How to Clean a Smelly Dog Bed With Vinegar

If you’re a dog owner, you’re probably all too familiar with the problem of a smelly dog bed. Dogs love to roll around in dirt and mud, which means their beds can quickly become smelly and dirty. Fortunately, there’s an easy and affordable solution to this problem: cleaning your dog’s bed with vinegar.

In this article, we’ll explain why vinegar is an effective cleaning solution for dog beds, and we’ll provide a step-by-step guide for how to clean a smelly dog bed with vinegar.

Before we start, you may also want to check out How to wash dog beds with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Why Use Vinegar to Clean a Smelly Dog Bed?

Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that is both safe and effective for cleaning a variety of things, including dog beds. Here are some of the reasons why vinegar is a great choice for cleaning your dog’s bed:

Vinegar is non-toxic

Unlike many commercial cleaning products, vinegar is non-toxic and safe for pets. This means you don’t have to worry about your dog coming into contact with harmful chemicals.

Vinegar is effective

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs that may be present on your dog’s bed. It can also help to remove stubborn stains and odors.

Vinegar is affordable

You can buy vinegar at any grocery store for just a few dollars, making it a very affordable cleaning solution.

How to Clean a Smelly Dog Bed with Vinegar

Now that we’ve covered why vinegar is a great choice for cleaning your dog’s bed, let’s get into the step-by-step process for how to clean a smelly dog bed with vinegar.

Step 1: Remove any loose debris

Before you start cleaning your dog’s bed, remove any loose debris such as hair, dirt, or crumbs. You can do this by shaking the bed or using a vacuum cleaner.

Step 2: Pre-treat any stains

If there are any stubborn stains on your dog’s bed, pre-treat them with a mixture of vinegar and water. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution directly onto the stain. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Wash the bed

Next, it’s time to wash the bed. You can do this in a washing machine or by hand. If you’re using a washing machine, set it to a gentle cycle and use a mild detergent. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle to help remove any odors.

If you’re washing the bed by hand, fill a bathtub or large sink with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the water and mix well. Place the bed in the water and use your hands to agitate it gently. Let the bed soak for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly with clean water.

You may also want to learn How to deodorize dog bed in the washing machine

Step 4: Dry the bed

Once you’ve washed the bed, it’s time to dry it. If you’re using a washing machine, set it to a low spin cycle or hang the bed outside to air dry. If you’re washing the bed by hand, gently squeeze out any excess water and hang the bed outside to air dry.

Step 5: Add a finishing touch

After the bed is dry, you can add a finishing touch to help keep it smelling fresh. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the bed and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it off. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that can help to keep your dog’s bed smelling fresh for longer.

Recommended Baking Soda For Keeping Your Dog Beds Smelling Fresh

Here are two baking soda options you can consider:

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is a popular choice for cleaning and deodorizing a variety of surfaces, including dog beds. Simply sprinkle baking soda over the bed and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Then, vacuum up the baking soda with a handheld vacuum or a lint roller.

Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover

This stain and odor remover contains baking soda and is designed to remove tough stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and pet beds. Simply apply the shampoo to the bed, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with water. This product can be used in a carpet cleaning machine or applied manually.

When using baking soda to clean your dog’s bed, it’s important to remember to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it won’t damage the fabric. Additionally, be sure to vacuum up all of the baking soda to prevent your dog from ingesting it. With the right product and proper precautions, baking soda can be a safe and effective way to keep your dog’s bed clean and fresh.

Dog bed still smells after washing, what should I do?

If your dog’s bed still smells after washing, there are a few steps you can take to try to eliminate the odor:

1. Re-wash the bed: If the odor is mild, it’s possible that the bed just needs to be washed again. Use a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softener, as it can coat the fibers of the bed and make it less absorbent. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying the bed.
2. Soak the bed in vinegar: As we mentioned earlier, Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that can help eliminate stubborn odors. Fill a bathtub or large sink with enough water to cover the bed, and add one cup of white vinegar. Let the bed soak for 15 minutes to a 30 minutes, then rinse with clean water and hang it to dry.
3. Use an enzymatic cleaner: Enzymatic cleaners are designed to break down the proteins in pet stains and odors, making them easier to remove. Look for a pet-specific enzymatic cleaner at your local pet store or online, and follow the instructions carefully.
4. Sun-dry the bed: Sunlight is a natural deodorizer and can help kill bacteria that cause odors. Hang the bed outside in the sun for a few hours, making sure to turn it over so both sides get exposure to the sun.
5. Replace the bed: If the odor is still persistent after trying these methods, it may be time to replace the bed. Over time, beds can accumulate bacteria and odors that are difficult to remove, even with regular washing.

Highly-rated Vinegar dog bed cleaners to buy

Here are the most popular and highly-rated vinegar dog bed cleaners based on customer reviews and ratings on popular online shopping websites you may consider:

Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator

This product has over 36,000 ratings and a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. It is an enzymatic cleaner that uses natural bacteria to eliminate stains and odors. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including dog beds.

Simple Solution Extreme Stain and Odor Remover

This product has over 6,000 ratings and a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Chewy.com. It is a vinegar-based cleaner that is designed to remove tough stains and odors caused by pets. It can be used on carpets, upholstery, and dog beds.

Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator

This product has over 12,000 ratings and a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. It is a natural and non-toxic cleaner that uses the power of citrus to eliminate odors. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including dog beds.

Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover

This product has over 10,000 ratings and a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Petco.com. It is a vinegar-based cleaner that is designed to remove tough stains and odors caused by pets. It can be used on carpets, upholstery, and dog beds.

Skout’s Honor Professional Strength Stain and Odor Remover

This product has over 1,000 ratings and a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Chewy.com. It is an enzymatic cleaner that uses natural bacteria to eliminate stains and odors. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including dog beds.

In conclusion

Cleaning a smelly dog bed with vinegar is an affordable, effective, and safe solution that any dog owner can use. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help to keep your dog’s bed clean and smelling fresh, providing a comfortable and hygienic place for your furry friend to rest.

It’s important to note that vinegar is not suitable for all types of dog beds. If your dog’s bed is made of delicate materials such as silk or wool, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek advice from a professional cleaner.

Regular cleaning of your dog’s bed is essential to maintain good hygiene and prevent the buildup of odors and bacteria. By using vinegar as a natural cleaning solution, you can help keep your dog’s bed clean and fresh without the use of harsh chemicals.