How to Keep Your Bed Clean With Cats and Dogs?

By Jocelyn Moore

How to Keep Your Bed Clean With Cats and Dogs?
Your dog has just returned from a walk and leaps straight up on the bed. Your cat is in the bed all night, sleeping by your pillow. You love having your pets nearby, but keeping the bed clean is another story.
How to keep your bed clean with cats and dogs? In this article, we will walk you through several ways to keep your bedding fresh for daily sleep. 

1. Keep Your Pet Clean Before They Get on the Bed

The simplest way to keep a bed clean is to keep the dirt off of it. For dogs, it is essential to pay attention to their paws after outdoor activities. They can bring dirt, grass, mud, and other debris onto your bedding after a walk, especially when the weather is wet.
Here is a simple checklist before letting your dog onto the bed:
  • Check their paws for mud, dirt, or small pieces of debris.
  • Wipe dirty paws with a clean, damp cloth or a pet-safe paw wipe.
  • Dry their paws if they are wet.
  • Brush your dog regularly to reduce loose hair.
  • Check their coat after outdoor activities, especially if they have been rolling around outside.
Regular brushing can also help keep loose fur from ending up on your sheets. The ASPCA recommends brushing or combing pets frequently and notes that doing so outdoors, when practical, can help reduce the amount of dander and fur released into the home. [1]
Cats require a slightly different approach. The ASPCA recommends scooping a cat's litter box at least once a day and cleaning the box regularly. Keeping the litter box clean can also help discourage inappropriate elimination outside the box. [2]

2. Put a Washable Layer Between Your Pet and Your Bed

If your dog or cat spends a lot of time on your bed, don't make the mattress the first line of defense. A washable blanket, thin bedspread, or designated pet cover can catch much of the hair, dirt, and dander before they reach your sheets or mattress.
This is especially useful for dogs that shed heavily or frequently come inside after outdoor activities. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends covering furniture or beds with a thin sheet to help trap dirt from a dog's paws. You don't necessarily need an expensive pet-specific product. A washable blanket can work well if it covers the area your pet actually uses. [3]

Should You Use a Waterproof Bed Cover for Pets?

A waterproof bed cover for pets can provide another layer of protection. It helps prevent urine, spilled water, drool, or other moisture from reaching the mattress, which is particularly useful for puppies, older dogs, cats with litter-box problems, or pets that occasionally have accidents.
However, a waterproof cover is not a substitute for cleaning. If moisture gets onto the cover, remove and wash it as soon as possible according to the manufacturer's care instructions.

3. Remove Pet Hair Before Washing Your Bedding

When you find your sheets covered in pet hair, don't put those in the washing machine just yet. Water can make the loose pet hair clump, which can make it more difficult to get rid of, and could lead to buildup in the machine. The AKC recommends removing excess hair from dog bedding before washing by vacuuming, using a lint roller, or using another hair-removal method. Try this routine instead:
  • Remove the bedding from the bed.
  • Shake it outside if practical.
  • Use a lint roller or pet-hair remover on areas with visible hair.
  • Vacuum the surface if you have a suitable vacuum attachment.
  • Wash the bedding according to its care label.
  • Check the washer afterward for accumulated hair.
For heavy shedders, it may be worth keeping a washable pet blanket on the bed and removing it every few days. It's much easier to deal with a blanket covered in dog hair than an entire duvet or mattress.

4. Wash Your Bedding Regularly

There isn't one cleaning schedule that works for every pet owner. If your dog or cat sleeps on your bed every night, sheds heavily, spends a lot of time outdoors, or you have allergy concerns, you'll probably need to wash your bedding more frequently than someone whose pet rarely gets on the bed.
wash cooling bed sheet with laundry
The EPA recommends washing pet bedding and family bedding on which pets lie in hot, soapy water every two to three weeks as part of flea control. [4] The AKC also notes that cleaning frequency depends on factors such as how often the pet uses the bed, coat type, outdoor activity, and allergies. [5]
  • If your pet sleeps on your bed every night: Wash sheets and washable pet covers regularly and consider keeping an extra cover available so you always have a clean one.
  • If your pet sheds heavily: Remove visible hair frequently and wash bedding more often.
  • If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors: Pay extra attention to paws, fur, and bedding.
  • If someone in your household has pet allergies: More frequent cleaning may be helpful. The ASPCA recommends frequent vacuuming and washable bedding for reducing allergens in the home.

5. Vacuum Your Mattress, Not Just Your Sheets

Even when you wash your bedding regularly, pet hair and dander can work their way underneath the sheets. That's why mattress care should be part of your routine.
When changing your bedding:
  • Remove all sheets, blankets, and mattress protectors.
  • Vacuum visible pet hair from the mattress surface.
  • Pay attention to seams, edges, and areas where your pet usually sleeps.
  • Check for stains, moisture, or unusual odors.
  • Let the mattress air out if the manufacturer's care instructions allow it.
  • Put clean, dry bedding back on the bed.
If allergies are a concern, the ASPCA recommends frequent vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum or a disposable electrostatic bag to help reduce allergens in the home. [1]
Don't aggressively scrub or soak your mattress. Mattresses contain materials that aren't designed to be saturated with water, and excessive moisture can be difficult to remove completely. Always check your mattress manufacturer's care instructions before using a cleaning solution.

