How to Wash Cat Bed Sheets | Proper Cleaning Guide

Wash cat bed sheets by checking the care label first, then machine-washing removable covers alone in cold water with mild detergent and drying on low heat.

Cat beds collect fur, dander, and the occasional accident, so they need regular cleaning to stay fresh for both you and your pet. But one wrong wash can ruin the fabric, break down the inner liner, or leave soap residue your cat will sniff at for days. The good news is that cleaning cat bed sheets is straightforward once you know the right routine.

Check the Care Label Before Anything Else

Every cat bed arrives with a manufacturer’s care label, and that tag is the final word on how to clean it. Fabric construction, zippers, and inner liners vary between brands, so what works for one bed may damage another.

Ruggable’s pet bed care instructions specify removing cushion inserts, closing all zippers, and machine-washing covers separately in cold water with a bleach-free detergent. Their guidance also says to tumble dry on low and avoid fabric softener, ironing, and dry cleaning. Those steps work for most washable cat and dog beds, but always defer to the tag sewn into your particular product if it differs.

Pre-Clean Fur and Stains Before Washing

Loose hair is the biggest enemy of a clean wash. If you toss a furry cover straight into the machine, the hair binds to wet fabric and can settle into the washer’s drum, leaving you with a cover that still looks hairy and a machine that needs cleaning.

Skip that headache with a quick prep routine:

• Shake the bed outside to dislodge loose fur and dander.
• Vacuum the surface with an upholstery attachment to pull embedded hair from the weave.
• Spot-treat stains with a pet-safe stain remover before the wash cycle.

Arm & Hammer’s pet bedding guide follows the same logic: remove hair first, then wash. Taking ten minutes to prep saves you from a second wash cycle and keeps your machine cleaner.

Wash Cold with Gentle Detergent and Dry on Low

Machine-wash the removable cover separately from your own clothing and other household laundry. Washing pet bedding with your clothes transfers hair and dander, and it can also pick up dye or residue from other fabrics. Cold or lukewarm water is the safe default for most covers, and a gentle cycle protects the fabric weave and any stitching around zippers.

Choose a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Heavily scented detergents and fabric softeners leave residues that can irritate a cat’s sensitive nose or skin, and softener coats the fabric in a way that reduces absorbency. Skip bleach entirely unless the care label explicitly allows it—bleach breaks down fabric fibers over time and can discolor patterned covers.

For drying, low heat is the safest machine setting when the label permits tumble drying. Air-drying is the better choice when labels prohibit heat or when you want to reduce shrinkage and wear. Remove the cover from the dryer while it is still slightly damp and let it finish air-drying to cut down on wrinkles without ironing.

If the cover is not machine-washable, hand wash it in cool water with a pet-friendly detergent and follow the factory label instructions. Never twist or wring the fabric to remove water—press it gently between clean towels instead.

What Cannot Go in the Washing Machine

Only the removable outer cover is typically machine-washable. The inserts, foam cushions, and water-resistant liners inside most cat beds are frequently not meant to be washed, and putting a foam pad through a washer cycle can destroy it.

Wipe down these components with a damp cloth and mild soap instead, then air-dry them fully before reassembling the bed. Wash the cover and wipe the insert, and your cat’s bed comes back fresh without risking damage to the parts that can’t handle water.

If you are shopping for a new bed and want easy upkeep, look for one with a fully removable, machine-washable cover. Our roundup of the best washable cat bed sheets compares options that survive repeated cleaning cycles without falling apart.

FAQs

Can I wash cat bed sheets with my regular laundry?

It is best to wash cat bed covers separately. Mixing pet bedding with your own clothes transfers fur and dander onto your garments, and the heavier fabric of a bed cover can also snag delicates. A separate load keeps both your laundry and the bed cover in better condition.

Is it safe to use hot water on cat bed covers?

Hot water is only acceptable if the care label explicitly allows it. Some dog bed covers handle hot water, but most cat bed fabrics shrink or warp with heat. Cold or lukewarm water removes dirt and odor effectively while protecting the fabric, so stick with cool temperatures unless the tag says otherwise.

How often should I wash my cat’s bed sheets?

Every two to four weeks is a reasonable schedule for most households, but wash more often if your cat sheds heavily, spends time outdoors, or has accidents. Weekly washing is worth it during peak shedding seasons. Between washes, vacuum the bed and air it out to keep hair and odors under control.