How to Wash Pet Bedding, Toys, and More

If you share your home with a furry companion, you already know the laundry struggle is real. Pet beds, blankets, and toys seem to absorb every scent, hair, and muddy footprint your pet can produce. 

And for households with allergies or sensitive skin (human or animal), washing pet items becomes even more complicated. Regular detergents can be too harsh, artificial scents can trigger reactions, and no matter how many times you wash, that wet-dog smell lingers.

Luckily, there’s a better way. With a few smart laundry habits and the right pet-safe laundry detergent, you can keep your pet’s belongings clean, fresh, and free from irritating chemicals. 

Even better? You can do it all using eco-conscious, fragrance-free laundry for dogs and cats. No heavy jugs, no synthetic scents, no stress.

Why Pet Laundry Is Tricky

Pet laundry comes with its own set of unique challenges. Your pet’s blankets and toys might look clean after a spin through the machine, but they’re often still harboring dander, body oils, bacteria, and fur deep in the fabric.

Why does this matter? Those invisible elements contribute to stubborn odors and can even aggravate allergies in both pets and humans. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 20% of the worldwide population is allergic to dogs or cats. And many commercial detergents contain fragrances and dyes that can trigger itching, sneezing, or skin irritation.

Here’s what you’re up against:

• Dander and body oils seep into fabrics and trap odors over time.
• Bacteria and saliva from licking or chewing toys can build up in fibers.
• Scented detergents may leave behind residues that irritate pets’ skin or noses.

If you’ve ever wondered how to remove odor from blankets as you wash pet bedding naturally, this guide is for you.

Pre-Wash Fur Removal

Before you even think about how to remove pet odor from blankets, it’s worth removing as much fur and debris as possible from your pet’s laundry items. Fur can cling to fabric fibers and end up clogging your washing machine or redistributing onto other clothes.

Here’s how to de-fur like a pro.

Use the Right Pre-Wash Tools

• Lint rollers are great for small items and spot cleaning.
• Rubber gloves (slightly dampened) work wonders for pulling fur from fleece and canvas.
• Pet-hair remover balls can be tossed into the wash or dryer to help lift stray hairs.

Expert Dryer Hack

Toss items in the dryer for 10 minutes on the air-fluff (no heat) cycle with a slightly damp microfiber towel. The towel will help attract loose fur, and the tumbling motion will dislodge stubborn hair before washing.

For bulkier items like dog beds or crate pads, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to suck up embedded hair and debris. It only takes a few minutes and can drastically improve your wash results and protect your machine from clogging.

This extra step may feel like overkill, but it helps your laundry detergent do its job more effectively and keeps pet hair from getting trapped in your washer.

Wash Cycle Settings + Sheet Dosing

Now that you’ve de-furred your pet’s laundry, it’s time to wash. Your machine settings and detergent choice can significantly impact the results.

Optimal Wash Settings

• Water temperature: Use hot water when the care label allows. It helps dissolve oils and kill bacteria. For delicate fabrics like fleece, opt for warm or cool water to preserve the material.
• Extra rinse cycle: Pet bedding tends to trap detergent residue and fur. Adding an extra rinse helps remove both, leaving the item cleaner and more comfortable for your pet.
• High spin cycle: Helps remove excess moisture, which speeds up drying time and reduces lingering odors.

Pet Safe Laundry Detergent: Use Laundry Sheets Rather Than Liquids or Pods

For allergy-prone households, the biggest improvement you can make is switching to a fragrance-free detergent sheet. Unlike liquid detergents or pods, which often leave behind residue or come with irritating scents, laundry sheets dissolve completely, leave no mess, and are ultra-gentle on sensitive skin (both human and pet).

Recommended dosing:

• 1 sheet for small to medium loads (blankets, soft toys, crate pads)
• 2 sheets for larger loads or heavily soiled items (pet beds, multiple towels)

HeySunday’s detergent sheets are not only pet safe, they’re also biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals, making them a safe, eco-conscious solution for regular pet laundry.

Skip these settings if washing fleece or wool: Use cold water and avoid high heat in the dryer to prevent shrinkage or damage to delicate fibers.

Natural Odor Neutralizers

Even with a solid detergent, sometimes your pet’s bedding still smells... like a pet. Before you reach for the heavily perfumed scent boosters, try a more natural, pet-safe route.

Baking Soda + Vinegar Combo

Both baking soda and distilled white vinegar are non-toxic, fragrance-free, and highly effective at neutralizing odor.

