If you’re a pet owner, you know how much love and joy your furry friend brings into your life. But with all that love comes a bit of mess too—pet beds, toys, and blankets can quickly become a breeding ground for dirt, hair, and even unwanted odors. Keeping your pet’s belongings clean is essential, not just for your home’s cleanliness but also for your pet’s health and well-being.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean pet beds, toys, and more, ensuring your pet stays happy, healthy, and cozy.
Why Regular Cleaning is Important
Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand why regular cleaning of your pet’s belongings is important. Pet beds and toys can accumulate bacteria, fleas, and allergens over time. This can lead to skin irritations, respiratory issues, or worse, for your pet. Plus, a clean environment is more comfortable for both you and your pet.
Cleaning Pet Beds
- Check the Label: Always start by checking the care label on the bed. Some pet beds have removable covers that are machine washable, while others may need to be spot cleaned or hand washed.
- Vacuum First: Before washing, vacuum the bed thoroughly to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. This step helps ensure the washing machine doesn’t get clogged.
- Pre-Treat Stains: If there are any visible stains, pre-treat them with a pet-safe stain remover. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
- Machine Wash: Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Add a mild detergent, preferably one that’s free of harsh chemicals. If the bed is too large, consider taking it to a laundromat with larger machines that can handle bulkier items.
- Drying: Air drying is usually the safest option, but if you’re in a hurry, tumble dry on a low setting. Adding dryer balls can help fluff up the bed.
Cleaning Pet Toys
Pet toys can get just as dirty as beds, especially if they’re taken outside or used during meals. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Soft Toys: These can often be machine washed. Place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Air drying is best to prevent shrinkage.
- Hard Toys: For rubber or plastic toys, hand wash with warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue that could be harmful if ingested.
- Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Always use non-toxic cleaning products. If you’re unsure, a simple mix of vinegar and water can be a safe and effective cleaning solution.
Cleaning Pet Blankets and Linens
Pet blankets, towels, and other linens can be cleaned similarly to pet beds:
- Shake and Vacuum: Shake out the blanket to remove as much hair and dirt as possible, then vacuum it for good measure.
- Pre-Treat Stains: Just like with beds, use a pet-safe stain remover on any spots before washing.
- Machine Wash: Wash on a warm cycle with gentle detergent. For added freshness, consider adding a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure to dry blankets and linens completely to prevent any mold or mildew from developing.
When to Use a Professional Laundromat
While cleaning smaller items like toys and blankets at home is easy enough, larger items like pet beds may require a bit more power. That’s where your friendly neighborhood laundromat, Tommy Suds, comes in.
At Tommy Suds in London, Ontario we offer large-capacity machines that can easily handle bulky pet beds and linens, ensuring a thorough clean. Plus, we use gentle detergents and have the option for you to drop off your laundry, letting us take care of the dirty work while you spend more quality time with your pet.
