How Often to Wash Dog Bedding & Toys (Small‑Dog Schedule)
If your dog’s bed smells like a gym bag and the squeaky giraffe feels… tacky, you’re not alone.
My Westie, Monty, once used his bed like a soup bowl—no spoon, extra gravy—so I built a simple, small‑home routine that doesn’t swallow your weekend.
Between muddy paws, drool, and snack time on the rug, it’s hard to know what to wash when, but it’s easier than it looks.
Here’s the quickest, vet‑sensible, plain‑English schedule you can start today.
It cuts odours, reduces germs, and keeps favourite toys in rotation so your pup stays calm.
Key takeaway: If you only do one thing today: wash dog bedding cover and do a 60‑second rinse of the top three toys.
Quick Win (do it now)
- Strip and wash the bed cover on warm (label‑safe), tumble low. (Removes dander/bacteria fast.)
- Rinse 2–3 hard toys in hot soapy water; air‑dry. (Cuts sticky biofilm.)
- Bag plush toys in a mesh bag; quick machine wash, gentle spin. (Saves squeakers.)
Notes: Takes ~10 minutes of hands‑on time. Apartment‑friendly; perfect for small dogs.
Mini‑Guide (3–5 steps)
1) Set the Weekly Bed & Blanket Wash
Remove fur (lint roller or dryer on no‑heat for 10 minutes). Wash covers/blankets weekly on warm with a fragrance‑free detergent; dry fully to prevent musty smells.
Pro tip: Pop a tennis ball (in a sock) in the dryer to keep stuffing fluffy—Monty approves this cloud‑upgrade.
2) Rotate & Disinfect Smartly
- Hard rubber/nylon toys: hot, soapy rinse 2–3× per week; deep clean weekly.
- Food‑stuffed toys: wash after each use.
- Plush toys: machine wash weekly in a mesh/lingerie bag; air‑dry or low.
- Rope toys: hot wash in a mesh bag; air‑dry fully—replace if fraying.
Pro tip: Keep two toy bins (A/B). Wash Bin A this week, Bin B next week—your dog always has “fresh favourites.”
3) Quick Disinfect When Needed (Food‑Stuffed Toys & Post‑Illness)
Food puzzle toys: wash after each use. For occasional disinfecting on non‑porous toys, use label‑safe pet‑sensible methods (e.g., dishwasher top‑rack if allowed). Avoid harsh fragrances and essential oils.
Small‑dog tweak: Smaller mouths = smaller crevices. Use a bottle brush to reach inside Kongs and treat toys.
4) Spot‑Clean Between Washes
Wipe bed bolsters and mats mid‑week with a damp microfiber cloth. For muddy prints, dab with a 1:1 water‑vinegar solution (patch‑test).
Budget‑aware option: Old pillowcases make great washable bed liners—swap weekly to extend time between deep cleans.
5) Seasonal/High‑Use Adjustments
When to bump frequency: muddy hikes, tummy bug in the household, itchy‑skin flare, allergy season, house‑training accidents, heavy shedding weeks, or Halloween pumpkin play.
Add one extra toy wash that week and a mid‑week blanket/cover wash. Keep food‑stuffed toys at “wash after every use.”
Checklist (copy/paste or print)
[ ] Food bowl washed after every meal — stops slime + smells.
[ ] Weekly: Clean plush toys in a mesh bag (gentle cycle)
[ ] 2–3×/week: Hot, soapy rinse for hard toys (biofilm control)
[ ] After each use: Wash food‑stuffed toys/puzzles
[ ] Mid‑week: Wipe bed/mat with damp cloth; shake out fur
[ ] Monthly: Deep clean crate pads and toy bins
[ ] Keep a spare bed cover/blanket set (no “oops, it’s damp” nights)
[ ] Use fragrance‑free detergent; avoid essential oils on pet fabrics
[ ] Check care labels; retire torn toys that shed stuffing/threads
What to Buy
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- Fragrance‑free, dye‑free detergent — gentle on sensitive skin; label‑safe for pet fabrics.
- Mesh/lingerie bags — protect plush toys and squeakers in the wash.
- Bottle‑/straw‑brush set for Kongs — reaches inside treat toys and puzzle crevices.
- Microfiber cloths or lint roller — fast fur pickup; quick mid‑week wipe‑downs.
- Spare bed cover — swap while the first one dries; keeps bedtime on schedule.
Safety note: Avoid fabric softener and essential oils on pet fabrics.
Fresh Bed, Happy Pup
A tiny routine pays off: fewer smells, fewer germs, and a happier, calmer dog (Monty included).
Do the weekly bed wash + quick toy rinse today, then set your A/B toy bins for next week.
Want to keep the momentum? Read: How Often Should I Clean Dog Bowls (Small‑Dog Simple).
Check out our Pinterest page for even more adorable pet inspiration!
FAQ’s About How Often to Wash Dog Bedding & Toys
1. How often should I wash dog bedding?
Weekly is a great baseline for most small dogs. Increase to twice weekly during muddy season or allergies. Always dry completely to prevent musty smells.
2. Can dog toys go in the dishwasher?
Many hard rubber or silicone toys can—if the manufacturer says so. Use the top rack and a standard hot cycle. Avoid the dishwasher for plush or rope toys.
3. What temperature should I use for beds and plush toys?
Warm water (per care label) with a fragrance‑free detergent works for routine hygiene. Use hot cycles only if the fabric allows and item are heavily soiled.
4. Are bleach or strong disinfectants safe for pet items?
Use only when necessary, and only per label on non‑porous items. Rinse thoroughly and air‑dry. For everyday care, soap + water is usually enough.
5. My dog has sensitive skin—what detergent is best?
Choose a simple, fragrance‑free, dye‑free detergent. Skip fabric softeners and essential oils, which can irritate skin.
6. Do I need to wash toys more often if my dog is teething or a heavy chewer?
Yes. Increase hard‑toy rinses to daily or every other day—extra drool and micro‑tears can trap grime.
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