Can You Wash Dog Beds at the Laundromat? Rules and Tips

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Often yes, if the bed is machine washable and the laundromat allows pet items, but check both first. Laundromat policies differ. Wash Works in Stamford, Connecticut, welcomes eligible machine-washable pet bedding in its 60- and 80-pound washers and asks customers to check with an attendant before loading bulky or heavily soiled items. Clean to a T Laundromat in Odessa, Texas, does not allow pet bedding in its machines unless staff approve it. Some laundromats have separate pet-only washers. Memory foam and solid foam inserts should not go in a washer or dryer.

Last updated: November 14, 2026.

Below: how to tell whether your dog’s bed can go in a commercial washer, how to prepare it, and step-by-step washing and drying. For detergent choices, see can I use Tide to wash a dog bed. For more laundromat guides, see our coin laundry hub.

Check the laundromat’s rules first

Allowed with care: Wash Works says its self-service washers and dryers can be used for eligible pet bedding, and to ask an attendant before loading bulky or heavily soiled pet items.
Staff approval required: Clean to a T Laundromat lists pet bedding, along with rugs and oily workwear, as items that may not be washed unless approved by staff.
Allowed if washable and permitted: The Dutchman’s Laundry in Clarksville, Tennessee, says pet items can be washed if they are machine washable, in suitable condition, and allowed under the laundromat’s policies. It asks customers to check with an attendant before loading an unusually large, heavily soiled, or unfamiliar pet item.

Look for posted rules, or call ahead. Some stores have a dedicated pet washer so that hair and dander stay out of other customers’ laundry.

Which dog beds can go in a laundromat washer?

Removable covers: usually the easiest. Unzip the cover and wash it alone, following its care label.
Polyester-filled beds: some can be washed whole, but Wash Works says the maker’s instructions should confirm that the entire bed is washable, and the bed needs room to move in the drum.
Fleece blankets and crate liners: generally simple to wash.
Memory foam and orthopedic beds: Wash Works says these should not be machine washed. Foam soaks up a lot of water, can be damaged by agitation, and takes a long time to dry. Wash the cover and clean the foam as the maker directs. See can you put memory foam in the dryer.
Heated beds or anything with electrical parts: keep out of the washer. The Dutchman’s Laundry lists heated pet beds among items that do not belong in a laundromat washer.

Prepare the bed at home

Read the care label and note the allowed water temperature, cycle, and dryer setting.
Remove inserts such as foam, rigid supports, and heating elements.
Get the hair off. Shake the bed outdoors, vacuum both sides and the seams, and use a lint roller or pet-hair brush. The Dutchman’s Laundry says a washer should not be the first line of defense against a thick layer of hair.
Remove solid debris and waste. Never put bedding with solid waste straight into a public washer.
Check for tears. Washing a torn bed can release stuffing and make the damage worse.
Bag it for the trip so hair and dirt do not spread through your car or the store.

How to wash it

Pretreat stains. For urine, use a laundry product made for that stain. See what laundry detergent is best for urine odor. Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or acids.
Pick a big enough washer. The bedding has to move through the water. Overloading can leave detergent, hair, and odor trapped in the fabric.
Wash pet items separately from your clothes.
Use the right amount of detergent. Extra detergent can stay trapped in thick covers and seams. An extra rinse helps if the label allows it. A mild, fragrance-free detergent may suit pets with sensitive skin. Follow your vet’s advice. See is laundry detergent toxic to dogs.
Choose the warmest temperature the label allows rather than automatically picking hot. Too much heat can shrink fabric or damage waterproof backing.
Check before drying. If a stain or smell remains, treat and wash again, because dryer heat can set some stains.

How to dry it

Tumble dry only if the label allows it, in a dryer big enough for the item to move freely, on the labeled heat setting. The U.S. Fire Administration’s clothes dryer fire report says not to dry anything containing foam, rubber, or plastic. Thick seams and filling can stay damp after the outside feels dry, so check the center, corners, and underside before your dog uses the bed. Clean the lint screen afterward and wipe hair from the drum for the next customer.

If your dog has fleas

The University of California IPM program’s flea guide recommends washing pet bedding in hot, soapy water at least once a week during a flea problem, along with treating the pet. See does laundry detergent kill fleas.

Frequently asked questions

Are dog beds allowed at laundromats?

It depends on the store. Some welcome machine-washable pet bedding, some require staff approval, and some have pet-only machines. Check the posted rules or call ahead.

Can I wash a memory foam dog bed at the laundromat?

Wash only the removable cover. Foam soaks up water, can be damaged by agitation, and should not go in a dryer.

What size washer do I need for a large dog bed?

One where the bed fits without being pressed tightly against the drum. Laundromats with 60- or 80-pound washers can handle many large, fully washable beds. Ask an attendant if unsure.

Can I wash the dog bed with my clothes?

It is better not to. Washing pet items separately limits hair transfer and lets you choose the right cycle for the bedding.

Can You Wash Dog Beds at the Laundromat?