6. Protect Your Mattress From Pet Accidents

This is one of the biggest reasons to use a mattress protector if your pets sleep with you. A washable mattress protector can create a barrier between your mattress and accidents. 
If urine gets onto the bedding: Remove the sheets and washable layers immediately. Wash them according to the care label.
If urine reaches the mattress: Blot the area rather than aggressively rubbing it. Then follow the mattress manufacturer's cleaning instructions and use a suitable pet-accident cleaner if permitted.
Avoid soaking the mattress. The more liquid you introduce, the harder it can be to dry the internal materials completely.
For cat urine in particular, cleaning the odor thoroughly matters because cats may return to the same area if the scent remains. The ASPCA recommends using an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet accidents when a cat eliminates outside the litter box. [6]
If the mattress has been heavily saturated, has persistent odor, or cannot be dried properly, contact the mattress manufacturer or a professional cleaner for advice rather than repeatedly applying household cleaners.

7. Keep Your Dog's Paws and Coat From Turning the Bed Into a Muddy Mess

Dogs tend to bring more outdoor debris into the bedroom than indoor cats.
Follow the checklist after an evening walk:
  • Check between your dog's paw pads.
  • Wipe away visible dirt or mud.
  • Dry wet paws.
  • Check the coat for leaves, grass, or other debris.
  • Brush off loose hair when necessary.
If your dog is particularly dirty after a walk, don't let them jump straight onto the bed. Give them a few minutes to dry and clean them up first.

8. Give Your Pet a Separate Sleeping Spot

Letting your pet sleep on your bed doesn't have to mean they sleep there all night. A separate pet bed next to your bed gives them another option.
How to keep bed clean with dogs
For dogs, the AKC recommends providing an alternative sleeping area nearby, such as a dog bed or crate mat, even when the dog is allowed to sleep in the owner's bed.
When shopping for a pet bed, consider the following factors: 
  • A removable cover
  • Machine-washable fabric
  • A waterproof inner layer if appropriate
  • Durable materials
  • A size that allows your pet to stretch comfortably
The AKC specifically recommends removable, washable covers for dog beds because they can help reduce the buildup of hair, dander, and germs while making regular cleaning easier. You can use the same principle on your own bed: make the area your pet uses easy to remove and wash. [7]

9. Don't Forget About Fleas

If your pet has fleas, simply washing your sheets once isn't enough.
The EPA highlights "daily vacuuming" as a core measure for initial and routine control, while "washing bedding in hot, soapy water every two to three weeks" serves as a periodic maintenance step. In the case of a severe infestation, the EPA recommends directly discarding and replacing old pet bedding rather than simply increasing the washing frequency. [4]
If you find fleas, treat the problem as a household and pet-care issue rather than simply trying to clean the mattress. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate flea-control treatment for your pet.

10. What to Do About Pet Odors on the Bed

Sometimes the bed looks clean but still smells like your pet. This can happen when oils, dander, saliva, urine, or other residues accumulate in bedding or mattress materials.
Start by identifying the source.
  • If the odor is coming from the bedding, wash it according to the care label.
  • If it's coming from a specific spot, look for a stain or accident rather than simply covering the smell with air freshener.
  • For urine-related odors, an enzymatic pet-accident cleaner can be useful when the mattress or fabric allows its use.  

Use a Simple Cleaning Routine Instead of Cleaning Everything at Once

Frequency What to Do
Daily Check for visible hair, dirt, litter, or accidents
After outdoor walks Wipe dirty dog paws and check the coat
Every few days Remove visible pet hair and vacuum around the bed
Regularly Wash your sheets and washable pet covers based on use
Every 2–3 weeks Wash bedding pets regularly lie on as part of flea-control practices
Monthly or as needed Vacuum the mattress and inspect for stains or odors
Immediately Clean urine, vomit, spilled water, or other accidents
This isn't a universal schedule. The EPA recommends washing pet bedding and family bedding where pets lie every two to three weeks specifically in the context of flea control, while the AKC notes that cleaning frequency should also depend on the pet's coat, habits, outdoor activity, and household allergies.

How to Keep Your Bed Clean With Dogs and Cats: Quick Checklist

If you want the short version, focus on these habits:
  • Brush your pet regularly.
  • Clean your dog's paws after outdoor activities.
  • Keep the cat's litter box clean.
  • Use a washable blanket where your pet usually sleeps.
  • Consider a waterproof bed cover for pets if accidents are a concern.
  • Use a mattress protector to keep moisture away from the mattress.
  • Remove pet hair before putting heavily soiled bedding in the washer.
  • Vacuum the mattress and surrounding area regularly.
  • Wash bedding according to how frequently your pet uses it.
  • Clean accidents as soon as possible.
  • Watch for fleas and treat infestations promptly.
  • Give your pet a separate washable sleeping area if you want to reduce the amount of time they spend on your bed.
At the end of the day, keeping your bed clean with dogs and cats is more about consistency than deep-cleaning everything at once. With these practical tips, you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher sleep environment while still sharing your bed with your pets.

References:

[1] https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/are-you-allergic-your-pet
[2] https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/general-cat-care
[3] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/should-my-dog-sleep-with-me/
[4] https://www.epa.gov/pets/controlling-fleas-and-ticks-around-your-home
[5] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-clean-a-dog-bed/ 
[6] https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/litter-box-problems
[7] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/choosing-right-dog-bed/

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