Pet-Safe Laundry: Washing Pet Beds & Toys
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To wash pet beds and toys safely, shake out hair first, pre-treat spots, then launder on warm with a pet-safe detergent — and run a cleaning tablet through the empty machine afterward. Pet items carry hair, dander, and odor that ordinary cycles leave behind, so a plant-based cleaner and a regular washer clean keep both the laundry and the machine fresh.
Why Pet Laundry Needs Special Care
Pet beds and toys trap fur, saliva, and skin oils that cling to fabric and the washer drum. Skip the extra steps and you'll spread odor to the next load and let buildup grow in the machine. Treating pet laundry as its own task — not just "another towel" — is what keeps it actually clean and safe.
Before You Wash
- Shake out loose hair outdoors or in a designated bin to protect the drain.
- Check the care label on beds; some covers are machine-washable, inserts may need hand care.
- Pre-treat stains with a plant-based cleaner and let it sit briefly.
- Close zippers and velcro so nothing snags.
Step-by-Step Wash
- Load the bed or toys, using a pet-safe detergent.
- Add a lavender in-wash scent booster for a light, lasting freshness.
- Wash on warm (check label) with an extra rinse to clear residue.
- Tumble dry on low or air-dry fully — damp beds breed odor.
- Run an empty hot cycle with a washing machine cleaning tablet to clear pet buildup from the drum.
Made for Pet Households
The HerbAngel Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (Pet formula, 25 count) target hair and odor in the drum, while the Lavender In-Wash Scent Booster Beads keep laundry fresh without heavy perfume. Both are part of a plant-based, home-safe line.
How Often to Wash
| Item | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Pet bed cover | Every 1–2 weeks, or after accidents |
| Soft toys | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Washing machine | Monthly, or after heavy pet loads |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash pet beds with my own laundry?
Best not. Pet hair and odor can transfer to clothes. Wash pet items separately, and clean the machine afterward so the next human load stays fresh.
Is regular detergent safe for pet bedding?
Use a gentle, fragrance-light detergent and an extra rinse. Residue from strong detergents can irritate sensitive pet skin, so less is more.
How do I get the dog smell out of the bed?
Pre-treat with a plant-based cleaner, wash warm with an extra rinse, and add a scent booster. If the odor lingers, the washer drum likely needs a cleaning tablet cycle too.
Can I wash squeaky toys?
Most fabric and rubber toys are machine-washable on gentle; place them in a mesh bag. Avoid toys with electronics or batteries — hand-wipe those.
How often should I clean the washer itself?
Monthly is a good rhythm for pet households, or right after a heavy pet load. Our how-often guide breaks it down.
Why does the washer smell after pet laundry?
Hair and oils coat the drum and gasket. A hot empty cycle with a cleaning tablet removes the film — see our full washer care guide for the method.
Is the scent booster safe around pets?
Used as directed in the wash and fully rinsed, a light plant-based booster is fine. Keep the beads stored away from pets, as with any concentrate.
My pet had an accident — should I wash the bedding?
Yes, promptly. Blot first, pre-treat, then wash warm. For the surrounding area, our pet urine cleanup guide covers safe steps.