For Dog Lovers

How to Wash Dog Beds and Toys Properly

How often, what temperature, and what to do when fleas show up.

Northcote & inner north Melbourne

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Written by people who actually clean houses

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Your dog's bed holds hair, dander, dirt and, sometimes, fleas. A regular wash keeps it from becoming the smelliest thing in the house.

How often

Bedding and blankets: every week or two for most dogs; more often if your dog swims, rolls in things or has allergies.
With fleas: the US Environmental Protection Agency advises washing pet bedding, and any family bedding pets lie on, in hot soapy water every two to three weeks, and replacing bedding if an infestation is severe.
Toys: soft toys weekly-ish; rubber toys whenever they're grimy.

Washing the bed

Shake or vacuum off loose hair outside first. Your washing machine will thank you.
Remove the cover if it has one; check the label for temperature.
Use the hottest wash the fabric allows and a fragrance-free detergent.
Add an extra rinse so no detergent is left to irritate your dog's skin.
Dry fully, ideally in the sun, before putting it back.

Beds too big for your machine? Take them to a large-capacity machine or send them out.

Toys

Soft toys: wash in a pillowcase or laundry bag on a warm cycle.
Rubber and plastic toys: hot soapy water and a brush, then rinse well.
Throw out toys that are falling apart; loose stuffing and squeakers are a choking risk.

Fleas: the whole-house approach

Washing bedding is one part. The EPA also recommends vacuuming daily during an infestation and steam cleaning carpets where pets sleep. Treat your dog as your vet advises; cleaning alone won't fix fleas on the animal.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature kills fleas in the wash?

Wash in hot, soapy water at the hottest temperature the fabric allows. The EPA recommends hot soapy washing of pet bedding every two to three weeks during flea control, plus daily vacuuming.

Can I wash dog bedding with my own laundry?

It's better to wash it separately and shake off hair first, to keep hair and dirt out of your own clothes and your machine filter.

Do you wash pet bedding?

Yes. Silv's washes pet bedding and toys as part of laundry pickup and delivery.

We wash pet bedding and toys too, collected from your door. Ask when you book.

Book pet bedding pickup

Source: US Environmental Protection Agency, Controlling fleas and ticks around your home (epa.gov), checked October 2026. Ask your vet about flea treatment for your dog.