam, in sizes Medium to XXL. A waterproof cover means you can wipe up accidents and drool between washes without soaking the orthopedic foam, which is the part you cannot put in a washing machine.
• Chew Proof Dog Bed Replacement Cover: Replacement covers made from strong, durable fabric, available in tan or gray. These do not fit the original beds. Having a second cover lets you rotate one off for washing while the other stays on the bed, so your dog always has a clean surface and the foam stays protected.

Keeping a dog bed fresh between washes comes down to daily hair removal, airing, and quick spot-cleaning, plus a washable cover you can rotate. With a waterproof cover like the one on the Original Bully Bed, you can handle most messes with a wipe and a little patience. Save the full wash for every few weeks, and your dog's bed will stay comfortable and odor-free for the long haul.