To use:

• Baking soda: Add ¼–½ cup directly into the drum before starting the wash cycle.
• Vinegar: Pour 1 cup into the fabric softener dispenser to be released during the rinse cycle.

These ingredients help break down oils, remove lingering smells, and soften fabric—all without leaving behind artificial fragrances. They're also great for washing pet bedding naturally if you want to avoid conventional softeners.

A Note on Essential Oils

You may see recommendations for adding essential oils like lavender or tea tree to laundry. Be cautious. Many essential oils, especially tea tree, are toxic to pets when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Stick to unscented laundry solutions to stay on the safe side.

The best part? These simple ingredients are inexpensive, easy to find, and totally safe for both your pet and your machine.

Fabric-Specific Tips

Different pet products require different care methods. Washing everything the same way could damage the fabric or leave items less than clean. 

Here’s how to treat each item the right way.

Fleece Blankets or Throws

• Use cold or warm water and a gentle cycle to preserve softness.
• Avoid fabric softeners (they reduce absorbency) and skip the high-heat dryer setting.
• Tumble dry low or line dry when possible.

Heavy Canvas Covers or Waterproof Pads

• Pre-soak in warm water with detergent for 15–30 minutes to loosen grime.
• Use a high agitation or heavy-duty cycle for deep cleaning.
• Dry on medium to high heat unless the label warns otherwise.

Memory Foam Inserts

• Do not machine wash these. The foam will break down or retain water, leading to mold.
• Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• To refresh, sprinkle with baking soda, let sit for 20 minutes, and vacuum thoroughly.

If you're wiping down memory foam or handwashing parts of your pet’s bedding, you can still use HeySunday detergent sheets. Just dampen a corner and use it to gently clean the surface.

Taking the time to wash each material correctly ensures your pet’s items last longer and stay safer, without the guesswork.

Pet Product Cleaning Schedule

Keeping your pet’s bedding and toys clean isn’t just about odor control. It’s about health. A regular cleaning schedule reduces allergens, bacteria, and pests like fleas or mites that can thrive in neglected fabrics.

Here’s a simple guide to help you stay on track:

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Sticking to this schedule will help your home smell fresher, reduce the spread of allergens, and keep your pet more comfortable in their space.

Pro Tip: Set reminders on your phone or write the schedule on a whiteboard in your laundry area. That way, it becomes a habit, not an afterthought.

Pet Safe Laundry Detergent Checklist

Not all “sensitive skin” or “green” detergents are actually pet safe. Some still include hidden irritants that can trigger reactions, especially for pets with allergies, itchy skin, or chronic ear infections.

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Here’s what to look for in a pet-safe laundry detergent:

• Fragrance-free
• No dyes or optical brighteners
• Hypoallergenic
• Biodegradable and non-toxic
• Dissolves completely (no residue)
• Safe for septic systems and greywater

Now’s a good time to check your detergent label. If it lists “parfum,” “methylisothiazolinone,” or “enzymes” without explanation, skip it.

That’s why we recommend HeySunday. Our fragrance-free detergent sheets check every box. They’re ultra-gentle, eco-friendly, and dissolve fully in hot or cold water, leaving no residue behind on your pet’s most-used items.

Plus, they’re plastic-free, come in recyclable packaging, and take up zero extra space in your laundry room. Win-win-win.

Bonus Tips

Want to take your pet laundry routine to the next level? These small tweaks can make a big difference:

• Use a separate pet-only laundry bag or hamper. This keeps fur and odors from transferring to your family’s clothes.
• Add a second rinse for especially soiled loads—it’ll help wash away lingering hair and detergent.
• Clean your machine monthly with a cup of vinegar or washing machine tablets. Pet hair can build up fast, especially if you’re washing heavy items like beds and towels regularly.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, keep a small container of pre-cut HeySunday detergent sheets near your pet supplies so you’re always ready to throw in a quick load when needed.

Wrap-Up: Safe, Simple, and Fur-Free

Laundry doesn’t have to be complicated, even when pets are involved. With the right tools, habits, and pet-safe laundry detergent, you can keep your furry friend’s world (and yours) smelling clean, feeling soft, and totally irritation-free.

Make the switch to HeySunday’s detergent sheets today for a fragrance-free, allergy-friendly, and eco-conscious way to tackle pet laundry, from slobbery toys to fur-covered blankets.