How to Clean and Deodorize Your Pet's Bedding with Natural Products

Your pet’s bed is one of the hardest-working items in your home. It collects dirt, dander, drool, and the occasional muddy paw print, and over time those smells can linger even after a wash. The good news is you don’t need harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances to get it fresh again. With a few natural products and a consistent routine, you can clean pet bedding naturally and keep it smelling like a cozy retreat, not a kennel.

This guide walks you through the best way to deodorize pet bedding using pet-safe laundry detergent and odor-fighting sprays. We’ll cover pre-treatment, washing machine settings, and drying tips that protect the fabric while banishing odors for good.

Why Natural Cleaning Matters for Pet Bedding

Pets spend a lot of time with their noses close to their bedding, so what you use to clean it matters. Harsh detergents, bleach, or synthetic fragrances can irritate your pet’s skin and respiratory system. Natural cleaning products avoid these risks while still tackling dirt and odors effectively. Enzymes and plant-based ingredients break down the organic compounds in pet messes, rather than just covering them up.

Another reason to go natural is that pets often chew or lick their beds. Residue from conventional cleaners can transfer to their fur and then to their mouth. By choosing a pet odor neutralizer and a gentle laundry detergent, you remove the source of smells without adding anything harmful. This approach also keeps your home’s indoor air quality higher, which benefits everyone in the family.

• Look for plant-based surfactants and no synthetic dyes or phosphates.

What You’ll Need to Clean Pet Bedding Naturally

Start with a high-quality pet-safe laundry detergent that’s free of optical brighteners and heavy perfumes. For an extra freshness boost, you can add a pet odor neutralizer to the wash cycle or use a room freshener spray between washes. The Mrs. Meyer's Pet Odor Fighter is specifically designed to break down urine and other organic stains, making it a smart choice for pre-treating spots. If you prefer a multi-surface cleaner that’s safe around pets, the Pet Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner works well for spot-cleaning the bed frame or crate tray.

You’ll also want a few basic tools: a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove loose hair before washing, a soft-bristle brush for scrubbing stains, and a large-capacity washing machine if your pet’s bed is bulky. For drying, air drying in sunlight is ideal because UV rays help kill bacteria and naturally bleach out stains. If you use a dryer, choose a low heat setting to protect the filling.

• Vacuum the bed thoroughly before washing to remove loose hair and dander.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Pet Bedding in the Machine

First, check the care label on your pet’s bed. Most removable covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Remove the cover and any inserts, then vacuum the cover to get rid of surface hair. Pre-treat any visible stains with a small amount of pet odor neutralizer—let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing. For the wash cycle, use a pet-safe laundry detergent like Mrs. Meyer's Laundry Detergent. Avoid fabric softener, which can trap odors and reduce absorbency.

After washing, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residue is removed. If the bed has a strong smell, add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle—it’s a natural deodorizer that won’t leave a vinegar scent once dry. Dry the cover on low heat or air dry it outdoors. For beds without removable covers, spot clean with a damp cloth and a pet-safe multi-surface cleaner, then use a fabric freshener spray to refresh the surface between deep washes.

• Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra odor removal without harsh chemicals.

How to Deodorize Pet Bedding Between Washes

You don’t have to wash the entire bed every time it starts to smell. A quick refresh can extend time between deep cleans. Spray the bedding lightly with a fabric freshener or a room freshener that’s safe for pets. The Mrs. Meyer's Snowdrop Room Freshener has a clean, floral scent that neutralizes odors without being overpowering. Just mist the bed, let it air dry for a few minutes, and fluff the fabric.

For tougher odors, sprinkle baking soda over the bed, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs moisture and odors naturally. You can also place the bed in direct sunlight for an hour—UV light kills dust mites and bacteria. Combining these methods with a weekly vacuum of the bed keeps it fresh without over-washing the fabric.

• Sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then vacuum for a quick deodorizing boost.

Tips for Keeping Pet Bedding Cleaner Longer

Prevention is the best strategy. Place a washable blanket or towel on top of your pet’s bed. You can toss that in the laundry weekly while the bed itself only needs washing every two to four weeks. Brush your pet outside before they settle in—it reduces the amount of loose hair and dander that ends up on the bedding. If your pet has accidents, treat the spot immediately with a pet odor neutralizer to prevent the stain from setting.

Rotate between two beds if possible, so one is always ready while the other is being cleaned. This also gives the fabric time to fully dry, which prevents mildew. And remember, natural cleaning is about consistency, not perfection. A simple routine using pet-safe laundry detergent and a good odor fighter will keep your pet’s sleeping area fresh, safe, and inviting.

• Use a top layer like a towel that’s easy to wash weekly.

Cleaning your pet’s bedding naturally is straightforward once you have the right products and a simple routine. By using a pet-safe laundry detergent, a targeted pet odor neutralizer, and a few everyday items like baking soda and sunlight, you can keep the bed fresh without harsh chemicals. Your pet will thank you with a happy, cozy nap—and your home will smell better too.